Sarawak will host 57 countries through the OIC Solidarity Games 2029

KUCHING, 15 September: Sarawak will host the OIC Solidarity Games 2029 which is expected to bring together 57 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the rights to the theme were accepted at a meeting in Taif, Saudi Arabia, recently.

According to him, the estimated cost of the tournament has not yet been finalized, but it is expected to be higher than the SEA Games involving only 11 countries.

"As for the costs of the project, a detailed estimate has not yet been established. However, the cost of OIC Solidarity Games is expected to be higher than that of SEA Games.

"The number of sporting events may be more or less the same, but participation involves 57 countries. So, the cost will definitely increase, perhaps an additional RM50 million or RM100 million", he said.

He said this when he was met by the media after a stage truck handover ceremony moved from Sarawak's Department of Culture and National Arts (JKKN) to Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) in Kuching, on Tuesday.

Abdul Karim explained that the theme center is expected to be located in Kuching, while proposals to expand the venue of the tournament to Serian are still under consideration especially from the logistics and sports facilities aspects.

He said the OIC Solidarity Games 2029 will be among the important platforms for Sarawak to strengthen the sports tourism sector.

"When we organize events like this, not only are athletes coming, but also coaches, officials, crew members, family members and supporters.

"This will certainly give a boost to the tourism sector and local economy", he said.

In addition, the upgrading of the sports complex being undertaken in preparation for SEA Games 2027 also gives Sarawak an advantage in providing facilities for hosting OIC Solidarity Games 2029.-TVS