Once more, Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life persona is frustrating people. (Kidding, but not really.) Before he returns to NOLA to clobber Master P, Shaq is on an international tour. He joined Dwyane Wade and Yao Ming at the NBA China games and had a stop in Saudi Arabia in between. The giant is a big fan of Arabic culture and undoubtedly its food. He has also done good work to increase tourism in Abu Dhabi. But this trip to Riyadh bothered his old friend.

Although Shaq frequently vacations in the Gulf, this time he made a trip to Riyadh for work. He caught up with his friend, Turki Alalshikh. He’s a top official in the government and has been a driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence as a global hub for sports and entertainment culture.

Seven months after their first meeting, Big Diesel and Turki Alalshikh found themselves in the same space again, talking to the media and taking photos. For the Saudi official, though, he did it a bit reluctantly. “I am very excited. I always hate to take pictures with someone taller than me. But this is not natural,” the 44-year-old said with a smirk.

Yes, 7’1″ is not the average height anywhere. Turki Alalshikh makes it just up to the NBA giant’s shoulder, and you can tell Shaq is loving it from that grin. The capital of Saudi Arabia hosted the JOY Forum this year, which brought together global stars. Besides Shaquille O’Neal, the iconic Terry Crews, YouTube megastar Mr Beast, combat mogul Dana White, Shark Tank’s Daymond John, popular anchor Piers Morgan, and several WWE stars were at the event.

The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) also said, “There’s a big surprise with him (Shaq) next year in basketball. He’s a great man, and he has a great idea, and we will be a big partner with him.”

Following the NBA’s preseason in Abu Dhabi, which was overshadowed by Shaq’s absence, a basketball project in Saudi Arabia led by the big man is a significant development. What it could be is anyone’s guess. However, it isn’t something that came up only at the Joy Forum.

What could Shaquille O’Neal possibly be up to in Saudi Arabia?

Turki Alalshikh met Shaq earlier this year. It wasn’t a specific event, and there are no details of why they met. Yet it went viral and seemed like a prelude to the Joy Forum. Then, too, he had teased, “With my brother, the legend Shaquille O’Neal… There are a lot of surprises in the future together.” Before, we would’ve thought this was a teaser to the big man’s appearance at the mega Riyadh event. But he just said the real ‘surprise’ is yet to come.

The hint is that it’s in basketball. Turki Alalshikh has made his country the ultimate destination for boxing. Lately, he’s been diving into the soccer business. But he could be a force in the NBA’s overseas expansion plans. Or it could be more Shaq-centric. One thing is for sure. It is definitely related to the “Vision 2030” plan. Could it be related to the national team? Bear in mind that Shaq has been commenting a lot on the WNBA in the past few months.

So, women’s basketball?

On the other hand, Shaq is taking baby steps into franchise ownership, including collaborating with the ownership group of Napoli Basketball in Italy. He’s also got a verbal commitment from Mark Cuban to own a future NBA team!

Given his connections to this part of the world, Shaq could do something huge next year. But this is all speculation. And they’re doing everything to keep this a surprise. What do you think the big reveal will be?