30,000 free tickets reportedly distributed for Saudi Arabia's opening Gulf Cup match

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has begun offering free tickets for their first game of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, following fan complaints about ticket prices. The match against Kuwait will take place at Alinma Stadium, also known as the Jewel, on Wednesday, coinciding with Saudi National Day. Initially, tickets were priced from 45 to 120 Saudi riyals, but fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that the cost was too high, especially nearing the end of the month.

Prices ranged from 45 SAR (Dh 48.85) for standard tickets to 127 SAR (Dh 124) for seats in the front section, 102 SAR (Dh 99.65) around the corners, and 75 SAR (Dh 73.28) behind the goals. Now, over 30,000 fans can attend the opening match at the Holiday Inn Jeddah Gate for free, from 4:30pm to 11:30pm local time on September 22.

The free ticket distribution is part of the celebrations surrounding Saudi National Day, which falls on the same day as the match. The Gulf Cup 27 features eight teams competing in 15 matches from September 23 to October 6. Kuwait holds the record for the most wins (10), while Saudi Arabia has three, and United Arab Emirates has won it twice, hoping to claim their first Arabian Gulf Cup since 2013.