Tourism 3 min read

Eastern Province football tournament draw held, eight teams announced

The Eastern Province football tournament draw took place last Wednesday, launching a competition that features eight city and provincial teams divided into two groups. The event, held at the Versailles Palace in Al Khobar, marks the start of the season under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif.

Eastern Province football tournament draw held, eight teams announced
Photo: Anete Lūsiņa / Unsplash
In this story
  1. At a glance
  2. The details
  3. What this means for travellers
  4. Who this affects
  5. Frequently asked questions

At a glance

What changes
Draw ceremony launches the Eastern Province football tournament with eight teams
Timing
Ceremony held last Wednesday, competition to start later this year
Who is affected
Teams from eight cities and provinces in the Eastern Province

The details

Announced by
Eastern Province Secretariat, represented by Engineer Fahd bin Mohammed Al‑Jubeir
New rule
The tournament is now officially launched, with the participating teams assigned to two groups following the draw.

Launch of the Eastern Province Football Tournament

On the evening of last Wednesday, Mahmoud bin Hassan Al‑Ratouei, deputy secretary for services, presided over the draw ceremony for the Eastern Province football tournament. The event took place at the Versailles Palace for Events in Al Khobar and was attended by regional officials, sports figures, media representatives and sponsors. Prince Saud bin Naif, the Emir of the Eastern Province, endorsed the competition, emphasizing its role in promoting youth sport.

Participating Teams and Group Draw

Eight teams representing cities and governorates were drawn into two groups. Group One comprises the teams from Baqi, Dhahran, Al Khobar and Qatif governorates. Group Two includes the teams from Dammam city, Jubail, Ras Tanura and Khafji governorates. The grouping sets the schedule for the upcoming qualifying matches.

  • Group One: Baqi, Dhahran, Al Khobar, Qatif
  • Group Two: Dammam, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Khafji

Support, Objectives and Future Outlook

The tournament enjoys the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif, who highlighted the importance of sports in fostering community spirit. Organisers thanked the Eastern Province Secretary, Engineer Fahd bin Mohammed Al‑Jubeir, for the logistical support provided by the regional administration. The competition aims to strengthen ties among the province’s youth, provide a platform for local talent and enhance the region’s sporting profile.

What this means for travellers

Trip planning

  • Travelers planning to attend matches should monitor official channels for the match schedule and venue details.
  • Visitors to Al Khobar can combine the tournament with other regional attractions during the competition period.
  • No existing travel bookings are affected by the draw; the tournament dates are yet to be announced.

Cost and documents

  • The draw announcement does not introduce any new fees or documentation requirements for attendees.
  • Ticket pricing and purchase procedures will be released later by the tournament organizers.

What you need to do

  • Interested fans should watch for ticket sale announcements on the Eastern Province sports website.
  • Travel agents may want to note the event in their regional activity calendars for potential group bookings.
  • Keep an eye on local news for updates on match dates and transportation arrangements.

Who this affects

  • Football fans traveling to the Eastern Province

    The tournament will host matches in Al Khobar and other cities within the province.

    What to do Check the official schedule and ticket information once released.

  • Sports journalists covering Saudi regional events

    The draw marks the start of a new regional competition with eight participating teams.

    What to do Arrange accreditation and plan coverage according to the forthcoming match calendar.

  • Local residents attending matches

    Matches will be held in venues across the Eastern Province after the draw.

    What to do Follow local announcements for venue locations, dates and ticketing procedures.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Eastern Province football tournament draw held?

The draw ceremony took place last Wednesday evening at the Versailles Palace for Events in Al Khobar.

Which teams are participating in the tournament?

Eight teams from the Eastern Province will compete: Baqi, Dhahran, Al Khobar, Qatif, Dammam, Jubail, Ras Tanura and Khafji.

How are the teams divided for the competition?

The draw placed the eight teams into two groups, with four teams in each group as announced during the ceremony.

Who is sponsoring the Eastern Province football tournament?

The tournament is under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif, Emir of the Eastern Province, and supported by the Eastern Province Secretariat.

Where can I find information about tickets and match dates?

Ticket sales and the full match schedule will be published later by the tournament organizers on the official Eastern Province sports website.

Sections

eastern province football tournament saudi football tournament 2026 eastern province sports events football draw eastern province saudi eastern province football teams mahmmoud al ratouei football
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