King Abdullah Sports City

King Abdullah Sports City, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opened its doors on May 1, 2014, marking a new era for sports in the Kingdom. This state-of-the-art complex, often called "The Shining Jewel," has rapidly become a focal point for major sporting events, including high-profile boxing matches that have captured global attention.

The venue's foray into boxing began in earnest with the World Boxing Super Series final between Callum Smith and George Groves in September 2018. This event showcased the arena's capability to host world-class boxing and signalled Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a major player in the sport. Since then, King Abdullah Sports City has hosted several notable fights, including the highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, dubbed the "Clash on the Dunes."

The host city, Jeddah, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century. It has long been Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. While the city doesn't have a storied boxing tradition, introducing high-profile events at King Abdullah Sports City has ignited local interest in the sport. The venue's 62,345-seat capacity and modern facilities have made it an attractive destination for promoters looking to stage major international boxing events.

In recent years, King Abdullah Sports City has continued to cement its reputation as a boxing hotspot. The venue hosted the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua rematch in August 2022, further solidifying its status in the boxing world. These events have brought world-class boxing to Saudi Arabia and contributed to the country's efforts to diversify its economy and promote sports tourism.

As King Abdullah Sports City continues to host major boxing events, it is helping to write a new chapter in Saudi Arabian sports history. The venue's success in attracting high-profile fights has put Jeddah on the map as an emerging boxing destination, challenging traditional boxing strongholds and offering a unique experience for fans and fighters alike. With each event, the "Shining Jewel" of Jeddah burnishes its reputation, promising an exciting future for boxing in Saudi Arabia.