audi Arabia, on Tuesday created ministries for Sports, Tourism, and Investment as part of a cabinet reshuffle in the oil-rich monarchy.
This is as it also created a women’s soccer league.
Former Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, who was replaced in September, was re-appointed as the Minister of Investment.
The new portfolio replaces the General Investment Authority, according to official news agency, SPA.
A royal decree also turned the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage into the Ministry of Tourism and appointed the commission’s chairman, Ahmad al-Khatib, as the new Minister.
The same was applied to the General Sports Authority, which became the Ministry of Sports, with Abdulaziz Al-Saud appointed as the Minister.
The sports authorities have inaugurated the women’s football league, which AFP described as the latest unlikely extravaganza in the kingdom as it attempts to shrug off its ultra-conservative image.
The first season of the 500,000 riyals ($133,000) league for women over 17 will be staged in the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, the government-run Saudi Sports for All Federation said on Tuesday.
“The launch of the (league) bolsters women’s participation in sports at the community level and will generate increased recognition for women’s sports achievements,” the federation said.
The development marks a new leap for Saudi women, who were first allowed to enter a football stadium to watch a match in January 2018.
Saudi rulers, under fire over human rights abuses, have utilised sport as a tool to try and soften their international image and to provide a showcase for reforms inside the oil-rich state.
Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of social and economic reforms, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin-Salman, in recent years which aims at opening up the conservative kingdom for entertainment and tourism.
Concerts by international stars were held in Saudi Arabia as well as sports events such as the Dakar rally, which Riyadh hopes to attract visitors from the region and other parts of the world.
The changes are part of the crown prince’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims at diversifying the country’s oil-reliant economy.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter and an important member of the OPEC oil cartel.
