Saudi Sports Events Proceed Amidst Intensified Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a period of heightened tension due to escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. In the past week, assaults on airports in Riyadh, Abha, Jazan, and Najran have resulted in casualties and significant destruction, posing a major security challenge that casts a shadow over the nation's live sports scene. This report examines the current status of sporting events in the kingdom.

Football (Saudi Pro League)

Despite deadly attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the weekend that claimed 13 lives and injured hundreds, the Saudi Pro League continued its matches on Sunday. Al Shabab secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Al Taawoun in Riyadh, while Al Fayha and Al Riyadh ended their game in a draw. The match between Abha and Al Faisaly has been rescheduled for later this month. The league is set to resume this Thursday.

Football (Asian Champions League)

Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Al Nassr, hosted Uzbekistan's Neftchi in an AFC Champions League Elite match in Riyadh on Monday. The game proceeded amidst some uncertainty, particularly after training sessions at Al Awwal Park were canceled. Although the kick-off was delayed due to a security alert from Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence, the match eventually took place, with Al Nassr achieving a comfortable 3-1 win. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad is scheduled to face Shabab Al Ahli in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Image caption: Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo after the AFC Champions League Elite match against Neftchi at the Al Awwal Park in Riyadh. Reuters

Tennis (Six Kings Slam)

The third edition of the Six Kings Slam, featuring top male tennis players and broadcast on Netflix from October 21-24, is slated to proceed as planned. Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Alex de Minaur, and Taylor Fritz are expected to compete at the ANB Arena. Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, has been replaced by Learner Tien in the lineup. Ticket sales are ongoing, and no alterations to the event have been announced.

Boxing (Alvarez v Mbilli)

Boxing icon Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is scheduled to fight Christian Mbilli for the WBC super middleweight title in Riyadh on October 31. Despite recent deadly strikes in the city, organiser Turki Alalshikh confirmed that the bout will go ahead, quoting Alvarez as stating his commitment to fight in Riyadh regardless of the circumstances, emphasizing his lack of fear.

WWE Crown Jewel

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Crown Jewel event is scheduled for November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium, marking the 16th WWE event in Saudi Arabia under a decade-long partnership. The event will feature Roman Reigns against Sami Zayn and Liv Morgan versus Chelsea Green in the women's division.

Riyadh Racing Season

The 2026/27 racing season in Riyadh is set to commence on Friday and conclude on April 17 of the following year. The six-month season will feature 69 races with a total prize pool of 197.8 million Saudi riyals.