Inside Ittihad: A match day experience to rival the world’s best

Al-Ittihad supporters guarantee a unique matchday experience at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Inside Ittihad: A match day experience to rival the world’s best

  • In this special three-part feature, Arab News goes behind the scenes at Al-Ittihad to discover how the club has transformed its off-field operations
  • In Part 1, we look at how the home of the league leaders continues to produce some of the most colorful and noisy match experiences in the region

RIYADH: A big screen bombarding match-going fans with advertisements, an emcee screaming at the top of their lungs and a playlist of overly commercialized pop music devoid of any meaning or connection.

Welcome to the experience for many football fans the world over.

As the football world becomes smaller thanks to technology and globalization, the matchday experience has become increasingly gentrified as clubs follow the same playbook to entertain their fans. If you’ve been to enough games, you’ll have encountered this.

So, as a club looking to grow its global resonance, how does Al-Ittihad ensure it doesn’t fall into the same trap and instead continues to offer something distinctly Saudi Arabian to its increasingly international audience?

Enter Salma Malaeb, senior manager of matchday experience at Al-Ittihad, whose job it is to create an atmosphere unique to Saudi Arabia’s oldest football club.

The simplest experience, Malaeb told Arab News, is the stadium playlist.

“A lot of the playlist songs are actual Ittihad songs written by Ittihad artists, because the club is a community in itself, you know?

“You have a lot of local artists, a lot of creatives. We try to even work with the creatives, for example, in the fan zone. We have a pop-up from time to time, (where) we work with a local artist, so we try to incorporate the community into matchday through these little things, while at the same time trying to modernize it.

“Because, yes, we do want to reach international standards, but we also want to maintain the identity of the club, and this is maintained (by) our Ultras as well. They will make you feel like this is Saudi football, and this is what football means to them.”

The biggest expression of their passion is undoubtedly the iconic full-stadium tifos that have become synonymous with the Al-Ittihad matchday experience.

Malaeb, who has only been in the role for just over six months and has previously worked for Real Madrid and at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, sees first-hand the work that goes into preparing the displays.

Aside from facilitating the pre-match planning and coordination, the club is largely uninvolved in the process, preferring to keep it a uniquely fan-controlled initiative.

“In terms of how much it’s controlled by the club, we really try to not control it,” she explained. “We want it to be as genuine as possible, coming straight from these hardcore fans.

“A lot of sponsors have tried to engage in some way, but for us, it’s always like: ‘No, we really want to keep this for them.’ This is something for the audience, this is something for these fans.”

And how much work goes into coordinating these works of art? Simple answer — a lot.

“We see it because we’re behind the scenes,” she explained.

“They work with an artist (who) comes up with the designs. This is basically the process. But then, operationally, we see them matchday minus one, matchday minus two working on it, hanging it on the seats.

“It’s really incredible, the amount of work and dedication that it takes. But the guys here, they work tirelessly around the clock to get a tifo in place. So, it’s honestly a work of art, really.”

And much like the greatest art galleries of the world, there is a lure so compelling that it just draws people in, converting them into fans — Malaeb included.

“When you see the dedication, and you actually see the results of this, honestly, automatically, you fall in love with the club,” Malaeb said.

“Because football is about the passion behind it, right? It’s about the fans. This is what makes football so beautiful. So, when you get to know the club, and you get to see the passion and dedication that these guys put in around the club to try to get something like this done, you just fall in love with it.

“I’ve been here for six months, but I swear, I am in love with this club. You can’t help it.”

And when fans visit the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, that is the emotion Malaeb wants every single one of them to feel. She wants them to feel at home, even if they do share the stadium with crosstown rivals, Al-Ahli. On matchday, when it’s decked out top-to-bottom in yellow and black, she wants them to feel a sense of belonging.

That includes, in increasing numbers, families and female fans. Now that they know a woman is behind the matchday operations, women are “even more excited” to attend matches, Malaeb said.

“Also, a lot of kids, because now they know we’re trying to entertain the kids with our tiger mascot, getting him more involved on a match day, visiting different areas of the stadium, interacting with the spectators.

“We do notice that, and I know I’m relatively new here, but I hear from my colleagues, and they tell me the atmosphere has changed,” she added.

If you ever find yourself walking into the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, don’t expect just any experience. Expect something more unique.

Where Liverpool has “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Al-Ittihad has “The Nation’s Club,” a thunderous anthem the fans belt out pre-game as the players stand arm-in-arm in front of them. It gets the hairs standing every time.

They may now operate in a global environment, but Al-Ittihad remains rooted in the local community.


