The Almería club, whose economic structure is heavily linked to investment from Saudi Arabia, is on high alert due to geopolitical instability. Despite the country's efforts to diversify its GDP, oil and gas remain fundamental pillars of its economy, and regional tensions directly affect its foreign investment capacity.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz hinders oil and gas exports, leading major sovereign wealth funds to prioritize spending containment. Sectors such as tourism and leisure, which had gained prominence in recent years, are particularly vulnerable to the perception of insecurity generated by conflicts, cooling investments in distant projects like those of the Andalusian club.
“"The war introduces an immediate risk factor that Almería is watching closely, aware of the repercussions that a large-scale armed conflict will generate."
The Almería club's dependence on Saudi capital flows is complete. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aimed to diversify the economy, is being altered by the current situation, forcing the country to withdraw capital and prioritize internal investment. This freezes external spending in non-essential areas such as sports, cinema, and infrastructure.
The club, which has been seeking new investors, faces an unfavorable scenario. The expansion works for the Mediterráneo stadium, including Phase 2 and the future Almería Academy, are subject to a volatile global context. The club's management hopes for a ceasefire that will allow Saudi Arabia to resume its investment pace and secure the future of these projects.
