Key Points
- Riyadh to host the World Fire and Rescue Sport Championship from October 26 to November 1, 2025, marking its debut in the Arab world.
- The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of Saudi Civil Defence and aligns with the Vision 2030 goals to promote global sports leadership.
- Over 300 competitors from 22 countries will participate in endurance and rescue-themed events at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City.
- The championship aims to honour firefighters’ heroism, enhance safety awareness, and strengthen international cooperation in rescue services.
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia is set to make history by hosting the World Championship in Fire and Rescue Sport for the first time in the Arab world, a landmark event underscoring the Kingdom’s growing stature as a global destination for international sporting and professional competitions.
The championship, organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defence in collaboration with the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers (ISFFR), will be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City in Riyadh from October 26 to November 1, 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz will inaugurate the tournament during its opening ceremony on October 28.
This year’s edition carries special significance as it coincides with the centenary of the Saudi Civil Defence Directorate, symbolizing a century of service, resilience, and commitment to public safety.
Director General Maj. Gen. Dr. Hamoud bin Sulaiman Al-Faraj lauded the event’s patronage by the interior minister, noting that the championship aligns perfectly with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective of positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in sports and innovation.
Fire and Rescue World Championship Bolsters Saudi Record of Hosting Major Sporting Events.https://t.co/foHaYowz8Y#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/MSJxn8s1Bb
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) October 16, 2025
The Riyadh 2025 Championship will bring together more than 300 competitors from 22 countries, participating in four major disciplines, the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter relay, ladder tower climb, and combat race. These high-intensity events are designed to test physical endurance, teamwork, and firefighting skills through realistic simulations.
First launched in Moscow in 2002, the World Fire and Rescue Championship has grown into a premier international contest blending athleticism with professional excellence. It now includes both men’s and women’s categories, attracting participants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
The Riyadh edition, marking the 20th men’s and 11th women’s championships, will also showcase cutting-edge firefighting technologies, foster global collaboration among rescue services, and ensure compliance with WADA anti-doping standards to uphold sporting integrity.
Beyond competition, the event carries a humanitarian message, honouring the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice of firefighters worldwide. Hosting such an event reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public safety, its investment in advanced civil protection systems, and its ability to stage high-profile international events with precision and pride.
“This championship not only celebrates courage and teamwork,” said Maj. Gen. Al-Faraj, “but also reflects the Kingdom’s broader vision to promote community safety and international cooperation under the transformative framework of Vision 2030.”
