With just 60 days left before the opening ceremony, excitement is building as Riyadh prepares to welcome the world for the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025. The landmark multi-sport event will see elite athletes from 57 countries across the Islamic world competing in a record-breaking 23 disciplines, making this edition the largest and most ambitious in the competition’s history.
The Games, which rank as the third largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympic Games and the Asian Games, hold a special significance for Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom hosted the inaugural edition in 2005, and two decades later, it returns as the stage for a gathering that blends athletic excellence with a celebration of Islamic unity.
Saudi Arabia has made no secret of its desire to cement its status as a global sports hub. In recent years, the Kingdom has hosted prestigious events across football, boxing, Formula 1, tennis, and golf. The Islamic Solidarity Games, however, carry a unique cultural and spiritual weight.
HH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, said the Kingdom is fully prepared to welcome athletes, officials, and fans.
“Saudi Arabia is fully prepared to host our brothers and sisters from 57 nations,” he said.
“This gathering reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to unity in the Islamic world and to providing an ideal platform where athletes can compete, connect, and inspire future generations.”
The Organising Committee has promised world-class facilities and experiences for both competitors and spectators, with venues across Riyadh carefully chosen to showcase Saudi Arabia’s modern infrastructure alongside its cultural heritage.
Athletes will compete across a broad programme of 23 sports, including two para disciplines. This year’s Games will also mark the historic debut of camel racing and eSports, highlighting a mix of traditional and modern pursuits that reflect the diversity of the Islamic world.
The full list of sports includes: Handball, Basketball 3×3, Swimming, Fencing, Athletics, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Camel Racing (debut), Table Tennis,
Karate, Wrestling, Futsal, Weightlifting, Judo, Duathlon, Equestrian, Boxing, Wushu, E-Sport (debut), Jiu-Jitsu
Para Weightlifting and Para Athletics will also take centre stage, ensuring inclusivity in the competition.
Prince Fahad praised the new additions, noting: “The inclusion of camel racing honours our cultural heritage, while eSports demonstrates how we embrace innovation. These Games are not only about athletic competition but about reflecting the diverse identities of the Islamic world.”
Events will be staged at iconic locations across Riyadh, each offering state-of-the-art facilities and unique experiences: Princess Nourah University – Athlete’s Village, Boulevard City – Cultural hub and entertainment venue, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex – Multi-sport competitions, Al Janadriyah – Heritage-focused site linking sport and culture, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (Al Malaz) – Opening and closing ceremonies
These venues will ensure athletes and fans alike enjoy not only the competitions but also Riyadh’s vibrant culture and hospitality.
Since their inception in 2005, the Islamic Solidarity Games have provided a platform for remarkable sporting achievements and strengthened bonds between Islamic nations.
Turkey currently leads the all-time medal standings with 237 gold medals and 643 overall, followed by Iran with 118 golds and 321 medals, and Azerbaijan with 114 golds and 298 medals. Uzbekistan ranks fourth with 66 golds, while Indonesia stands fifth with 56. Egypt and Morocco are tied at 146 overall medals, though Egypt edges ahead with 46 golds to Morocco’s 40. Kazakhstan follows with 42, while host nation Saudi Arabia proudly ranks ninth with 37 gold medals and 111 overall. Malaysia rounds off the top 10 with 33 golds and 97 medals.
For Saudi Arabia, the 2025 Games represent not only an opportunity to host but also to climb higher in the medal table.
The Islamic Solidarity Games were founded on the principle of fostering brotherhood, unity, and cooperation among nations of the Islamic world. In the words of Prince Fahad: “Sport has the power to transcend borders, languages, and cultures. These Games are a celebration of our shared identity, and they serve as a beacon of unity for future generations.”
As the countdown to the opening ceremony continues, the eyes of the sporting world are turning toward Riyadh. With athletes preparing to compete at the highest level and the Kingdom ready to showcase its organisational capacity, the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 promises to be both a historic sporting event and a cultural milestone for Saudi Arabia and the wider Islamic community.
