Saudi Arabia Privatizes Three Football Clubs
Ownership of the clubs has officially been transferred to private investors following the completion of regulatory procedures and company formation by the National Center for Privatization.
Al-Zulfi FC will now be owned by Najm Al-Salam Company, Al-Kholood by Harburg Group, and Al-Ansar by Awda Al-Baladi & Sons Company.
This follows the August 2024 announcement of six clubs slated for privatization: Al-Ansar, Al-Okhdood, Al-Kholood, Al-Zulfi, Al-Orouba, and Al-Nahda.
The three remaining clubs — Al-Nahda, Al-Okhdood, and Al-Orouba — are still under evaluation. Al-Nahda has completed its bid submission period, while the other two did not meet the qualification requirements.
Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal hailed the milestone, saying: 'With the leadership's support, we are witnessing a historic moment in Saudi sports. This step reflects the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.'
He also congratulated the clubs and welcomed the private sector as a key partner in driving forward the Kingdom's sports development.
The ministry emphasized that future privatizations will proceed based on club readiness, investor interest, and competitive tendering. It has opened the door for further expressions of interest via its official website, aiming to continue building a competitive, professional sports sector.
Privatization efforts are part of a larger push to raise operational efficiency, enhance governance, and attract private sector partnerships across Saudi sports, creating a modern sports industry aligned with the Kingdom's strategic goals.
Also read: Saudi Arabia: AlUla Moments 2025–26 Calendar: Full Guide For UAE Travellers To Festivals, Art And Sport
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
10 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Ebdaa links Tech to Climate goals
TDT | Manama Ebdaa Microfinance Company has been honoured with the 2025 Digital Transformation Leadership Award by the World Union of Arab Bankers for becoming the first Arab microfinance institution to connect full digitalisation with carbon emission reduction. The award underscores Bahrain-based Ebdaa's position as a regional pioneer in combining financial innovation with climate-conscious technology adoption in the microfinance sector. Prestigious Recognition Ebdaa's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Khaled Al-Ghazawi received the award during a high-level ceremony hosted by the World Union of Arab Bankers at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut. The event was attended by senior dignitaries including Dr. Wissam H. Fattouh, General Secretariat of the Union, along with local, Arab and international officials, and a representative of the President of Lebanon. Senior team members from Ebdaa who also attended included Mr. Yousif Qamber, Senior Supervisor of HR and Administrative Affairs, Mr. Hamzah Qtaishat, Senior Collection Officer, and Mr. Ali Issa, Senior IT Officer. Microfinance with a Mission 'This award is a testament to Ebdaa's leadership in advancing digital transformation within the microfinance sector,' said Dr. Al-Ghazawi. 'We are proud to be the first Arab microfinance institution to actively pursue carbon emission reduction through full digitalisation. This achievement reflects the strength of Bahrain's innovation ecosystem, supported by progressive regulatory frameworks, a solid ICT infrastructure, and a growing culture of digital awareness and adoption.' GCC Expansion Vision Dr. Al-Ghazawi added that the award serves as motivation for continued innovation in financial service delivery. He praised the dedication of the Ebdaa team for playing a key role in implementing top-tier digital solutions. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to staying ahead of evolving customer expectations and promoting financial inclusion through accessible and efficient services. 'At Ebdaa, we remain committed to investing in the latest technologies to deliver a seamless, future-ready banking experience that reflects our vision of contributing to economic and social development,' he said. 'These efforts form part of our broader strategic direction to expand our digital service offerings across the GCC region in the near future.'
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Saudi Arabia's Watermelon Harvest Surpasses 610,000 Tons
Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector is enjoying a fruitful summer with watermelon production topping 610,000 tons, making it one of the Kingdom's most abundant and in-demand seasonal crops this year. Known for its refreshing taste and high nutritional value, watermelon remains a summertime favorite across the country. Popular varieties found in Saudi markets include Charleston Gray, Klondike R7, Congo, Royal Sweet, and Crimson Round, each praised for their quality and flavor. Beyond fresh consumption, watermelon plays a significant role in the Kingdom's food processing industries—used in products like juices, ice creams, and candies —and contributes to the growing local economy. This agricultural success aligns with Saudi Arabia's national goals for food security and self-sufficiency, particularly in seasonal fruit production. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture continues to back farmers through technical support, financial aid, and the implementation of modern farming technologies. Additionally, marketing initiatives and local exhibitions are helping streamline supply chains and boost the visibility of local produce, further enhancing the sector's economic impact.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Shake Off Saudi Scare to March Into Final
TDT | Manama The stage is set for a fitting finale to the WAVA Men's Volleyball Championship 2025, with hosts Bahrain facing an unbeaten Qatar side in tonight's gold medal match. Both arrived in peak form, but their semi-final wins followed sharply different arcs. Bahrain Finally Blink Bahrain's 3–1 win over Saudi Arabia (26–28, 25–16, 25–22, 25–22) was the first time the hosts had dropped a set in the tournament. They led 23–20 in the opener, only to collapse under a string of errors and a great service run from Marwan Al Hawasawi, who ended as top scorer with 23 points. That early stumble jolted the Bahrainis into action. In the second set, their reliable trio—Naser Anan, Ali Ebrahim, and Mohammed Yaqoob—found rhythm. Anan later admitted they were briefly caught out. 'They came out aggressive and pushed us off balance,' he said. 'We weren't sharp enough on serve or block, and that's on us. But we stayed together, stuck to our system, and earned the win.' Yaqoob echoed him: 'We'd played two friendlies against Saudi and knew they had quality, but we weren't expecting the intensity they brought tonight. It caught us off guard. Now we prepare for Qatar and it's never an easy match against them.' With Hassan Al Warqaa dominant in the middle and Bahrain's wings clicking, the second set swung their way 25–16. Saudi pressed through Mohammed Adel and Al Hawasawi, but coach Arnaud Josserand's late third-set sub Mohammed Anan shifted the tone. Bahrain sealed the next two sets 25–22. Statistically, Bahrain edged it: 101 total points to Saudi's 88, 12 blocks to five, and fewer errors (28 to 34). Both sides served two aces, but Saudi's 18 service errors were costly compared to Bahrain's 12. Qatar Stay Clinical, Wadidie Leads Earlier, Qatar swept aside Oman 3–0 (25–18, 25–19, 25– 20). Raimi Wadidie starred with 17 points, including three blocks and two aces. 'We knew Oman would be aggressive, it's a semi-final,' said Waleed Mohamed Widatalla. 'But we stayed focused and followed the plan.' Qatar reached the final with straight-sets wins over Lebanon (twice) and Kuwait. Bahrain had done the same to Jordan, Lebanon, UAE and Kuwait before this semi. With 2024 Arab Championship and 2025 AVC Nations Cup titles already secured, Bahrain are one match away from a third crown in less than a year. But tonight's 7pm final at Isa bin Rashed Volleyball Hall will test them, because Qatar haven't blinked either. Entry is free for all.
