[12:56 AM, 6/20/2026] mai:
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair said that the security developments related to the foiling of a plot targeting a high-profile UFC event at the White House garden, handled by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reflect deep shifts in the nature of threats facing major global events, particularly with the escalating use of explosive-laden drones and shooting at high-value targets.
Choucair explained that the event, which saw the attendance of US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, and thousands of spectators in a celebratory atmosphere marking his 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary, simultaneously reflects the growing popularity of combat sports and the major shift in the sports and entertainment sector into a global economic driver.
*The Rise of Combat Sports Globally and Saudi Arabia’s Role in Leading the Transformation*
Samer Choucair noted that the combat sports sector is experiencing accelerating growth driven by rising fan demand and expanding international investment, explaining that Saudi Arabia has become central to this transformation thanks to Vision 2030.
He added that major investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the General Entertainment Authority have helped strengthen the Kingdom’s ability to host global sporting events and develop the related infrastructure.
The investment entrepreneur projected that the sports market in the Kingdom will reach 22.4 billion dollars by 2030, compared to roughly 8 billion dollars currently, with an expected contribution of 16.5 billion dollars to GDP, in addition to creating more than 100,000 new jobs.
Choucair said: “The rise of UFC and combat sports isn’t just an entertainment phenomenon, it’s a clear indicator of the global economy’s shift toward sports and entertainment as drivers of sustainable growth. Saudi Arabia today offers exceptional investment opportunities in sports infrastructure, broadcasting rights, and international partnerships under Vision 2030.”
*Drone Threats, From a Security Challenge to an Investment Opportunity*
Samer Choucair said that the foiled security plot in the United States highlights the escalating need for advanced counter-drone solutions (Anti-Drone / Counter-UAS), particularly at major events.
He explained that the counter-drone technology market is experiencing rapid growth, with expectations of reaching roughly 4.1 billion dollars in 2026, then more than 19.8 billion dollars by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 25%.
He noted that the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia, is seeing growing demand for these technologies to protect critical infrastructure and secure major events, amid the expansion of smart city projects and technology investments under Vision 2030.
He added that growing drone threats are turning security into a strategic investment opportunity. Investing in counter-drone technologies and artificial intelligence is no longer just a security option, but a high-growth investment sector attracting capital to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
*Vision 2030, Integrating Sports, Security, and Technology Into a New Economic Model*
Samer Choucair explained that Saudi Vision 2030 is strengthening the integration of sports, entertainment, and security technology sectors into an integrated economic ecosystem that supports national economic diversification.
He noted that 2026 trends in Gulf capital markets reflect growing interest in assets tied to sports, entertainment tourism, and emerging technologies.
He outlined the most prominent investment opportunities in the region as including:
– Developing smart stadiums and sports facilities.
– Investing in security technology companies and counter-drone systems.
– Partnerships with sovereign funds and major projects tied to Vision 2030.
– Growing the sports tourism sector and major international events.
He affirmed that investors who understand long-term trends like Vision 2030 and digital transformation will be best positioned to achieve sustainable returns. Combining sports, security, and technology represents an integrated investment model for the markets of the future.
*Investing in Infrastructure and Security*
He concluded by affirming that security incidents tied to major sporting events don’t just reflect a threat, but also open broad doors for investment in infrastructure, security, and advanced technologies.
He added that Saudi Arabia possesses the fundamentals qualifying it to become a safe, innovative global hub for major sporting events, noting that smart investment in these sectors under Vision 2030 represents a genuine opportunity to achieve sustainable economic growth attractive to both local and international investors.
[12:56 AM, 6/20/2026] mai: