NEOM Beach Games 2024: A Global Sporting Event in Saudi Arabia

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated September 2024

Key takeaways:

• NEOM Beach Games 2024 will feature diverse sports, including open water swimming

• Over 1,000 athletes, including Olympians, will compete

• The games run from November 3 to 23, 2024, at Gayal Beach and Bajdah

What is NEOM Beach Games?

NEOM Beach Games is an annual sports festival held in the stunning region of NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Known for its diverse lineup of sports, the Games brings together athletes from around the world to compete in a range of dynamic events. This year marks the third edition of the Games, featuring an expanded schedule that includes the newly added World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM.

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Events and schedule

NEOM Beach Games 2024 presents an exciting array of six major sports, each with its own unique challenges and scenic backdrops.

Supertri NEOM – Triathlon

The 2024 course has been redesigned to push athletes to their limits, focusing on speed, technical skill, and race strategy. The innovative ‘supertri race’ format consists of three rounds, each including a 300m swim, 4km bike ride, and 1.6km run. The competition will take place along NEOM Bay, promising a thrilling display of triathlon excellence​.

Date: Sunday, 3 November 2024

FIBA 3×3 World Tour NEOM 2024 – Basketball

Marking its 13th season, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour offers the highest level of city-based professional 3×3 basketball. The event will feature 12 international teams competing over three days, set against the untouched beaches of NEOM. The action will be accompanied by electrifying music, creating a unique atmosphere for fans and players alike​.

Date: Thursday, 7 November to Saturday, 9 November 2024.

NEOM IFSC Masters – Climbing

Set in the stunning Secret Garden area of NEOM’s Hisma desert, the NEOM IFSC Masters will challenge 100 of the world’s best climbing athletes. This intense competition involves back-to-back speed climbing and bouldering against the dramatic rock formations of NEOM, providing both a physical and visual spectacle.

Date: Monday, 11 November to Wednesday, 13 November 2024.

NEOM Beach Soccer Cup

Held on the white sands of Gayal Beach, the NEOM Beach Soccer Cup is known for its energetic, fast-paced matches. International teams will compete in this centerpiece event of the Games, showcasing their athleticism, skill, and acrobatic moves in a series of exhilarating matches​.

Date: Wednesday, November 13 to Saturday, November 16, 2024.

NEOM TITAN Desert – Mountain Biking

Renowned as one of the most difficult mountain bike races in the world, this event spans four stages, each approximately 100km. Riders will ascend a breathtaking 2,000 meters over four days, navigating through NEOM’s diverse terrain of mountains, valleys, deserts, and grasslands. The race challenges both endurance and orientation, pushing participants to their limits​.

Date: Monday, 18 November to Friday, 22 November 2024.

World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM

New to the 2024 NEOM Beach Games, this event will feature Olympic and world champion swimmers testing their skills and endurance in the crystal-clear waters of NEOM Bay. The competition includes a 10,000m individual race and a 4×1,500m mixed relay, providing a dramatic conclusion to the Games.

Date: Friday, 22 November to Saturday, 23 November 2024.

Locations

NEOM Beach Games 2024 will be hosted across two primary locations:

• Gayal Beach: This venue will host the supertri NEOM, FIBA 3×3 World Tour, NEOM Beach Soccer Cup, and the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup. It offers a stunning coastal setting that enhances the spectator experience.
• Bajdah: Known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, Bajdah will serve as the location for the NEOM IFSC Masters climbing event and the NEOM TITAN Desert mountain biking race, offering a challenging environment for the athletes​.

What to expect at NEOM Beach Games 2024?

 

NEOM Beach Games 2024 promises to be an event like no other, combining thrilling athletic competitions with the breathtaking natural landscapes of NEOM. Here’s what’s new and exciting this year:

• World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM: This is the latest addition to the Games, bringing the world’s leading open-water swimming athletes to the pristine waters of the Red Sea. The competition will feature a 10,000m individual race and a 4×1,500m mixed relay, providing a challenging and scenic course for participants.
• Star Athletes: The Games will host over 1,000 athletes, including Olympic gold medalists such as Cassandre Beaugrand and Alex Yee, 3×3 basketball star Worthy De Jong, and speed climber Veddriq Leonardo. Their presence highlights the international prestige of the event and its appeal to top-tier competitors.
• Expanded International Participation: This year, athletes from over 45 countries will be competing in NEOM Beach Games, reflecting its growing global stature and NEOM’s vision of becoming a hub for international sports.

How to get tickets for NEOM Beach Games 2024?

Currently, ticket information for the NEOM Beach Games 2024 has not been officially released. However, each sport will be broadcast nationally and internationally through a live stream, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action. Full details on accessing these live streams will be provided closer to the event. Stay tuned for updates on tickets and streaming options to ensure you don’t miss out on this thrilling sporting experience.