Saudi Arabia and the UAE meet in the Gulf Cup 27 final in Jeddah tonight as the Green seek a title absent since 2004
The attention of Gulf football fans will turn to Jeddah on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2026, as Saudi Arabia face the United Arab Emirates in the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup, “Gulf Cup 27.” The match gives the Green a chance to reclaim the title after a long absence, while the UAE’s Whites seek to add a third championship to their record.
The match will be played at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City and will kick off at 9 p.m. Saudi time, according to the final schedule and tournament reports. The encounter follows strong campaigns by both teams in the competition, which has been hosted by Jeddah since September 23.
How did the Green reach the final?
Saudi Arabia entered the tournament in Group A and topped the group after victories over Kuwait, Oman and Iraq, while keeping clean sheets throughout the group stage. In the semifinals, the Green faced Qatar in a match that went 120 minutes without a goal before they secured their place in the final with a 3-2 victory on penalties.
Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais stood out with important saves during the shootout, while Mukhtar Ali scored the decisive penalty that sent Saudi Arabia through to the final. Reaching the title match gives the Saudi team an opportunity to end a wait dating back to its last Gulf Cup triumph in 2004.
UAE reach final after overcoming Oman
On the other side, the UAE topped their group after defeating Yemen and Bahrain and drawing with Qatar. In the semifinals, they beat Oman 1-0 with a goal scored by Othman Kamara, reaching the final for the first time since 2018.
The UAE team are seeking their third title in the competition, having previously won in 2007 and 2013. The side is coached by Zlatko Dalić, who said his players are ready for the much-anticipated clash with the hosts.
Jeddah prepares for a major Gulf football night
The match has generated clear fan interest, particularly with the final being held in Saudi Arabia. Reuters reported that the available seats on six flights arranged by the UAE Football Association to transport fans to Jeddah sold out within 10 minutes, underscoring the level of interest in the match.
The Competitions Committee of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation also reviewed arrangements for the final in Jeddah, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate the match, assisted by a team that includes assistant referees and video assistant referee technology.
Saudi Arabia vs. UAE: Match details
Match: Saudi Arabia vs. the UAE — Gulf Cup 27 final.
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Venue: Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah.
Time: 9:00 p.m. Saudi time.
With Saudi Arabia eager to end an absence of more than two decades from the Gulf championship podium and the UAE seeking to reclaim the title after 13 years, the match promises to be a major football night that will determine the champion of the 27th edition.
Sources
Saudi Press Agency (SPA); Reuters; Arab News; Gulf News.
