RIYADH: Ahead of the SAFF Women’s Cup final on Wednesday night, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah coaches and players have spoken to Arab News about their football journeys, and predicted a bright future for the women’s game in the Kingdom.
Taking place on March 19 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the match will feature two of the top teams in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning women’s football scene.
Manar Fraij, Al-Ahli’s football coach, said that the Saudi league was competing to be one of the best leagues in the Arab world, even at the level of Africa and Asia.
“The presence of players who meet high standards supports the Saudi league and draws more attention to it,” she said. “It has helped Saudi players to interact with experienced players, those who’ve played in the biggest international and global events. All of this benefits the Saudi players, the Saudi league, and the Saudi national team. I expect that in about three years, the Saudi women’s national team will reach a very high level.”
She highlighted the growth of female players in the Kingdom, noting a surge in new players under the age of 15.
“It’s all part of the infrastructure that the Saudi federation is working on in a sequential, excellent manner. Today, the mindset of the Saudi player has changed … Today, I’m seeing professionalism in the game. Saudi Arabia has started to show up on the scene.
“Their commitment beyond training, even off the field, is reflected in their performance, and it’s clear, whether in the achievements of the Saudi national team or the Saudi league. When I see a 19-year-old Saudi player running alongside a 30-year-old professional who’s played in Europe and the Champions League, that’s something truly impressive.”
Fraij said that the Saudi league had become desirable for players internationally, but she emphasized that the Kingdom’s players should be given the opportunity to play.
“We’ve seen this year’s signings — clubs have brought in players of a very high level,” she said. “Of course, it’s good; the more professionals there are, the better. But on the condition that Saudi players still get their chance in the league and in the cup, so that cohesion remains clear, and we keep building the foundation and gaining experience for the Saudi national team.”
Morocco international and Al-Ahli captain, Ibtissam Jraidi, said that the league this year was different to last year, pointing out that there had been major improvement and development.
“Even the efforts from the Saudi Federation to support Saudi girls in achieving their dreams, letting them play matches and play football, have made a difference,” she said. “Honestly, even the Saudi players themselves have improved a lot. I can see it clearly, even among the girls in my team and in other teams as well. They’ve developed so quickly, and that’s really nice and positive. The attention and support from the Saudi Federation are what helped them develop like this.”
The captain, who became the first Arab to score a goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, said that she prepares herself by focusing solely on the match.
“I don’t think about anything else so that I can perform at my true level on the field — to help my team and my teammates. My mind is on the match, and specifically on what I need to do on the field, and nothing else.”
Luis Andrade, head coach of Al-Qadsiah, told Arab News that the journey to the final had been built on belief, teamwork and determination.
“We have overcome big challenges to be here, and we are ready to take the next step,” he said. “Our players have shown incredible character throughout this competition, and we aim to make history for the club and our fans.”
Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah captain Rayanne Machado said that playing in the final was a dream come true for their team.
“We have worked so hard to reach this stage, and we are fully prepared to fight for the title,” she said. “We respect Al-Ahli’s quality, but we believe in ourselves and our ability to bring this trophy home for Al-Qadsiah.”
This is the second SAFF Women’s Cup, which began in October, and saw 16 teams from both the Saudi Women’s Premier League and the Saudi Women’s First Division League competing for glory. A campaign by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, #SeeOurGlory, was launched earlier in the week to celebrate the event and encourage fans to attend the final.
Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah stars foresee bright future for Saudi game ahead of SAFF Women’s Cup final
https://arab.news/mrx8r
Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah stars foresee bright future for Saudi game ahead of SAFF Women’s Cup final
- The second competition will take place at Kingdom Arena on Wednesday night
- Manar Fraij, Al-Ahli’s football coach, said that the Saudi league was competing to be one of the best leagues in the Arab world
Stage set for 37th Dubai Desert Classic at Majlis Course
- World-class field includes 4-time champion Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson and Open Champion Shane Lowry
DUBAI: As the world’s best golfers begin arriving at Emirates Golf Club ahead of the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai season, taking place at Majlis Course from Jan. 22-25, the stage is set for the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Record four-time champion Rory McIlroy returns to the “Major of the Middle East” where he debuted as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in 2006, marking the 20th anniversary of his first appearance. The reigning Masters champion and five-time Major winner will chase a historic fifth Dallah Trophy as part of a stellar field including defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, FedEx Cup Champion Tommy Fleetwood, 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry, 2022 HDDC champion Viktor Hovland, Rolex Series winner Nicolai Hojgaard, PGA Tour victor Ryan Fox and rising star Tom McKibbin.
Former world No. 1 and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also returns to Dubai, while UAE national golfer Ahmad Skaik joins the field as a professional for the first time, highlighting the tournament’s continued commitment to supporting regional talent.
Matthew Perry, course superintendent at Emirates Golf Club, oversees a team of more than 100 that ensures the golf course lives up to its reputation as one of the best in world golf.
“Preparations have gone really, really well for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic,” he said. “We came out of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in a good place back in October, which really set us up nicely to push through and get things ready. All areas are in good condition — the greens are in great shape and we’re now reducing heights and increasing cuts and rolls to get the speed required by the Tour.
“The team has worked tremendously hard over the last couple of weeks building up to this tournament, and we expect really good feedback from the players. We always set very high standards given it (is) a Rolex Series event and such a prestigious tournament.
“One thing we really focused on last year was tidying all the desert areas, which are now presenting very well. Overall, I’m really happy with the course condition going into event week — it gets the juices flowing for what will be a busy week for us, but also a rewarding one.”
During tournament week, the agronomy team grows to include 105 staff members, including seconded personnel from Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates, all working together to ensure every blade of grass meets the exacting standards expected at a Rolex Series event.
Simon Corkill, executive tournament director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “The synergy between our tournament operations team and the Dubai Golf agronomy team is vital to delivering a world-class event. The work that Matt and his team do is remarkable — bringing the course to peak condition at exactly the right time is an exact science, and they deliver year after year to championship standards. With our strongest field in recent memory and preparations running smoothly, we’re ready to welcome players and fans for what promises to be a thrilling 37th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.”
