In a groundbreaking collaboration, NEOM, the futuristic smart city in Saudi Arabia, has joined forces with the renowned Indian T20 cricket team, the Rajasthan Royals, to introduce a pioneering cricket program. This landmark initiative aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among NEOM’s rapidly growing workforce, which is expected to reach 60,000 individuals by the end of the year.
The partnership was announced by Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, who emphasised the importance of creating a thriving cricket ecosystem that can be enjoyed by all. Prince Saud expressed excitement about NEOM’s cricket program, developed in partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, which will not only enhance sports offerings but also contribute to the overall growth of the sport within the Kingdom.
Founded in 2008 and hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Royals are globally recognized for their cricketing excellence and their commitment to community development through academies and foundations. To mark this significant collaboration, Manoj Badale, the lead owner of the Rajasthan Royals, visited NEOM, engaging with CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, community members, and participating in cricket sessions.
Badale expressed enthusiasm for partnering with NEOM and launching this grassroot cricket program, aligning with NEOM’s vision of fostering an inclusive, active, and healthy community. He eagerly anticipates witnessing the growth of cricket within NEOM and the positive impact it will have on the workforce, residents, and society as a whole.
The cricket program at NEOM will prioritise inclusivity, reflecting the Rajasthan Royals’ dedication to promoting global cricket development and innovation. With the city already hosting a significant workforce, cricket has emerged as one of the most popular sports, attracting increased participation and drawing growing numbers of spectators among those working on-site.
NEOM, known for its ambition to become an innovative destination for sports, has partnered with global sports brands to champion livability for its residents and contribute to the city’s dynamic economy. This new collaboration with the Rajasthan Royals serves as yet another testament to NEOM’s commitment to supporting an active and healthy community.
Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport, highlighted NEOM’s dedication to nurturing the most physically active society globally. The partnership with the Royals represents a major step forward in realising this vision, capturing and nurturing the region’s enthusiasm for cricket. By working alongside the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and the Rajasthan Royals, NEOM aims to provide cricket opportunities for individuals of all genders and ages within the NEOM community.
The cricket program will be delivered by specialist partners RISE and Red Bear Sports, who will oversee the organisation of an authentic T20 cricket league held on-site at NEOM. This community-based initiative will also be supported by a participation program scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Recognizing the transformative power of sports, NEOM is committed to supporting the development of sports leaders within its workforce.
With the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals partnership, the city is set to become a hub for cricket enthusiasts, fostering an inclusive and active community that embraces the sport’s growth and innovation. The collaboration marks an exciting chapter for NEOM and the Rajasthan Royals as they embark on this journey to create a lasting impact on the workforce, residents, and society as a whole.
