GROWING CONNNECTIONS. TOGETHER.: SAUDI ARABIA FIFA WORLD CUP 2034™ BID PARTNERS WITH MANGA ARABIA TO PUBLISH ‘ROAD TO 2034’ SPECIAL EDITION MANGA COMIC
- By blending sports and storytelling, the special edition manga – Japan’s iconic style of comic-book art –demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inspiring future generations through innovative cultural outreach
- The initiative amplifies Saudi Arabia’s global presence by sharing its cultural heritage with new audiences, fostering excitement for its FIFA World Cup™ bid
- Partnership launched on the same day as Saudi Arabia faces off against Japan in a FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification match in Jeddah
10 October 2024 –The Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has entered a partnership with Saudi Research Media Group’s Manga Arabia to release a special edition manga comic titled ‘Road to 2034’, aimed at capturing the imagination of young football fans and manga enthusiasts around the world.
Available in Arabic, English and Japanese, the manga forms part of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s wider efforts and initiatives to build on the massive excitement for the prospect of Saudi Arabia hosting the first 48-team FIFA World Cup™ held in a single nation.
Embodying the bid’s third pillar ‘Growing Connections. Together.’, the partnership highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to celebrate its culture and legacy initiatives as part of its FIFA World Cup™ bid, offering an unprecedented opportunity to connect with youth across the world, foster cultural pride, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aspirations for 2034 and beyond. The collaboration also emphasizes the bid’s desire to inspire the next generation of young footballers to pursue their dreams, whether in football or beyond, through the powerful medium of storytelling.
Due to be released to the public in both print and digital versions, the comic blends traditional storytelling with the globally renowned manga style to engage audiences in unique ways both locally and internationally.
Paying homage to the origins of manga in Japan, the announcement coincides with the same day that the Saudi Arabian national team hosts their Japanese counterparts for a FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification match at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium – one of the 15 stadiums proposed in the bid.
Expressing his excitement ahead of the comic’s anticipated release, Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit Hammad Albalawi said: “Our bid unites our nation through a passion for the beautiful game and is powered by the dreams and ambitions of over 32 million people. Through this manga, we’re showing how our dream towards hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in ten years’ time is about inspiring future generations.
Albalawi added: “We want to ensure we leave behind a lasting legacy. Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ is the dream of our nation. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to engaging our young population – 63% of which are under 30 – in ways that resonate with their interests, while also showcasing and utilizing the opportunity Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.”
CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group Jumana Rashid Al-Rashed praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on the possibility of Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™ to highlight the strategic values and identity of Saudi society. Al-Rashed also noted that “Road to 2034” carries additional significance as it resonates with future generations and reflects our aspirations to empower local talents, nurture creative abilities, foster content creation, stimulate imagination, and promote storytelling.
General Manager and Editor-in-Chief at Manga Arabia Dr Essam Bukhary stated that “Road to 2034” is a unique experience that highlights the Kingdom’s position in sports globally with the help of young Saudi talents. He also highlighted the importance of the manga industry and how Manga Arabia plays a pivotal role in society, motivating and inspiring future generations thanks to a wide spread of content in Arabic, English, and Japanese.
Fans can stay up to date with all news related to the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid by following @Saudi2034bid across all social channels.
