FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MANGA LAUNCHES IN SAUDI ARABIA: ‘ROAD TO 2034’ SPECIAL EDITION BRINGS SAUDI ARABIA’S FIFA WORLD CUP 2034™ BID TO LIFE

• Blending the art of manga with the passion for football, the launch demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to engaging global audiences and inspiring the next generation.
• Available in Arabic, English, and Japanese, the manga tells a powerful story that combines Saudi cultural identity with the Kingdom’s vision for 2034.
• The comic is accessible in both print and digital formats, allowing fans to explore the journey online via the bid and Manga Arabia websites.

1 November 2024 – The Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit and Saudi Research Media Group’s Manga Arabia have launched the highly anticipated, first-of-its-kind manga comic, ‘Road to 2034’, in Saudi Arabia. This unique collaboration merges Saudi Arabia’s football aspirations with its rich cultural heritage through the iconic Japanese art form of manga, inviting fans to explore a world where sport and storytelling unite — as Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the biggest event in world sport continues to ‘grow connections’ across the world.

Available in Arabic, English, and Japanese, the manga offers readers insight into Saudi Arabia’s journey toward hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in 2034. It showcases the nation’s broader ambitions to inspire future generations, and connect with youth. As the first manga of its kind in Saudi Arabia, this launch marks a cultural milestone, blending traditional storytelling with the globally renowned manga style. The comic is part of a broader strategy by the bid unit to engage youth audiences through creative initiatives that amplify Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global stage.

The manga is available in print through [Manga Arabia kids and youth magazines, and fans can access the digital version on Manga Arabia’s apps that have  more than 9M downloads, and Manga International’s website. It delivers a unique storytelling experience that blends traditional narratives with manga’s dynamic, globally recognized artistic style, captivating readers around the world.

[About the story: A one-shot manga about Saleh, a 14-year-old boy who dreams of one day becoming the best player in the world and join the Saudi national team in his special journey to prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2034™. With the help of his coach Nasir and together with his mates who are enrolled in the GREEN FALCONS ACADEMY. They go through the ranks to hone their skills and understanding of the future of football to achieve the impossible and have a winning chance in the FIFA World Cup 2034™ in Saudi Arabia.]

Embodying the bid’s third pillar, ‘Growing Connections. Together.’, the manga illustrates Saudi Arabia’s ambition to unite the world through football while fostering cultural pride and connecting with audiences worldwide. This initiative demonstrates how sport and culture can inspire young people to dream big, whether in football or beyond.

As Saudi Arabia continues its bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034™, the launch of this special edition manga underscores the Kingdom’s innovative approach to connecting with global audiences, reinforcing its commitment to leaving a cultural and sporting legacy that transcends the tournament.

Fans eager to explore the story can download the manga from [mangainternational.com (for non-Arabic readers), and ldej0.app.link/mangakids (for Arabic readers)]. Follow @Saudi2034bid for all the latest updates on the FIFA World Cup™ bid.