Morocco’s Salah Eddine Hamli ready to make a mark at PFL MENA in Jeddah

Updated 18 April 2025
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Morocco’s Salah Eddine Hamli ready to make a mark at PFL MENA in Jeddah

  • Hamli faces Bahrain’s Abbas Khan on May 9 at Onyx Arena

JEDDAH: On May 9 the second season of PFL MENA kicks off in Jeddah with several young fighters battling to make their mark in the sport.

A new talent is Morocco’s Salah Eddine Hamli, who meets Bahrain’s Abbas Khan in a lightweight quarterfinal bout.

Undefeated in eight professional bouts with five wins by stoppage, Hamli has fought for multiple promotions, most recently with WAR MMA in Spain, where he scored back-to-back unanimous decision wins.

Stepping onto the biggest stage of his MMA career, Hamli says that getting to compete in the PFL SmartCage is a dream come true.

“It means a lot to me because it reflects all the hard work I’ve put in,” Hamli said. “Having the opportunity to compete in such a big organization like PFL is a dream come true.”

Hamli says that he followed the first season of PFL MENA, thanks in large part to compatriot Rachid Haz.

Haz fell short of claiming the PFL MENA bantamweight championship, losing by knockout to Ali Taleb in the first round of the finals bout.

“I followed (the first season) especially since Rachid, my fellow Moroccan, made it to the final,” Hamli said. “Even though he didn’t win, we supported him all the way.”

“I’m super prepared and focused, and people are going to see a great show,” Hamli said. “I believe I’m a complete fighter in every aspect, and I’m very hungry for this.”

Hamli knows that Khan will not be an easy assignment. “He’s a good opponent, quite well-rounded. I’m really looking forward to stepping inside the SmartCage with him.”

The complete 2025 PFL MENA 1 Fight Card:

Featherweight quarterfinal: Abdullah Al-Qahtani (10-2) vs. Islam Reda (12-1)

Lightweight quarterfinal: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (7-2) vs. Ahmed El-Sisy (6-1, 1 NC)

Lightweight quarterfinal: Salah Eddine Hamli (8-0) vs. Abbas Khan (8-3)

Featherweight quarterfinal: Izzedine Al-Derbani (15-5) vs. Yanis Ghemmouri (12-3)

Flyweight Showcase: Malik Basahel (0-0) vs. Mountasser Boutouta (1-0)

Featherweight quarterfinal: Abdelrahman Alyhasat (5-0) vs. Taha Bendaoud (4-0)

Featherweight quarterfinal: Hussein Salem (12-5) vs. Assem Ghanem (6-0)

Lightweight quarterfinal: Georges Eid (10-5, 1 NC) vs. Mohammad Fahmi (4-0)

Lightweight Showcase: Ahmed Makki (1-3-1) vs. Hasham Elnamer (3-0)

Lightweight quarterfinal: Abdullah Saleem (5-0, 1 NC) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-6-1)

Featherweight Showcase: Youssef Alhosani (4-1) vs. Neder Jeffel (2-0)

Amateur catchweight 166 pounds (74kg) Showcase: Abdulaziz bin Moammar (10-3 AM) vs. Fares Hamdani (2-0 AM)


Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend

Updated 18 April 2025
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Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend

  • Defending champion Max Verstappen hopes to improve on Bahrain
  • Veteran Fernando Alonso thinks ‘high-speed’ circuit suits his team

JEDDAH: Some of the world’s top drivers including Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Isack Hadjar are geared up for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this weekend.

At a press conference on Thursday, Red Bull’s Verstappen, the defending champion, said: “I hope it will be better than Bahrain (where he finished sixth), there are high-speed corners with a different asphalt.

“And I hope we will be more competitive. Here we have always done one stop but we will see how the tires hold up, it will be quite hot. We are making an improvement process.”

Aston Martin’s Alonso said: “The first few weekends have not been easy for us but I think the high-speed nature of Jeddah should suit us better.

“We are still discovering the car, the first GPs showed that the slow corners were our weak points but there were other concerns about bouncing and we are still working on it.

“Here there is much more grip and it should be a better weekend. I think in Formula 1 there is never a quick fix to solve the problems but we have some ideas, some are related to the set-up that we will try this weekend.”

Red Bull Junior Hadjar shared his excitement about racing in Jeddah: “Bahrain wasn’t as good as the previous two GPs. I don’t think our level was that low and I think this track will suit us better.

“Every track is always impressive for the first time, I think I got into the rhythm straight away and I’m looking forward to trying the track here, especially the first sector.”

Several other drivers also spoke to the media on Thursday including Williams’ Alex Albon, Haas’ Ollie Bearman and Stake’s Gabriel Bortoleto.


