Jeddah:The Arabian Gulf Cup, a football tournament that originated in the late 1960s, was proposed by Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region, to foster unity among the Gulf states through sport.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Bahrain hosted the first edition of the tournament in 1970, with the participation of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Since its inception, the event has grown to include all Gulf states, Iraq, and Yemen, becoming a significant occasion for millions of fans across the region.

Jeddah is now hosting the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to sports and its emergence as a key location for major sporting events and championships. The tournament continues to play a vital role in developing football within the Gulf, nurturing local talent, and elevating the level of competition among national teams.