President Sheikh Mohamed congratulates Saudi Arabia and Morocco on World Cup bids

Morocco will join Spain and Portugal in co-hosting Fifa World Cup in 2030, while Saudi Arabia will host the tournament in 2034

President Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on the bids. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated Morocco and Saudi Arabia on winning the bid to host the Fifa World Cup in 2030 and 2034.

The World Cup will return to the Gulf region after Qatar successfully hosted the 2022 tournament.

In separate posts on social media, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and wished them success in hosting the tournaments.

“We are confident for the successful organisation of this global event and extend our best wishes to all those involved,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said it was a proud moment for the Arab world, Gulf region and broader Islamic community in a social media post, adding that the “World Cup will be in our region for two consecutive tournaments”.

He also congratulated the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Morocco for “their great ambition” and “strong will that knows nothing is impossible”.

“This is a moment of joy for all Arabs and we look forward to witnessing the best World Cup tournaments.”

The decision was announced on Wednesday after a vote during a Fifa Congress which was held virtually, with neither bid having any rivals.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, while Morocco, Spain and Portugal were awarded joint hosting rights for the 2030 tournament.