Saudi Ends 22-Year Wait, Beats UAE in Gulf Cup Final

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The 27th Arabian Gulf Cup final ended in heartbreak for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night, as host nation Saudi Arabia struck twice in a devastating two-minute span early in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd at Al-Inma Stadium.

The match, played under the bright lights of King Abdullah Sports City, was decided before many fans had even settled into their seats.

Saudi forward Hamam Al-Hamami opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a deflected strike that left UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa helpless.

Before the Emirates could regroup, Firas Al-Buraikan doubled the lead in the 13th minute, calmly finishing a through ball to send the home crowd into delirium.

After the Saudi goals, there was a penalty for UAE. But after the referee check the TV reply says it wasn’t a penalty.

It appeared the UAE player mask the fall. The referee Jalal Jid of Morocco waved the appeal away after consulting the VAR monitor, and no spot-kick was given.

The second period produced no goals. The UAE pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but Saudi Arabia’s defense held firm, and the hosts saw out the match to spark celebrations across the stadium.

The goals came during a blistering opening period from the hosts, who capitalized on an electric atmosphere.

The stadium, which had already set a tournament attendance record during the semifinals with over 51,000 fans, was at full capacity for the final.

The overwhelming majority of the crowd was draped in Saudi green, creating a wall of noise that seemed to rattle the UAE defense from the opening whistle.

Semifinal Drama Sets the Stage

The final pairing was confirmed on Saturday. Saudi Arabia advanced by defeating Asian champions Qatar 3-2 in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of goalless football, with goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais saving two spot-kicks.

The UAE booked their place with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oman, thanks to Ousmane Camara’s 22nd-minute header.

A Historic Final and a Crowd to Remember

Tuesday’s final marked the first-ever meeting between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Gulf Cup final, adding historical weight to an already intense regional rivalry.

For Saudi Arabia, the victory ends a 22-year wait for the title, their last triumph coming in 2003.

The UAE, champions in 2007 and 2013, were seeking their third crown but were ultimately undone by Saudi Arabia’s explosive start.

The UAE Football Association had gone to great lengths to support their team, organizing a massive airlift of fans to Jeddah.

The federation increased the number of special flights from six to twelve to transport supporters, and covered the cost of all tickets for the UAE fan section.

Despite the logistical effort, the Emirati supporters were ultimately outnumbered and out-sung by the home faithful.

As the final whistle blew, the Saudi players celebrated in front of their jubilant fans, while the UAE squad, who had fought so hard to reach the final, were left to reflect on a devastating opening spell that ultimately cost them the trophy.

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