Catapult, the Irish‑owned and headquartered full‑service experience agency with studios in Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles, last month announced the opening of its first Saudi‑Arabia office, supported by AstroLabs, the Gulf’s leading business‑expansion platform.
“The Kingdom is in such an exciting phase… it was not a question of whether we should establish operations in the Kingdom, but when. Every time we’ve been to Riyadh and Jeddah the rate of change and the commitment to excellence have excited us. Now we’re thrilled to be part of that story,” said David Davies, Group Chief Experience Officer, Catapult.
“This expansion underscores the intensifying demand for high‑quality, culturally attuned experiences in Saudi Arabia. By establishing a permanent presence, Catapult will enable brands and platforms to connect with millions of fans and amplify their reach,” said Fouad Fattal, Vice President, Commercial, AstroLabs.
Within days of the launch, Davies joined a panel at the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) in Riyadh. He noted that when clubs place supporters at the heart of strategy, they create an ecosystem where fans feel genuine ownership and are motivated to invest time, loyalty and spending.
His remarks echoed the core of Catapult’s “fan‑first” philosophy – a belief that thoughtful, human‑centred experiences unlock deeper emotional bonds and sustainable revenue streams far beyond ticket sales, whether the project is a fan experience at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Casamigos House of Friends at Electric Picnic, or a global brand seeking deeper consumer connections.
“Fandom is universal,” Davies said. “By designing experiences that celebrate each supporter’s unique journey, we help organisations across sport, music and brand build authentic relationships that drive sustainable growth both in Ireland and abroad.”
Why Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Vision 2030 aims to make the Kingdom a world‑class hub for sport, entertainment and tourism. Recent milestones, including Formula 1 races, the Dakar Rally, the Spanish Super Cup and the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, show a clear commitment to world‑leading events and fan experiences. Catapult’s expertise in integrated, data‑driven experiences aligns with this ambition, offering brands a partner that translates cultural nuance into memorable moments.
