Saudi Arabia secured their fourth Arabian Gulf Cup title on Tuesday by defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final of the 27th edition of the tournament, held in Jeddah. The final, hosted at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium before a crowd of 62,827 spectators, marked the first time Saudi Arabia and the UAE met in a Gulf Cup final.
The Green Falcons opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Hammam Al-Hammami’s shot from outside the penalty area deflected off a UAE defender and beat goalkeeper Khalid Eisa. Just three minutes later, Firas Al-Buraikan doubled Saudi Arabia’s lead after a swift counterattack, scoring with a low left-footed shot from close range. Saudi Arabia maintained this 2-0 advantage through a resilient defensive performance in the second half, despite the UAE creating notable opportunities, including a shot that hit the post. A penalty initially awarded to the Emiratis was later overturned following a VAR review. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Saudi Arabia advanced to the final by topping Group A with victories over Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq, before overcoming Qatar 3-2 on penalties in a goalless semifinal. The UAE led Group B with wins against Yemen and Bahrain, along with a draw against Qatar, and secured their place in the final by defeating Oman 1-0 in the semifinal.
This victory places Saudi Arabia level with Iraq as the second-most successful team in Gulf Cup history, each with four titles, behind Kuwait’s record ten championships. The UAE, who won the tournament in 2007 and 2013, remain on two titles.
The tournament, hosted in Jeddah for the first time, featured notable developments beyond the final. Defending champions Bahrain and historically successful Kuwait were eliminated at the group stage. Yemen made history by scoring five goals in a single match, securing a 5-2 win over Bahrain—their first time reaching such a tally in Gulf Cup play. Oman advanced to the semifinals after progressing via a drawing of lots, following a tie with Iraq in points, goal difference, and goals scored.
The competition attracted large audiences across Jeddah, with the Saudi Arabia-Qatar semifinal drawing the highest attendance of 51,342. Organizers emphasized fan experience with initiatives like digital ticketing, free electric buses, and sustainability measures including smart waste bins. A total prize fund of approximately $1.5 million was distributed, with $1 million awarded to the champions.
In recognition of the tournament’s heritage, the Gulf Football Federation announced that the Player of the Tournament award will be named after Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Saudi Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Makkah Region Governor. Prince Khalid is credited with proposing the Gulf Cup concept in 1968.
Following the final, congratulatory messages were sent by Kuwaiti leadership to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, praising the high skill level of the Saudi team, their sportsmanship, and the successful organization of the event. Attention now turns to the next Gulf Cup, scheduled to take place in Iraq in December 2028.