As Al Hilal gears up for its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the United States this June, Saudi fans are showing an unprecedented interest in traveling to support their team abroad.
Recent insights from travel platform Skyscanner reveal a significant surge in flight searches to Miami and Washington D.C., the two cities hosting Al Hilal’s group-stage matches.
Sharp Increases in Travel Searches to Match Cities
According to Skyscanner’s report, searches for flights from Riyadh to Miami rose by 42% during March, April, and May 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Miami will host Al Hilal’s high-profile opening match against Spanish giant Real Madrid on June 18.
Meanwhile, Washington D.C., where Al Hilal faces Red Bull Salzburg on June 23, recorded a 27% increase in travel searches. The week of May 5 stood out, witnessing an 89% jump in searches compared to the previous week.
The Rise of Sports Tourism in the Gulf Region
These figures underscore a growing regional enthusiasm for sports tourism. According to Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends report:
- 36% of Saudi travelers plan to attend sports events locally or internationally.
- 62% travel primarily for leisure.
- 55% are seeking thrilling, experience-driven journeys.
This shift highlights how global sports events are becoming a major driver of outbound tourism from the Kingdom and the Gulf at large.
Looking Ahead: U.S. as a Future Sports Travel Magnet
Interest in the U.S. as a travel destination is expected to continue rising, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, followed by the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Expert Insight: Travel as a Broader Experience
Ayoub Al Maamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, commented:
“Major sports tournaments like the Club World Cup have become key motivators for international travel from Saudi Arabia. Given the long-haul nature of the trip, many travelers are extending their stays to explore the rich cultural and tourist offerings of the U.S.”
