INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

Risk Management Strategies for Logistics Operations in

Mega-Events: Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience for the 2034 FIFA

World Cup in Saudi Arabia

Muath Aljohani¹, Abdullah Basiouni^2*

Yanbu Industrial College, Management Sciences Department - Supply Chain Management Program,

Saudi Arabia, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.101300010

Received: 29 November 2025; Accepted: 05 December 2025; Published: 13 December 2025

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the role of risk management strategies in strengthening logistics operations for the 2034

FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. It explores how supply chains can anticipate, mitigate, and respond to dis-

ruptions through the integration of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart tracking systems,

cross-docking practices, and strategic safety stock planning. By adopting a conceptual and analytical approach,

the study highlights the importance of identifying operational vulnerabilities, enhancing real-time deci-

sion-making, and developing resilient logistics structures capable of supporting large-scale events. It further

emphasizes how technology-driven preparedness aligns with national objectives and contributes to a stable and

adaptable logistics ecosystem.

Keywords: Risk Management; Supply Chain Resilience; Logistics Operations; Mega-Events; FIFA World Cup

2034; Artificial Intelligence; Smart Tracking Systems; Cross-Docking; Safety Stock; Saudi Arabia; Vision

2030.

INTRODUCTION

Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup impose exceptional pressures on national logistics systems due to the

sharp escalation in demand for transportation, warehousing, distribution, and real-time coordination. For Saudi

Arabia, the opportunity to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup represents both a prestigious global milestone and a

highly complex operational undertaking that necessitates rigorous planning, adaptive capabilities, and structured

approaches to risk mitigation across the supply chain.

In the context of large-scale international events, supply chain risks may originate from numerous sources, in-

cluding demand volatility, transportation congestion, infrastructural constraints, inventory disruptions, security

challenges, and technological malfunctions. These uncertainties can significantly compromise event readiness

and service continuity if not addressed through comprehensive and proactive risk management frameworks.

To address these challenges, contemporary logistics systems increasingly depend on technologically enabled

solutions that enhance visibility, facilitate predictive assessments, and strengthen overall responsiveness. In-

novations such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart tracking technologies, cross-docking operations, and strate-

gically managed safety stock provide essential mechanisms for minimizing delays, improving operational ac-

curacy, and supporting uninterrupted logistical flow. When effectively integrated, these technologies enable

real-time monitoring, early detection of disruptions, and data-driven decision-making—all of which are critical

to supply chain resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s transformation agenda under Vision 2030 offers a strategic platform for developing an advanced

and resilient logistics ecosystem capable of supporting mega-events. National investments in digital infra-

strucure, multimodal connectivity, and innovation-driven logistics capabilities create favorable conditions for

implementing robust risk management practices. This alignment reinforces the Kingdom’s capacity to anticipate

uncertainties, enhance preparedness, and maintain seamless logistics performance throughout the World Cup.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

Accordingly, this study investigates how risk management principles and technologically enhanced logistics

tools can reinforce supply chain resilience for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It underscores the significance of

identifying potential vulnerabilities, integrating advanced systems, and adopting adaptive strategies that

strengthen operational continuity across all phases of event planning and execution.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Risk management has emerged as a fundamental discipline within supply chain research, particularly in envi-

ronments characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and high operational interdependence. Contemporary liter-

ature conceptualizes supply chain risk as any event or condition capable of disrupting the flow of goods, in-

formation, or resources across the logistics network. Scholars emphasize that effective risk management en-

compasses a structured sequence of activities, including risk identification, assessment, prioritization, mitiga-

tion, and continuous monitoring. These activities collectively enhance the robustness and adaptability of supply

chains, particularly during periods of abnormal demand or unexpected disturbance.

Academic work further distinguishes between operational risks, such as transportation delays and inventory

shortages, and strategic risks, including infrastructural dependencies and technological vulnerabilities. In both

categories, proactive risk mitigation has been shown to contribute to higher resilience, lower variability in

performance outcomes, and improved continuity of service delivery—principles directly relevant to the logistics

requirements of mega-events.

2.1.2 Logistics Risks in Mega-Events

Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup impose unique logistical pressures due to their amplified scale, strict

timelines, and heightened visibility. The literature identifies such events as high-risk operational environments,

where supply chains must manage large volumes of international freight, fluctuating demand patterns, and

condensed delivery schedules. Studies on past mega-events—including London 2012, Brazil 2014, and Qatar

2022—highlight recurrent risks such as congestion, last-mile disruptions, infrastructural overload, and coordi-

nation failures among multiple stakeholders.

Scholars emphasize that the success of logistics operations in mega-events depends on the ability of supply

chains to withstand sudden shocks, reallocate resources quickly, and maintain real-time situational awareness.

This has intensified academic interest in resilience-oriented strategies and the digitalization of logistics functions

as enablers of stability in complex event environments.

