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Saudi spending in transfer window second only to Premier League

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AFP

Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs have splurged $957 million on players in the close season transfer window, according to analysis from Deloitte published on Friday.

Saudi clubs’ spend in the transfer window, which closed on September 7, exceeded the spending of four of Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues with only the Premier League ahead of the Middle Eastern nation.

“This marks the first time since 2016 that another international league has outspent any of Europe’s ‘big five’ during a football transfer window…,” said Izzy Wray of Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

“European football continues to be the benchmark for the game globally, and the Saudi investment in the game will divert its focus towards the infrastructure, to elevate the level of Asian football.”

Earlier this year, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project involving the league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, with a host of top players moving to the league.

PIF own 75 per cent of each of the four clubs, while their respective non-profit foundations own 25 per cent of each.

This window’s biggest transfer move came from the most successful club in Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal, who spent 90 million euros to bring in Brazil star Neymar from Paris St Germain.

In addition to Neymar, Al-Hilal also spent big money to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad signed Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr splashed out on Otavio, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles.

Al-Ahli, who returned to the Pro League following a season in the second division, also completed a string of signings including Gabri Veiga, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Alain Saint-Maximin and Merih Demiral.

“The implementation of the Kingdom’s privatisation programme is likely to draw a wave of interest around the SPL, potentially fueling the current spending pattern for the windows to come,” Wray said.

“With the spending power of the SPL already surpassing some of Europe’s ‘big five’, it remains to be seen the impact this will have on the make-up of elite football for future generations.”

For all its expenditure, the SPL still missed out on some of its biggest targets.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was a target for Al-Ittihad, who reportedly had a bid worth 150 million pounds ($187.10 million) turned down by the Premier League club, while ambitious bids from Al-Hilal for Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe failed to materialise.

Saudi Arabia has made massive investments in football, Formula One, boxing, tennis and golf in recent years.

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Dubai announces first business free zone for sports and entertainment

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ISEZA is set to be the UAE’s first dedicated sports and entertainment business cluster within the Free Zone environment.

It will serve as an industry-focused business hub facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities, fostering a unique collaborative ecosystem to support and accelerate the industry’s growth.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1899372779822035311

Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the Emirates’s economy. The UAE has also been a pioneer in Economic Zones development, with over 40 Free Zones focusing on various industries. ISEZA will serve as a dedicated hub to support the thriving sports and entertainment business sector in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

The Zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, fan tokens. The Zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

ISEZA will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised DWTC’s long-standing legacy in hosting major sporting events and live entertainment. He stated, “The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from our award-winning Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of the city’s business district, streamlined business setup, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar. By attracting sports and entertainment-focused businesses, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub and contributing to the growth of the sports sector in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

The Zone will also attract international and regional sports organizations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. With its exceptional global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and favourable tax regime, Dubai offers a strong competitive advantage for hosting global sports organizations.

ISEZA CEO, Mr. Damir Valeev, added “Our project is aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment and tourism. This initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs and community projects in Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”.

Located in One Central, in Dubai’s dynamic business district, next to the Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA will shape the future of sports & entertainment industry growth in the years to come and will become a new center of gravity for the industry entrepreneurs, professionals, enthusiasts, and talents.

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New RTA permit makes it easier to rent a luxury car with chauffeur in Dubai 

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the ‘Takamul Permit’ — a groundbreaking new initiative that is aimed at integrating luxury car services with the car rental industry. Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or businessman, Dubai is making it easier than ever to experience its luxurious lifestyle.

What’s the Big Deal?
With this permit, limousine transport companies and car rental firms can team up like never before, offering customers the chance to rent high-end rides with chauffeurs for up to one month. That means effortless access to elite, chauffeur-driven experiences—all under RTA’s top-tier regulations.

The Rules of the Road
Jamal Al Sadah, Director of Commercial Transport Activities at RTA, revealed that the initiative ensures smooth operations and compliance. Companies must follow strict regulations, including registering rental contracts and listing drivers on the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS).

Why It Matters?
Dubai is already known for its luxury offerings, and this move solidifies its position in premium transport solutions. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, a five-star hotel, or a VIP event, Takamul Permit has got you covered.

(Source: Wam)

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UAE corporate tax update: Penalty of Dh10,000 for businesses missing deadline

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The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reaffirmed the importance of Corporate Tax registration for all natural persons conducting business in the country. If your total turnover exceeds Dh1 million in the 2024 calendar year or any subsequent year, you are considered a Taxable Person and must register for Corporate Tax by March 31 of the following year to remain compliant.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Who Needs to Register? Any individual (natural person) conducting a business or business activity in the UAE whose turnover exceeds Dh1 million.
  • Deadline for Registration: March 31, 2025, for those exceeding the turnover threshold in 2024.
  • Corporate Tax Return Submission: Due by September 30, 2025.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to register by the deadline will result in an administrative penalty of Dh10,000.

Registration Process:

  • VAT or Excise Tax registrants can log into their EmaraTax account to submit their Corporate Tax registration.
  • Once approved, a corporate tax registration number will be issued.

Businesses in the country must register for corporate tax on time to avoid paying penalties.

(Source: Wam)

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