JEDDAH: The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) is driving increased sporting and tourism activity in Jeddah, with fans from across Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries arriving to attend matches and explore the city’s waterfront, historic sites, restaurants, shopping centres and entertainment venues.
The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 27) will continue till October 6. Fans have arrived to attend matches and enjoy the city’s diverse tourism and entertainment offerings.
Between matches, fans are visiting prominent destinations across Jeddah, with options ranging from the waterfront, restaurants, cafés, and shopping centres to various entertainment activities. The tournament experience thus extends beyond the stadiums to different parts of the city, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Jeddah waterfront is among the city’s key attractions, offering open spaces, views of the Red Sea, and various leisure and entertainment options.
Historic Jeddah has also attracted visitors with its buildings, markets, and historic sites reflecting the city’s heritage and cultural identity, giving tournament fans an opportunity to explore one of its prominent landmarks.
Jeddah’s location and proximity to several religious and tourism destinations provide visitors with additional options during their stay in Saudi Arabia, foremost among them Makkah and Madinah.
Convenient travel via the road network and the Haramain High Speed Railway enables fans to combine attending tournament matches with visits to nearby destinations.
Over 600 media professionals cover opening day
The Saudi Arabia-Kuwait opening match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah kicked off the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, amid a strong Gulf media presence reflecting the tournament’s wide appeal across the region.
The opening day brought together journalists from across the Gulf, capturing the spirit of Khaleeji 27 as the excitement extended beyond the pitch to media professionals, fans, and sporting delegations, according to SPA.
The opening ceremony drew praise from attending journalists, who highlighted performances showcasing Saudi identity and the spirit of the Gulf tournament, as well as the lively atmosphere in the stands as the competition got underway.
Journalists also praised the organisation and media services at King Abdullah Sports City, where dedicated facilities provide the resources needed to cover the matches and report the latest developments from the tournament.
More than 600 registered media professionals are covering Khaleeji 27, most of them from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, underscoring the strong media interest in the competition and its regional stature.