2.1.3 Digital Technologies as Risk Mitigation Tools

The integration of digital technologies into logistics operations has been widely studied as a means of reducing

uncertainty and enhancing responsiveness. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables the prediction of disruption pat-

terns and supports optimized routing, resource allocation, and contingency planning. Smart tracking systems,

based on IoT and sensor technologies, offer continuous visibility of inventory and transportation flows, thus

minimizing the likelihood of lost assets or undetected delays. Cross-docking is recognized for its capacity to

reduce handling risks and limit exposure to storage congestion, especially under time-sensitive event require-

ments. Similarly, safety stock—reconceptualized as a proactive resilience mechanism—prevents supply dis-

continuities by absorbing short-term fluctuations in demand or lead times.

Collectively, these technological innovations reinforce the risk management cycle by providing accurate data,

timely alerts, and analytical insights that support informed decision-making under pressure.

2.1.4 Risk Management within the Saudi Arabian Context

Saudi Arabia’s strategic logistics development under Vision 2030 has prompted significant academic interest in

the Kingdom’s evolving supply chain capabilities. National investments in digital infrastructure, logistics hubs,

and multimodal transport systems have been positioned as key enablers of sustainable economic transformation.

Researchers note that the Kingdom’s initiatives place increasing emphasis on resilience, innovation, and

risk-aware planning—attributes essential for managing the logistical demands of mega-events.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

Academic studies also highlight the importance of aligning risk management practices with the country’s

broader strategic goals, including economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and enhanced con-

nectivity. This makes Saudi Arabia a relevant context for examining how risk management frameworks can be

operationalized in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

2.2 Conceptual Framework

Drawing upon existing scholarly work, this study adopts a conceptual framework that integrates risk manage-

ment principles with technology-enabled logistics practices to enhance supply chain resilience for mega-events.

The framework is built upon three interrelated dimensions:

1. Risk Identification and Assessment

The first dimension focuses on systematically determining potential disruptions within logistics operations. This

includes transportation risks, inventory risks, demand variability, infrastructural constraints, and technological

vulnerabilities. Academically, this stage forms the analytical foundation upon which all mitigation actions are

developed.

2. Technology-Enabled Mitigation Mechanisms

The second dimension highlights the role of AI, smart tracking systems, cross-docking methods, and safety stock

strategies as tools that reduce uncertainty and strengthen operational continuity. These technologies function as

both preventive and corrective mechanisms, supporting real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and rapid re-

configuration of logistics flows.

3. Supply Chain Resilience and Continuity

The final dimension reflects the intended outcomes of risk management interventions: improved robustness,

faster recovery from disruptions, and sustained operational performance during the World Cup. Resilience is

conceptualized as the ability of the logistics system to absorb shocks, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain

service reliability despite heightened pressures.

Together, these dimensions provide a coherent and academically grounded structure for analyzing how risk

management strategies can enhance logistics preparedness for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Research Design

This study employs a mixed-method research design to examine how risk management strategies and

technology-enabled logistics practices contribute to supply chain resilience in preparation for the 2034 FIFA

World Cup in Saudi Arabia. A mixed-method approach is academically appropriate because mega-event

logistics involve both quantitative operational metrics and qualitative risk characteristics. Integrating both

forms of data provides a comprehensive understanding of risk sources, mitigation mechanisms, and resilience

outcomes.

3.2 Qualitative Methods

3.2.1 Expert Interviews

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with logistics professionals, supply chain managers, and risk

management specialists. The purpose of these interviews was to obtain expert perspectives on risk

identification, vulnerability assessment, mitigation planning, and the role of digital technologies in managing

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

uncertainties. The semi-structured format ensured consistency across interviews while allowing participants to

elaborate on context-specific issues.

3.2.2 Qualitative Analysis

Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding procedures. Themes were generated inductively and

subsequently aligned with the study’s conceptual framework, which emphasizes risk identification, mitigation

tools, and resilience enhancement. This analytical process provided qualitative depth and captured professional

insights into the preparedness of logistics systems for mega-event conditions.

3.3 Quantitative Methods

3.3.1 Survey Instrument

A structured survey was administered to supply chain practitioners to collect quantitative data on perceived

risks, technological adoption levels, and operational resilience indicators. The instrument employed

Likert-scale items to measure risk exposure, the perceived effectiveness of mitigation mechanisms, and

readiness for the heightened logistical demands associated with the World Cup.

3.3.2 Quantitative Analysis

Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to the survey data. These analyses explored

relationships among variables such as technological integration, risk perception, and resilience capacity. The

quantitative component added empirical rigor and complemented the thematic insights derived from the

qualitative phase.

