MESIF RIYADH 2026

MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT HQ

JANUARY 2026

Returning to the heart of Saudi Arabia, MESIF Riyadh 2026 brings together top-tier sports stakeholders from around the world for a high-impact forum focused on investment opportunities, long-term growth and transformation in the region’s sports, entertainment and tourism sectors.

Held in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia, the event will explore how the region is building a thriving and inclusive sports ecosystem. We will hear from giga projects, governments, sports clubs and federations on their latest investment and regional development strategies. Our discussions will focus on the future of sports technology, infrastructure and major events in the Middle East.

This in-region meeting is the perfect hub for international businesses to connect with local partners and develop meaningful commercial relationships.

WHY ATTEND?

Industry Education and Insights: Gain unique and practical knowledge from leading experts.

121 Meetings: Enjoy exclusive opportunities for one-on-one meetings with top decision-makers.

On the Ground Presence: Develop your Middle East footprint in sports and showcase your unique credentials and commitment to the region.

VIP Experience: Network in a relaxed environment with our exclusive VIP experience.

WHO IS ATTENDING?

MINISTRIES OF SPORT FROM ACROSS THE REGION.
LEADING SPORT FEDERATIONS.
SPORTS CLUBS AND ATHLETES.
INVESTMENT BODIES.
SPORT BUSINESS LEADERS.
LEADING SPORTS BRANDS.
SPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALISTS.
SPORTS INNOVATORS IN DATA AND ENGAGEMENT.
SPORTS MARKETING & BRANDING EXECUTIVES.
BROADCASTERS, MEDIA PERSONALITIES AND PRESS.

200+ DELEGATES

VIP EXPERIENCE

35+ SPEAKERS

EXPECTED SPEAKERS

Basim K. Ibrahim

Sport Investment Director, Ministry of Investment KSA

Basim K. Ibrahim, CLSS, CIPM, is passionate about the opportunities for sport development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned Investment Attraction & Development Manager with 20 years of diverse professional experience in Investment, IT, Training, Project Management, and Research.

A former Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum, Basim is a member of various professional organizations. He founded BMA Engineering in 2011 and co-founded BoardMaps in 2015, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

His extensive international experience includes roles with INSPUR in China and CONCO in South Africa. Basim was a pivotal member of the joint technical team between SAP and Saudi Aramco from 2000 to 2005. Passionate about volunteering and dedicated to serving his country, Basim is a dynamic leader in the field of Business and Investment Development.

Abdullah Al Rasheed

Director of Investment Enablement

In addition to his role in the Ministry of Sport, Abdullah acquires over a decade of an enriched, diversified experience in Private & Public sectors. Starting from the Banking industry in the Cash Management field with an exposure on Operations, Business Implementation, Product Creation & Management, to contributing into building the Strategic Partnership foundation with the private sector throughout his career in LCGPA.

Abdullah has a successful track record of building strong, sustainable partnerships with the private sector & state-owned companies, launching new innovative products into the market, and managing national initiatives which serves the national strategies.

H.E. Eisa Hilal Al Hezami

Chairman, Sharjah Sports Council

His Excellency Issa Hilal Al-Hazami is a dynamic leader in the UAE sports community, currently serving as the Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council since July 2020. With a passion for advancing sports and community well-being, he has driven significant initiatives that have shaped the sports landscape in Sharjah. Prior to this, he served as the Secretary General of the Council from 2018 to 2020, and played a key role in national disaster management efforts at the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) from 2011 to 2020.

Al-Hazami's leadership experience extends to his tenure as General Secretary of Sharjah Sports Club (2009–2011) and Private Office Director for His Highness Prince Talal Bin Bader Al Suad (2006–2009). His career began in the skies as a Police Helicopter Pilot, where he served from 1986 to 2006. His Excellency’s diverse experience makes him a driving force in the UAE's sports and public service sectors.

Aphrodite Moschoudi

Director of Planning & Quality, Qatar Tourism

Aphrodite Moschoudi is an accomplished professional with expertise in major sports projects and events. Her career highlights include extensive involvement in bidding, strategic planning and delivery of major events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Arab Games, FIFA World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup, Asian Cup, World Championships in Athletics and IPC Para-Athletics. She has also been instrumental in setting up key sport projects such as the Schools Olympic Programme, the Olympic & Sport Museum, the National Sport Day as well as sport investments and partnerships.

