The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the most restrictive societies on the planet, might look like the polar opposite of Vegas in almost every way. Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia are on a mission to take over global sports. “I know people talk about these big fights going to Saudi Arabia," Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn said. That same year, F1 expanded into its newest Gulf territory with the first ever Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah. The role of sports and entertainment was to make Saudi Arabia culturally relevant to the West and turn the desert into a destination.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 08, 2024 07:50 UTC