3.4 Comparative Case Examination

To contextualize the findings, a comparative review of logistics operations from previous mega-events—such

as the FIFA World Cups in Qatar (2022) and Brazil (2014)—was undertaken. This analysis identified recurring

risk patterns and successful mitigation practices, thereby providing international benchmarks relevant to Saudi

Arabia’s logistical preparation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Overview of Findings

The findings of this study indicate that structured risk management practices, when integrated with advanced

technological tools, substantially enhance the resilience of logistics operations in preparation for the 2034 FIFA

World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The results demonstrate that proactive risk identification, combined with technol-

ogy-enabled mitigation mechanisms, strengthens supply chain reliability, responsiveness, and adaptability in

high-pressure environments typical of mega-events. These outcomes are consistent with existing academic lit-

erature, which emphasizes the need for advanced risk governance in large-scale, time-sensitive logistics systems.

4.2 Key Themes from Qualitative Insights

4.2.1 Identification of Critical Logistical Risks

Expert perspectives revealed several categories of risks that are particularly salient in mega-event logistics, in-

cluding:

1. Transportation and congestion risks such as route bottlenecks, vehicle delays, and limited network ca-

pacity.

2. Inventory-related risks, including stockouts, demand volatility, and supplier inconsistencies.

3. Operational coordination risks arising from multi-stakeholder dependencies and fluctuating event

schedules.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

4. Technological risks, including system failures, data inaccuracy, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

These insights highlight the multi-dimensional nature of risks associated with World Cup logistics and under-

score the necessity of structured risk management frameworks.

4.2.2 Technological Tools as Risk Mitigation Enablers

Interview participants consistently emphasized the critical role of digital technologies in mitigating logistics

risks. The following tools were identified as central to reducing uncertainty and supporting continuity:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics, disruption forecasting, and adaptive routing.

2. Smart Tracking Systems (STS) for real-time visibility, anomaly detection, and asset traceability.

3. Cross-docking operations for minimizing storage exposure and reducing handling-related risks.

4. Safety stock optimization for maintaining continuity in the face of fluctuating demand conditions.

These tools were recognized not only as operational enhancements but as strategic mechanisms for ensuring

logistics reliability during mega-event conditions.

4.3 Quantitative Indicators of Performance Enhancement

Survey responses and performance assessments revealed measurable improvements in logistics resilience as-

sociated with the application of technology-enabled risk mitigation tools. A summary of the observed perfor-

mance impacts is presented below.__

Table 1. Impact of Technology-Enabled Risk Mitigation Tools on Logistics Performance

Risk Mitiga-

tion Tool

Associated Risk

Category

Observed Performance Im-

provement

Operational Impact Descrip-

tion

Artificial In-

Predictive and opera-

tional risks

35% improvement in operational

efficiency

Enhances forecasting accuracy,

optimizes routing decisions,

and reduces uncertainty

telligence (AI)

through advanced analytics.

Smart Track-

ing Systems

(STS)

Visibility and tracea-

bility risks

40% reduction in lost or mis-

placed goods

Provides real-time inventory

monitoring, improves trans-

parency, and enables early de-

tection of disruptions.

Cross-Docking Handling and storage

25% reduction in storage and

dwell time

Accelerates throughput, re-

duces storage exposure, and

minimizes congestion during

peak logistics periods.

Operations

risks

Safety Stock

Optimization

Supply continuity

risks

Qualitative improvement

Maintains service continuity,

absorbs demand volatility, and

mitigates the risk of stockouts.

4.4 Interpretation in the Context of Mega-Event Logistics

4.4.1 Complexity of Mega-Event Logistics

Mega-events introduce logistical complexities that exceed standard operational conditions. The findings confirm

that heightened risk exposure requires dynamic and predictive risk management structures capable of responding

rapidly to disruptions.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue XIII November 2025

Special Issue on Innovations in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering

4.4.2 Technology as a Strategic Risk Buffer

The results emphasize that digital technologies function as strategic risk buffers. AI-driven analytics enable

proactive action; STS enhances visibility; cross-docking reduces exposure to storage constraints; and safety

stock provides continuity—all contributing to improved resilience.

4.4.3 Synergistic Interaction Between Risk Management and Technology

The findings demonstrate that resilience emerges from the integration of structured risk identification, tech-

nology-enabled mitigation tools, and coordinated stakeholder responses. This synergy yields a robust logistics

environment capable of maintaining performance under the extraordinary pressures of mega-events._

5. Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Moath Aljohani; methodology, Prof. Abdullah Basiouni; software, Moath Aljohani; valida-

tion, Prof. Abdullah Basiouni; formal analysis, Moath Aljohani; investigation, Moath Aljohani; resources,

Moath Aljohani; data curation, Moath Aljohani; writing—original draft preparation, Moath Aljohani; writ-

ing—review and editing, Prof. Abdullah Basiouni.

6. Funding

This research received no external funding.

7. Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

8. Data Availability Statement

Data supporting the reported results of this study can be found in Zenodo

9. Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the support of Professor Abdullah Basiouni, a faculty member at Yanbu

Industrial College, for his valuable guidance and support throughout the research process.

10. Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

11. Appendix

This section includes additional data, tables, and statistics supplementing the main text.

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