Saudi Arabia won the Arabian Gulf Cup on Tuesday, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final and ending a wait of more than two decades for a regional title.
The match was the final of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, also known as Khaleeji 27. It was played on Oct. 6, 2026, at King Abdullah Sports City, also known as Al-Inma Stadium, in front of a home crowd.
Saudi Arabia made the best possible start. Hammam Al-Hammami opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Firas Al-Buraikan doubled the lead three minutes later, in the 14th.
The UAE were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais also made key saves to protect the clean sheet and keep the UAE out for the rest of the match.
The win is Saudi Arabia's fourth Gulf Cup title. They had previously won in 1994, 2002 and 2003-04. The result ends a drought of 22 years.
It also moves Saudi Arabia level with Iraq as the second-most successful team in the history of the competition. Only Kuwait have won more.
The hosts finished the tournament without conceding a single goal. Al-Owais kept a clean sheet in every match. Saudi Arabia reached the final by beating Qatar 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the semifinal.
The UAE were playing in their first Gulf Cup final since 2018. They won the tournament in 2007 and 2013.
Al-Buraikan, who scored the second goal, described the triumph as a source of pride and honor for the players and the fans. He also made clear that the team wants more.
"We won one title and the second remains," he said.
Saudi media and officials framed the victory as a historic moment for the country's football, ending more than 20 years without a regional title.
For Saudi Arabia, the win in front of their own supporters closes a long gap in the trophy cabinet. For the UAE, it is a second runner-up finish in a final they had waited years to reach again.
