ESTAAD 2025
CONFERENCE AGENDA
The region’s most dynamic sports and entertainment event returns with a powerhouse agenda—featuring global icons, GIGA project leaders, and the minds behind the world’s biggest events. Unlock exclusive insights, bold ideas, and unmatched networking at ESTAAD.
Opening Address by Jessica Smith OAM, Award-winning Paralympian
How grassroots initiatives and national programmes are shaping healthier lifestyles, empowering youth, and opening new opportunities across Saudi Arabia.
Football is a universal language and so too should be the right to host its most celebrated tournament. This session discusses why hosting rights should transcend legacy and geography, and the global impact from opening the door to new hosts.
A powerful dialogue on the pursuit of excellence, exploring the lessons of discipline, strategy, and legacy that define true leadership on and off the field.
A holistic discussion bringing together leaders in development, architecture, and construction to explore how collaboration drives the successful design, build, and delivery of landmark projects.
Explore how Saudi Arabia is anchoring professional, amateur, and grassroots sports to boost participation, cultivate talent, and foster national unity. Delve into the strategies powering a more active, competitive, and connected society.
How can tech-enabled, multi-purpose venues become epicentres of connection and culture? What is the role of immersive design, adaptability, and location in shaping fan-centred destinations.
Explore how visionary leadership, smart club management, and bold investment are powering Saudi football’s next chapter.
Explore how the club is uniting its strong Saudi foundation with international coaching, global tournaments, and innovative content strategies to elevate quality and expand its fan reach.
A reflection on leadership, resilience, and navigating the evolving world of global football.
Opening Address by Semra Hunter, Acclaimed Sports Broadcast Journalist
Sports clubs and legacy developers discuss social impact and community engagement and positioning Saudi districts as lasting hubs for sports and culture.
This session dives into how host cities are transforming stadiums into thriving hubs of innovation, culture, and community long after the final game.
From gymnastics halls to motorsport tracks, explore the unique requirements and opportunities in funding purpose-built arenas that drive both elite performance and national competencies
Explore how leadership, transparency, and global partnerships can drive fairness, credibility, and sustainable growth across sporting ecosystems worldwide.
As women’s sports gain global momentum, federations are driving participation, visibility, and impact. Explore how strategic investment in women is reshaping sport and society.
Discover how venue planning, infrastructure, and operations are evolving to meet the specific needs of para-athletes.
Redefining league models to spark growth, deepen fan engagement, and elevate global relevance across the modern sports economy.
Celebrate the remarkable journeys of federations and athletes who turned ambition into achievement. Discover their personal stories of perseverance and grit.
Explore how athletes and senior sports leaders leverage their influence to empower women, youth, and underrepresented communities, while fostering social change.
Opening address by Hanane Spiers, Acclaimed Host
How to transform spaces into places that bridge imagination with potential, birthing new inventions and meaningful conversations. How to create events site that embrace excitement-returning it multiplied to their communities.
Discover how King Abdullah Garden is shaping Riyadh’s future as a sustainable, world-class urban oasis. Riyadh Amana shares the vision of transforming green spaces into hubs of culture, wellness, and community life.
How cities are turning the energy of sport into lasting global relevance while deepening local cultural value.
Moderated by Helle Søholt, CEO, Gehl
Visionary architects explore how stadium design shapes national identity, elevates fan experiences, and delivers lasting legacies.
Discover how technology and data are transforming stadium operations, providing deeper insights into fan behaviour, and maximising ROI for teams and sponsors.
Exploring the innovations transforming how fans connect and athletes perform, from immersive digital layers to cutting-edge data applications.
From genetic research to global ESG standards, discover how science and sustainability are driving measurable advances in athlete health, venue design, and the delivery of world-class mega-events.
Join elite footballers as they discuss their journeys after the game, exploring athlete activism, brand building, life after sport, and how they are using their platforms to leave a lasting impact.
- From Pitch to Bench: The Transition from Player to Coach
- Mindset and Method: Building a Coaching Philosophy
- Building a Legacy: Impact at Como 1907 and Beyond
Opening Address by Lucy Hedges, Journalist & Presenter, BBC
Uncover how leading hotel groups and developers are redefining fan engagement through custom accommodations, premium stays, and integrated entertainment districts - transforming mega events into economic drivers, real estate opportunities, and unforgettable journeys for visitors.
Uncover how leading hotel groups and developers are redefining fan engagement through custom accommodations, premium stays, and integrated entertainment districts - transforming mega events into economic drivers, real estate opportunities, and unforgettable journeys for visitors.
How can federations shape governance, global recognition, and the Olympic future of esports?
How do you turn a viewer into a fan? Find out how interactive platforms, blockchain, and metaverse integrations are reshaping esports fandom.
Learn how brands are driving engagement through esports partnerships, gaming culture, and digital-first marketing strategies.
Your favourite stars swap stadiums and screens for joysticks and gameplay – paired with top EAFC pros in a 2v2 showdown of skill, strategy, and pure hype.