During her time at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Aphrodite led the Planning & Integration of Host Country Operations for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, to include the tournament readiness and ultimately the delivery of the Main Operations Centre as the central point of command.

Aphrodite’s approach is that talent and technical expertise are not sufficient and should be complemented by positive spirit, practical thinking, human relations and ethos all the way.

Aphrodite is now working at Qatar Tourism as a Director of Planning and Quality.

Fatema Hayat

Director of International Relations and Cooperation, Islamic Sports Solidarity Association

Fatema Masoud Hayat is a Kuwaiti sports leader and strategist with extensive experience in organizational development, governance, and international relations. She currently serves as the Director of International Relations and Cooperation at the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), where she plays a pivotal role in fostering global sports collaboration among the 57 National Olympic Committees of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.

Since 2019, Hayat has been an elected board member of the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC), where she also leads the Women’s Committee, championing initiatives that have significantly advanced women’s sports in Kuwait. In addition, she serves as the Chair of the GCC Women’s Sports Advisory Committee, promoting regional cooperation and the empowerment of women in sport across the Gulf.

Hayat has represented Kuwait on the international stage as Chef de Mission for national delegations at various major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, GCC Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, and the Asian Games. She is also a board member and Chair of the Women’s Football Committee at the Kuwait Football Association (KFA), where she collaborates with FIFA to develop and promote women’s football and futsal in Kuwait.

She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs, with a concentration in Governance and Rights, and has long been an advocate for sports as a tool for empowerment. Her activism includes involvement in Kuwait’s women’s suffrage movement.

Hayat has been invited to speak at globally recognized events such as FIFA’s Women’s Football Convention and UEFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice in the global sports community.

Nader Al Rawahy

Operations Excellence Lead, Oman Vision 2040

Oman’s Nader Nasser Hamood Al Rawahy is seconded to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth from the Sultanate’s “Oman’s Vision 2040” Ministry where he leads Operational Excellence for Oman’s strategic development roadmap “Oman Vision 2040”.

Since its endorsement in September 2015, Oman has emphasized aligning its national priorities with the UN's sustainable development objectives through Oman Vision 2040. As part of this initiative, there is a focus on real estate such as the waterfront Sports City in the South Al Batinah governorate, The Sustainable City YITI and renewable energy projects, particularly hydrogen and green hydrogen production.

Nader is an expert in inward investment and economic development. His expertise spans audit, advisory, and structuring. Prior to this role, Nader amassed over 20 years of experience at KPMG and EY. He is also the founder and board member of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Oman, a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Stephanie Al Naber

Board Member and Head of Womens Committee, Jordan Football Association

Stephanie Al Naber is a former professional football player with a distinguished career for over 15 years, having played professionally in Denmark, Lebanon, and the UAE before retiring in 2020. Currently, she holds several influential roles within the football community, including serving as a Board Member and Head of the Women's Committee at the Jordan Football Association. Additionally, she holds a position on the Women's Committee Board at both the West Asian Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation. In addition to her administrative roles, she is the Sporting Director of Etihad Club Jordan, which participates in top-tier competitions for both male and female teams. Beyond the field, she is the co-founder and COO of Kabaten, a sports tech company dedicated to revolutionizing the sports industry through advanced data collection and management systems. Her career reflects a deep commitment to promoting and developing football at all levels.

More To Be Announced Soon!

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

VENUE & GALLERY

MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT HQ, RIYADH

MESIF Riyadh provides a unique platform to mix business discussions with VIP networking. In 2025 delegates were treated to a private protocol tour and VIP dinner in Diriyah - the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. These exclusive relaxed activities provide a great opportunity to develop impactful partnerships and relationships.

Set within the exclusive Ministry of Investment headquarters, MESIF Riyadh 2026 places participants at the heart of Saudi Arabia's sports investment vision. The venue offers a one-of-a-kind setting for senior leaders to engage in high-level discussions with leading governmental and private sector stakeholders.

MESIF RIYADH 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

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