Prince Abdulaziz's comments reflect the country's ambitious sporting goals and its determination to become a sporting powerhouse on the world stage.

Much of this falls under of the umbrella of Vision 2030, which aims to raise the level of sport across the nation and to showcase its ability to stage large sporting events.

"With the Saudi Games, our mission is to advance out nation's sports sector, empowering it with the very best of talent and resources," he said at the King Fahd International Stadium.

"But it is not just reserved to professional clubs and athletes...

"Collectively we want to achieve a healthy society full of individuals who are active and are passionate about various sporting pursuits."

He continued: "I must also pay tribute to all of those who have been involved with this project, developing the right infrastructure, and together building an event to be immensely proud of.

"We worked with speed and precision to bring to the Kingdom and this legacy - for the present and the future - that reflects our great nation's ambitious and unlimited capabilities."

Prince Abdulaziz added: "Today, we are living and witnessing a stellar moment - one that's full of pride for every Saudi citizen and resident.

"With meticulous planning and unwavering determination, we successfully bring you a historic inaugural edition of the Saudi Games - one that will shape the future of Saudi sport and its achievements in the years to come and plays a major part of the Vision 2030."

With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman watching on, proceedings commenced with Saudi Arabia's national anthem and the raising of the nation's flag.

Dancers soon took to the stage to entertain the crowd just as the Athlete Parade began.

The excess of 6,000 athletes at the Saudi Games are split across a host of clubs and each one were handed their moment in the spotlight.

Other participants – such as officials and coaches – were also welcomed to parade the stadium.

Then came a short documentary that promoted Saudi Arabia, and had the noticeable inclusion of British Olympic boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who has fought in heavyweight bouts in the country.

Spectators soon turned to the Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh, for the formal opening of the Saudi Games under the permission of the Crown Prince.

Upon this moment, the stadium celebrated as attention moved to the music performance from DJ and producer David Guetta.

Crowd-pleasing hit Titanium was among the setlist he played to cap off the ceremony.