Expert Speaker – Mr. Diamil Faye – Acting General Manager at Riyadh 2034 – Asian Games
Mr. Diamil Faye delivered an insightful lecture during the CIES Conference on the “Sporting Landscape in Saudi Arabia” for the participants of the 6th edition of the Pillai/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Managment on Saturday, 19th April 2025 in an online mode. As Acting General Manager for the Riyadh 2034 Asian Games and a veteran of the Olympic movement, over the past 25 years, Diamil Faye has gained vast experience within the Olympic Movement. After contributing to the return of Cambodia to the Olympic Movement in 1994, he has held managerial positions with different Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committees, including Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, as well as the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.Currently, Faye works as a senior adviser for the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee.
During the conference, Mr. Faye provided a compelling overview of how sport is fueling transformation in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The lecture spanned a broad spectrum of initiatives—from grassroots programs to ambitious mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Riyadh Sports Boulevard. Mr. Faye emphasised how these developments are hosting world-class events and deeply impacting social life, as well as improving people’s daily lifestyles by integrating wellness, mobility, recreation, and sport into urban living. His comparison between India and Saudi Arabia provided valuable insights into how countries with large youth populations and growing ambitions can learn from one another. Equally important was Mr. Faye’s practical advice on navigating the Saudi job market in sports management, including strategies on networking, aligning with national priorities, and engaging with local sports organisations—guidance that is incredibly relevant and valuable for participants of the programme. The session also highlighted the Kingdom’s remarkable progress in promoting diversity, inclusion, and women’s participation in sport. Mr. Faye’s engaging delivery, depth of experience, and openness to student questions made this lecture both informative and highly motivating.
