Saudi Arabia defeat UAE to clinch Gulf Cup title

Saudi Arabia have been crowned Arabian Gulf Cup champions, beating the UAE 2-0 in the final in Jeddah to claim a fourth regional title.

The hosts struck twice in the opening stages, with Hammam Al-Hamami putting them ahead in the 11th minute before Firas Al-Buraikan added a second goal just minutes later.

The victory at King Abdullah Sports City ends Saudi Arabia's long wait for regional success and caps an unbeaten campaign on home soil.

Saudi Arabia had reached the final after edging Qatar 3-2 on penalties following a goalless semi-final, while the UAE booked their place in the title decider with a 1-0 victory over Oman.

For the UAE, the defeat ends a campaign that saw them reach their first Gulf Cup final since 2018.

The Whites were bidding for a third regional title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2013.