Luka Doncic eager to start playing big games for Lakers, starting in playoff date with Timberwolves

Updated 18 April 2025
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Luka Doncic eager to start playing big games for Lakers, starting in playoff date with Timberwolves

  • Doncic is one of the top playoff performers of his generation, and he is just one year removed from his remarkable effort in carrying the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals
  • Doncic’s supporting cast in Hollywood is more impressive than it was in Dallas last

EL SEGUNDO: Luka Doncic has been with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 1/2 months now, and he’s feeling fairly comfortable in his new home. He is building chemistry with his new teammates, who are getting used to his brilliant passes, prolific scoring outbursts and fiery competitiveness.

But the playoffs begin this weekend, and the Lakers know they’re about to see yet another side of their Slovenian superstar.

“I like big games,” Doncic said Thursday with his typical understatement. “The playoffs is a fun time. Everybody plays 100 percent. It’s just fun to be out there.”

Doncic is one of the top playoff performers of his generation, and he is just one year removed from his remarkable effort in carrying the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals despite significant injuries to his right knee, left ankle and chest.

Doncic is healthier now — and he has LeBron James on his side this spring when the third-seeded Lakers begin the first round against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Saturday night.

While Los Angeles drew a difficult opening-round matchup for a team still assembling an identity around its new centerpiece, the Lakers expect to see something special from Doncic.

“Oh man, it’s exciting,” said Lakers swingman Dorian Finney-Smith, Doncic’s teammate for five seasons in Dallas. “I already know bro is going to come with the juice. He loves the moment. Knowing him, probably got to calm him down, too, because he’s going to be barking. It’s going to be exciting.”

Doncic faced Minnesota in the playoffs just last season, and it was one of the finest series performances of his career. He led the Mavericks past the Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference finals, averaging 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals while hitting 23 3-pointers.

Doncic’s entire 2024 postseason was outstanding — incredibly, he led the NBA in playoff points, rebounds and assists — but it wasn’t even his most prolific playoff performance. His 28.9 points per game over the 22-game stretch actually comprised his lowest scoring output in his four trips to the postseason.

Can he do something similar in his first trip to the playoffs with the 17-time NBA champion Lakers? Doncic isn’t guaranteeing anything, but he will be hungry and healthy after getting seven days off since the Lakers clinched the No. 3 seed by beating Houston last Friday.

“The goal is to win a championship,” Doncic said. “I think we have a great team. We have guys that are willing to go to war. Everybody is staying together. The chemistry is high, so I think we for sure have a chance.”

Doncic’s supporting cast in Hollywood is more impressive than it was in Dallas last season, when Kyrie Irving was the only other major offensive contributor. Along with the top scorer in NBA history, the Lakers also have capable third option Austin Reaves and a gallery of solid role players on a team that has gone 19-12 since Doncic arrived.

Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in his 28 games with the Lakers — just 21 of those with both James and Reaves alongside him. That’s not much time to build a championship-winning dynamic, but Doncic and James both have ample experience as postseason leaders and winners.

And whatever Doncic manages to accomplish, his teammates know he’ll do it with style.

“He’s smiling on the court and off the court, talking a lot of trash on the bench or with whatever fans he’s picking out that’s yelling at him, and it’s exciting,” Finney-Smith said. “He brings an excitement to the game. He makes unbelievable passes. That last (regular-season) game, the Houston game, I cut, thinking he wasn’t going to throw the ball to me. He threw it my direction, and he was like, ‘What, you think I didn’t see you?’”


Justin Thomas makes 11 birdies for a 61 to take the lead at Harbor Town

Updated 18 April 2025
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Justin Thomas makes 11 birdies for a 61 to take the lead at Harbor Town

  • Fifty players in the 72-man field broke par on a course that yielded an average score of 69.2
  • Justin Thomas makes 11 birdies for a 61 to take the lead at Harbor Town

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.: Justin Thomas had a round to match the immaculate weather Thursday at Harbor Town with 11 birdies that allowed him to tie the course record with a 10-under 61 to lead the RBC Heritage.

The best shot he hit all day was an 8-iron that dropped near the pin and settled 5 feet away. He missed that birdie putt, one of the few chances he didn’t convert.

There was little to complain about on a day of hardly any wind, a course in mint condition and warm sunshine that added to the RBC Heritage being the ideal place to decompress from the hectic week at the Masters.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, coming off a tie for fourth at the Masters, had very little stress at Harbor Town in a round of 64 that looked easy — which is not to say it felt that way.

“I will never say that golf is easy, ever. Golf is hard,” Scheffler said with a laugh.

