Saudi football legends celebrate National Day with fans

The thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons. supplied
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Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi football legends celebrate National Day with fans

  • The match saw a team representing Al-Owairan face off against a squad led by Nour
  • In front of around 2,000 football enthusiasts, the two teams engaged in a fierce contest. Both sides struggled to convert their chances in the first half

Jeddah: On the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, football legends captivated fans at the Olympic Stadium with an exhibition match in front of hundreds of fans in Jeddah.

Held on Monday, Sept. 23, the thrilling encounter featured renowned Saudi football icons such as Saeed Al-Owairan, who scored one of the greatest goals in FIFA World Cup history, helping Saudi Arabia reach the knockout phase in US 1994; Mohammed Nour, former Al-Ittihad and Saudi international player; Naif Hazazi; Hatim Khaimi; Malek Mouath; Emirati star Omar Abdulrahman, and more.

The match saw a team representing Al-Owairan face off against a squad led by Nour.

In front of around 2,000 football enthusiasts, the two teams engaged in a fierce contest. Both sides struggled to convert their chances in the first half.

However, after the break, Al-Owairan’s team dominated, ultimately winning the friendly match with a score of 6-4.

Anas Serafi, the event organizer, emphasized that the National Day celebration in Saudi Arabia symbolizes unity and national pride. “This is a special day, and we are proud to bring here the stars of Saudi Arabia who made many achievements locally and internationally,” he said. “Around 30 of the most celebrated legends in Saudi football from various teams responded to our call to express their love for their country on the field.”

Saudi national striker Malek Mouath, who helped send the Kingdom to the 2007 Asian Cup final, expressed his excitement about sharing the pitch with some of the sport’s greatest names on such an important day. “This is very exciting, to meet some of my friends again on the football pitch," he said. "It is so nice to see so many Saudi football stars come together to celebrate National Day,” he said.

Organizers and players also took a moment to extend their well-wishes to Saudi national player Fahad Al-Muwallad, who is currently unconscious in intensive care in Riyadh, wishing him a swift recovery.


AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

Updated 11 December 2025
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AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

  • Open to beginners and experienced athletes worldwide
  • Distances from 1.6km to 100km for children and adults

ALULA: Registration has now opened for the AlUla Trail Race to be held on Jan. 22 and 23 next year.

The contest offers local and international participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla, located in Madinah.

According to a Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, the race is open to beginners and experienced runners.

The series includes a Kids Run (1.6 km) for children aged 5 to 12, Sunset Run (3 km) for those 13 and above, and a 10 km and 23 km for more experienced participants.

There are also demanding 50 km and 100 km ultra trail races for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will end in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.

On the first day, runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run. Race kits can be collected at the event village, which will be located at the amphitheater in Old Town.

AlUla Trail Race 2026 offers participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla. (SPA)

Day two will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100 km, followed by the 50 km, 23 km, and 10 km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.

The organizers said every participant will receive an official AlUla Trail Race 2026 pack, including a tote bag, buff, race T-shirt, timing chip, and bib number. Entry fees begin at SR100 ($26) and SR50 for children.

The contest is a part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to promote the area as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.

Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, and the Al-Fursan Endurance AlUla — one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.