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I am truly SICK OF IT! Since the announcement that Saudi Arabia will host FIFA World Cup 2034, a western (mainly north-European) denigratory campaign has been activated. This bashing is getting tedious, unjustified, and simply inaccurate. The constant criticism by (especially) the The Guardian, BBC and The Mail Newspapers is getting boring. As a resident of the GCC, I consider myself an informed and objective observer. Saudi is a leading middle-eastern and GCC country, with its own beautiful culture and traditions. The Kingdom is a fast developing country, with huge ambitions, both in economy and in human rights/environment. Like any country, Saudi Arabia is running towards great improvements and monumental achievements. On the other hand, is your country perfect? How many problems affect the western countries? If we would count, I guess the West should loose the right to host any sport competitions permanently. And by the way...these newspapers did the exact same against the State of Qatar, back in 2022. And we have witnessed in Doha the best edition EVER in the history of FIFA World Cup. Welcome to the era or western JEALOUSY of the GCC success.
Not new; we have been witnessing this unfair stigma with every success Arabs or Muslims make. “The Orientalism” by the late Edward Saeed revealed many western hypocrisies in academia and the so-called respected publications. Since the recent Saudi reforms, either in terms of fighting corruption, developing futuristic cities and mega projects, openning to the world, countering terrorism, and so many more, we are faced with the same old stigmatised propaganda. and the best solution, we found, is to march forward with our leaders' positive healthy vision for us and the world and let the history judge.
Spencer John
1w
100% agree Giorgio - I spent much time in Qatar in the months leading up to Qatar WC and all through the tournament- the alcohol free WC was a huge success - mixed groups of fans celebrating into the night at Souq Waqif, children with parents enjoying a late night. And the ease of being able to travel around on the excellent Qatar metro was incredible— yet I didn’t read anything about this in western media - the biased one sided negative reporting I got sick of also. This time around with Saudi WC lets celebrate and celebrate some more the success the MBS is delivering across the Kingdom - I for one am looking forward to another WC being hosted in the Gulf ❤️
Valid points, Giorgio Torre, and I fully agree. The Middle East has been our home since 2005, and we’ve witnessed incredible growth and development across the GCC, especially in Saudi Arabia over the last few years. I believe we are all wholeheartedly supportive of the World Cup coming to #KSA, and we know it’s going to be an immense success. #Qatar set a high bar with its amazing event, and I’m confident that Saudi Arabia will deliver a truly phenomenal experience.
Giorgio, Saudi Arabia is visionary, and the progress achieved in the past 8–10 years is remarkable. Back then, I was told—even by Saudis— that #Vision2030 was a pipe dream of a prince. Yet I knew this was an extraordinary leader, those ambitions would become a reality. His vision drives achievements rooted in cultural and Islamic values. I’ve met few of his leadership team; they are remarkable individuals. Saudi Arabia’s transformative change benefits all who value collaboration and trade. Progress has its challenges, but the Kingdom’s pursuit of excellence, culture, and sustainability deserves recognition, not critique. Let’s shift away from skepticism. Let’s celebrate success and learn from each other’s journeys. I’m proud to see my ancestral home showcase football, now a truly global game. Saudi Arabia is where my faith in Islam was reinforced—a land where women’s rights to property and inheritance were established 1450 years ago [Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:7], and animal rights were enshrined [Hadith]. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught compassion, even ensuring camels weren’t overloaded [Hadith Abu Dawood, 2548]. This legacy of fairness, dignity, and respect now shines under extraordinary leadership on the global stage.
Ali Adel
6d
Can I add the projections is out of this world, all the things they accuse the Middle East for is 100x worse in Europe and the west. We will never allow the family unit to be destroyed thus even if we are around alcohol or haram things we don’t falter because we have god in our hearts and minds.
Ron Starr
6d
Led by a tyrant that murdered a journalist with a bone saw.
Yes, they did the exact same with Qatar...i do not understand these propaganda newspaper are still there
The best ever FIFA WC was held in Russia. 🫡 But I got your point. Emerging economies will continue attracting criticism whatever they do. It is the New World Order
General Manager at Dammam Integrated Logistics Zone
6dI will refrain from any political statement as I will always try to keep politics separate from sports. Qatar hosted what was arguably the greatest final in World Cup history. But would it not be fitting to congratulate Argentina and France for giving us this incredible game? I would argue that you could have organised this game with the same players anywhere in the world and it would have been a cracker. Yes Qatar built nice stadiums and infrastructure to support it, but as a visitor to the event, apart from a couple of fan zones, lacked any kind of exciting atmosphere around town. A bit like visiting Doha today.