Sarawak is set to host the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG), bringing one of the major international multi-sport events involving countries from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to Kuching.
The hosting rights were secured following discussions in Taif, Saudi Arabia, with Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah confirming that Sarawak will host the 2029 Games.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Sarawak Government, the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) was signed after the discussions, during the 15th ISSA General Assembly.
The MoU established cooperation and preparations for the staging of the 7th Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029.
Based on reports, the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games will be centred in Kuching. The possibility of extending selected events to Serian is also being considered, depending on logistics and the availability of suitable sporting facilities.
Kuching’s existing and upgraded sporting infrastructure is expected to play an important role in the preparations with Sarawak currently undertaking improvements to several sports facilities ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.
The financial requirements for hosting the 2029 ISG have yet to be finalised but Abdul Karim had said the cost could be higher than the RM350 million allocated for Sarawak’s role in hosting the 2027 SEA Games.
The games in Kuching is expected to involve 57 countries.
Boost for Sarawak Sports Tourism
Hosting the games is expected to contribute to the Sarawak’s sports tourism sector.
The Games are expected to bring not only athletes, but also coaches, officials, technical crews, family members and supporters to Sarawak.
The influx of international visitors could provide opportunities for tourism-related businesses and expose visitors to Kuching and other parts of Sarawak.
About the Islamic Solidarity Games
The Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) is a multi-sport international event organised for athletes from member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Held every four years, the Games are administered by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) and feature athletes competing across a range of sporting disciplines.
The event promotes sporting excellence, friendship, cultural exchange and solidarity among participating nations. The most recent edition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025.
Article sources:
- The Borneo Post: Sarawak set to host Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029
- UKAS: Sarawak To Host 7th Islamic Solidarity Games In 2029
- Sarawak Tribune: Sarawak formalises interest in hosting ISG 2029
- UKAS: ISSA delegation discusses 2029 Games with Sarawak
- Photo source: Olympic Council of Malaysia