But he was out of position only once off the tee and one other time when he went long of a green and both times he saved par. Otherwise, he putted for birdie or better on the other 16 holes and converted enough chances for a start that only looked good — not great — because of Thomas with the lowest score at Harbor Town in 10 years.

Bay Hill winner Russell Henley also had a 64, while Wyndham Clark was another shot back at 65. The group at 66 included former Hilton Head winner Matt Fitzpatrick and Gary Woodland, on the road back from brain surgery and building momentum from a runner-up finish in Houston.

Fifty players in the 72-man field broke par on a course that yielded an average score of 69.2

“I felt like if you compared my four rounds last week to today, today would be a much less stressful round of golf in terms of scrambling for a par,” Scheffler said. “A lot of the stuff I had to do last week I felt like I didn’t have to do today to shoot a good score. The golf course is obviously a bit different, but I was in position most of the day today.

“Overall, yeah, I would say stress-free day.”

Thomas is winless since capturing his second PGA Championship title in 2022, though his game has been trending enough in the right direction that he is No. 8 in the world. The Masters was a disappointment — no round lower than 70, 13 shots behind in a tie for 36th — but he put in some good work at Hilton Head for two days and made it pay off.

Six of his birdie putts were inside 10 feet, and he threw in three birdies from the 35-foot range, one of them on the 17th hole that put him in range of the course record.

He thought he had it with that 8-iron to a front pin on the 18th, which runs along the Calibogue Sound, only to miss the putt. He also missed a 4-foot par putt on the 10th.

“I’ve been playing really well, really solid. Felt good about things,” Thomas said. “I just didn’t play well last week. Put some really good work in the couple days leading into the start today, and I felt prepared. It was just about going out and doing it, and it was nice to do so.”

Among those who played later as the breeze — and nothing more than a breeze — began to pick up was Justin Rose, who lost in a playoff last week. He birdied his last two holes for a 67 to join a group that included Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy decided to skip this signature event even before the Masters got started. Hilton Head was not a course he felt suited him with its tight, tree-lined angles.

Thomas felt differently.

“I love it. I wish we played more places like it,” Thomas said. “I think more architects should design places like this. It kind of stands of test of time, I think. Especially if we continue to get weather like this and if these fairways get firm — the greens are already getting firm — it’s going to be everything we want by the end of the week.”

He got everything he could have wanted — save for that birdie putt on the 18th — at the start of the week.


SPL title race blown wide open as Al-Ittihad lose and Al-Hilal win

Updated 18 April 2025
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SPL title race blown wide open as Al-Ittihad lose and Al-Hilal win

  • Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top of the table has been cut to just four points with six games to play
  • They lost 2-0 at relegation battlers Al-Fateh, while closest rivals Al-Hilal defeated Al-Khaleej 3-0

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad lost 2-0 at Al-Fateh on a dramatic day of Saudi Pro League action, while closest rivals Al-Hilal defeated Al-Khaleej 3-0 to blow the title race wide open with just six games left to play.

Al-Ittihad’s lead at the top of the table has been cut to just four points, and given that Al-Hilal’s goal difference is far superior, there is a lot to play for.

Al-Hilal were the first of the top two to play and made the most of the opportunity to put the league leaders under pressure. Salem Al-Dawsari opened the scoring after 26 minutes. Kaio Cesar twisted and turned in the area and the Brazilian’s pass to the left-hand corner of the six-yard area was swiftly converted by the 2022 Asian Player of the Year.

With six minutes of the game remaining, the Saudi international struck again to seal the win. Aleksandar Mitrovic found Al-Dawsari on the edge of the area, who took a touch and then slotted home. There was still enough time for Mitrovic to remove all doubt about the result.

The victory meant Al-Ittihad had to win to restore their advantage at the top of the league. However it was Amine Sbai who opened the scoring for Al-Fateh after just 10 minutes, shooting high into the net from just inside the area.

Ten minutes before the break Mourad Batna missed a chance to put his team further ahead from the spot. The Moroccan must have felt a bit better about his miss nine minutes later when Al-Ittihad midfielder Fabinho saw his penalty, after a handball in the area, saved by Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

And so the score remained 1-0 (though Karim Benzema had a goal ruled out for offside just after the hour mark) until the 69th minute, when Matias Vargas ran onto to a long ball over the top from deep and slotted past Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Mahasneh. That was the end of the scoring and the victory moved Al-Fateh into 13th place in the league, four points clear of the relegation places.

Third-place Al-Nassr have a chance to pile more pressure onto Al-Ittihad on Saturday, as a win at Al-Qadsiah would move them within five points of the leaders.