Implementation of SAP S/4HANA, Ariba, Analytics Cloud and SuccessFactors delivers real-time insights and automation to enhance services to employees and sports communities
By ; Bakinam Khaled
(Center) Andy Froemmel, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services & Delivery, SAP Middle East and Africa – North and Bakr Darwish, Chief Shared Services & Solutions Officer at SOPC, shake hands after signing the agreement in the presence of their colleagues.
The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), in collaboration with global technology leader SAP, has successfully launched Phase 1 of its digital transformation, marking a pivotal step in modernizing sports governance and operations across the Kingdom. Powered by RISE with SAP, this initiative was unveiled at the LEAP technology event in Riyadh, reinforcing SOPC’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth in the Kingdom’s sporting ecosystem.
As the independent governing body overseeing Saudi Arabia’s Olympic and Paralympic representation on the global stage, SOPC plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s sports sector, policies, and strategic development. The adoption of SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) provides SOPC with real-time data visibility, automation of key business processes, and advanced analytics capabilities. These solutions, implemented by SAP Services, enable informed decision-making, enhanced governance, and long-term operational excellence.
Prior to this transformation, SOPC operated through complex manual processes. The transition to SAP’s AI-driven digital infrastructure has introduced a scalable and flexible system that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitions to establish a vibrant and technology-enabled sports economy. In its next phase, SOPC aims to extend these shared digital services to Saudi sports federations, ensuring a fully integrated and streamlined sports governance ecosystem.
Bakr Darwish, Chief Shared Services & Solutions Officer at SOPC, commented: “The successful go-live of RISE with SAP is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and teamwork that defines both sports and digital transformation. Working closely with SAP and our stakeholders, we identified the ideal technology solutions to support our mission of representing the Kingdom at the highest levels, while fostering a dynamic sports ecosystem in line with Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia is committed to creating opportunities for athletes at every level, from amateur to elite, and this digital evolution is a key enabler of that vision. Moreover, our staff will benefit from cutting-edge HR management systems that enhance employee engagement and development.”
Andy Froemmel, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services & Delivery, SAP Middle East and Africa – North, added: “We are proud to support SOPC in its digital transformation journey, leveraging RISE with SAP implementation methodology to ensure a clean-core approach. By achieving a fast time-to-value, SOPC now has a robust, scalable foundation to expand digital services to Saudi Arabia’s sports federations. With this future-ready platform, SOPC is well-positioned for upcoming projects and the adoption of AI-based technologies. This deployment reinforces our commitment to Vision 2030 and to empowering the Kingdom’s sporting sector with intelligent, cloud-based solutions.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as a global hub for sports governance, digital innovation, and international sporting events, SOPC remains at the forefront of this transformation. The Kingdom was recently announced as the host of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games 2025, further reinforcing its role as a leading force in the evolution of sports and technology.
With SAP’s digital solutions, SOPC is now better equipped to optimize operations, strengthen strategic decision-making, and enhance the future of sports governance in Saudi Arabia—setting new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence on the global stage.
