Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national airline, has partnered with MAHD Academy, the country’s largest institution for nurturing sporting talent, to launch the pioneering Soaring Talents programme. Formalised through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration aims to accelerate the development of Saudi Arabia’s sports ecosystem in line with Vision 2030.
The partnership combines Riyadh Air’s international sponsorship network with MAHD Academy’s expertise in athlete development to create clear pathways for Saudi athletes and coaches. It will strengthen the Kingdom’s role on the global sports stage through international knowledge exchange and by enhancing the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of Saudi talent.
At the heart of the agreement is the launch of the Soaring Talents scholarship for promising Saudi footballers. Participants will receive fully funded training and education at Atlético de Madrid’s world-renowned High-Performance Centre. The programme offers an all-encompassing experience that includes advanced coaching, academic studies, nutritional guidance, medical support, and cultural immersion to ensure well-rounded personal and professional growth.
The collaboration also focuses on advancing the skills of Saudi coaches by enabling them to benefit from international best practices and expertise. The exchange of knowledge will include visits by overseas professionals to Saudi Arabia as well as opportunities for local coaches to gain exposure abroad. Riyadh Air and MAHD Academy will also continue to invest in the Saudi Youth Football League to strengthen grassroots development and ensure a sustainable pipeline of future athletes.
Beyond these flagship initiatives, both partners have committed to ongoing investments that support people, facilities, and collaborative projects that build a robust and future-ready sports industry. Riyadh Air will leverage its global partnerships with leading organisations such as LIV Golf, Atlético de Madrid, and CONCACAF to further integrate Saudi sports within the international community.
“This partnership is a strong example of how Riyadh Air’s international sponsorships can be activated to deliver real value for Saudi Arabia-by supporting talent, encouraging knowledge exchange, and contributing to the evolution of the Kingdom’s sports industry,” said Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air. “It aligns with our broader mission to connect the world to Saudi Arabia and support Vision 2030 through meaningful, long-term initiatives.”
Abdullah bin Faisal Al-Hammad, CEO of MAHD Sports Academy, emphasised:
“At MAHD Academy, we are committed to providing a comprehensive sporting environment that enables Saudi talent to grow and develop in line with the highest international standards. This agreement with Riyadh Air and Atlético de Madrid marks a turning point in the journey of our young athletes, as it offers them a genuine opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s leading clubs and benefit from its advanced training and technical systems. This experience goes beyond skill development—it also focuses on building a well-rounded sporting personality, reinforcing the values of discipline and professionalism, which are central to our vision at MAHD of shaping an elite generation of athletes who will proudly represent the Kingdom in international competitions. I extend my gratitude to our partners at Riyadh Air for this constructive collaboration, which truly embodies national integration between the sports and logistics sectors in service of the future of Saudi sports.”
The agreement reflects Riyadh Air and MAHD Academy’s shared ambition to make Saudi Arabia a global centre of sporting excellence, fostering home-grown talent and deepening ties with leading international institutions.