JEDDAH: Jeddah is buzzing as the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament nears its conclusion, with the city set to host the final match amid expectations of large crowds from across the Gulf states.
Since the tournament began, it has attracted strong fan engagement both inside and outside the stadiums.
Accompanying events, along with Jeddah’s heritage and tourist attractions, have enriched the experience for visitors, who have explored the city’s historical and cultural landmarks alongside attending matches, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Historic Jeddah has emerged as a prominent destination for Gulf fans throughout the tournament, while waterfronts, shopping malls, and entertainment venues have witnessed increased visitor numbers as supporters gathered to cheer on their national teams.
The atmosphere surrounding the tournament reflects its role in bringing together the peoples of the Gulf and highlighting the cultural and social dimensions of the competition alongside the sporting action. This reinforces the Gulf Cup’s status as one of the region’s prominent sporting events.
Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday in the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Saudi Arabia advanced to the championship match after topping Group A with a perfect record and defeating Qatar on penalties in the semifinals.
The UAE secured its place in the final by defeating Oman 1–0 in the semifinals, with forward Ousmane Camara scoring the decisive lone goal to cap a disciplined performance.
Earlier, the Saudi national team advanced to the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup after defeating Qatar 3-2 on penalties in their semifinal match at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The match ended goalless after regulation time, with neither side able to score in extra time, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.
The glory went to Mukhtar Ali with a winning spot kick late into the Jeddah night.
Saudi Arabia had come into the semifinal on the back of three wins over Kuwait, Oman and Iraq, which saw them comfortably win Group A with a maximum of nine points.
