Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid speaks during an event. File

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai congratulated Saudi Arabia on being elected as the likely host of the FIFA 2034 World Cup.

The Kingdom is almost certain to host the show piece event after the only other bidder Australia pulled out of bidding process on the cut-off date.

Sheikh Mohammed took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to congratulate Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup is an Arab victory and a new Gulf success and a Saudi victory that confirms the Kingdom’s global status.

“Qatar excelled in hosting the World Cup and we bet on the Kingdom hosting the best edition in the history of the cup. “With such global occasions, the region rises, grows and prospers. We are optimistic about achieving the vision of the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, my brother Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, for the region to be the new Europe.

“All the best to our brothers in the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his trustworthy Crown Prince,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed. Saudi Arabia is prepared to host the 2034 World Cup in summer or winter, its football chief told AFP, as the oil giant was anointed the tournament's host just weeks after announcing a bid.