The Organising Committee of the Riyadh 2034 Asian Games and UTS will oversee a Special Committee, which is to organise the World Virtual Youth Festival.

Hybrid workshops and conferences are planned as part of the event, and there will be five competitions and a dynamic programme of education.

UTS was formed in 2017 under the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport and seeks to help create more inclusive and equal sporting events, form alliances and deliver access to sports for all young people as a basic human right.

The festival invites all Olympic and non-Olympic sports to collaborate and educate the youth and public.

It was first staged at the 2018 and 2019 SportAccord meetings in Bangkok and the Gold Coast respectively, but UTS President Stephan Fox told insidethegames last year that it would retain the online format that was used for the first time in Bangkok in 2020.

Fox said the virtual format will enable the event in Riyadh to be more inclusive.

"This event was originally intended to provide opportunities for young people of all abilities and social backgrounds during the pandemic," he commented.

"But what we have learnt is that even after the pandemic, this event is an important contribution in combining all young people in the spirit of sport.

"You do not need passports, visas or air tickets, as we are all united on a virtual platform."

He added more than 100 organisations are expected to take part.

The President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and vice-president of the Olympic Council of Asia Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al-Saud said he is excited to be hosting the World Virtual Youth Festival next month.

"The kingdom is dedicated to developing the skills of youth through sport, education and culture, and this unique festival connects youth of all abilities across the world," he said.

"Part of our mission is to ensure that despite the global pandemic, there is a significant increase of youth activity and sport engagement across Saudi Arabia.

"Our united aim is to encourage the participation of over 30,000 children from around the world in this virtual festival, which will include 17 different events.

"The kingdom is proud to be the official host, reaching out from Riyadh to the world."

Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" aims to raise the level of sport in the country, hosting more events to help it open up to the world.

The country is due to host the Asian Games in 2034, having also competed with Qatar to stage the 2030 edition last year amid tensions between the countries.

Doha was eventually awarded the 2030 Games.

Saudi Arabia has also held professional boxing matches, including the world heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz in December 2019.