Spotlighting the biggest sporting events across the Middle East and Asia over the coming months

The world of sport has some big-ticket events coming up, particularly across the Gulf region as well as some key events across Asia. Based on MCC inquiries and demand, here is a look at what's coming up for the rest of the year and beyond...

Formula 1 Season: Asian Swing

The Asian Leg of Formula 1's Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious of the run, with key events in Bahrain, Singapore, Qatar and the UAE. This year's Bahrain event is in partnership with the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur on 4th October. The other dates are:

Singapore GP - 9-11 October

Qatar GP - 29 November

Abu Dhabi GP - 6 December

WWE Crown Jewel

WWE's special partnership event has now become an annual tradition, with the company's biggest stars competing for the ultimate title of King and Queen of the Ring, at the Riyadh Season Stadium on November 7th. This is the 8th event and is now seen as a precursor for the prestigious Wrestlemania 43 taking place in 2027 at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium - the first time that wrestling's biggest event has taken place outside of North America. 

UFC Fight Night: Qatar

This will be the debut of UFC in Doha, taking place at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena (ABHA Arena) on Saturday, November 21st. It is being hailed as one of the biggest line-ups for a while in UFC, headlined by a light heavyweight bout between former champion Jiří Procházka and the undefeated Navajo Stirling. 

Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games

The sixth Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games brings around 3,000 athletes from across Asia to Riyadh for 18 sports and 122 medal events, including boxing, MMA, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, wrestling, squash and padel. Competition takes place from 11th to 21st December across Boulevard Riyadh City, with padel making its debut as a medal sport at the Games.

Saudi Super Cup (Kuwait)

The 13th Saudi Super Cup heads to Kuwait for the first time, bringing together four of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs - Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Kholood - in a compact four-team tournament. The semi-finals take place on 19 and 20 December, followed by the final on 23 December.

AFC Asian Cup (KSA)

Asia’s prestigious international football tournament comes to Saudi Arabia, with 24 national teams competing across three cities for the continental title. Matches will be staged at five venues in Riyadh alongside stadiums in Jeddah and Al Khobar, from 7th January to 5th February 2027, making this one of the region’s major sporting occasions of the winter.

Spanish Super Cup (Istanbul)

The Spanish Super Cup makes an unusual move outside Spain and Saudi Arabia to Istanbul, bringing together Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad. The semi-finals will be played on 2 and 3 February, with the final on 6 February, across three of Istanbul’s major stadiums.

If you're interested in attending any of these events, or are interested in other events across sport, music and the arts, or would like help with travel and itineraries tied to these events, contact MCC for support.