Memories of Maradona: Unforgettable day in 1987 when football’s greatest star played for Al-Ahli

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Updated 22 September 2024
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Memories of Maradona: Unforgettable day in 1987 when football’s greatest star played for Al-Ahli

Memories of Maradona: Unforgettable day in 1987 when football’s greatest star played for Al-Ahli

RIYADH: Saudi fans of Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, have special memories of watching him play when he pulled on an Al-Ahli jersey for a match in Jeddah in 1987.

The Argentine star came to the Kingdom to play as a guest when Al-Ahli celebrated its 50th anniversary with a friendly match against Danish side Brondby. Those who were lucky enough to be in the crowd and see him in action were surely left in no doubt he was the best player the world has ever seen.




Legendary Diego Maradona played an exhibition match for Al-Ahli in Jeddah in 1987. (X)

One of those fans, Gharman Al-Ghamdi, told Arab News: “It was indeed a great moment for us to see Maradona, the greatest footballer, play in our backyard on the special occasion of our club celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“It was an amazing feeling. It is an indescribable feeling when you see the best player in the world representing your team. Of course this could not (often) happen in the world at that time, when the means of communication and television channels were not of the same quality and abundance as these days.

“And imagine, almost 40 years ago, having this feeling, because Al-Ahli has been a big club for a long time now. Two years ago, (more) Saudi football fans started to feel what it feels like when a world star represents their team, like Al-Nassr now with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Ittihad with Karim Benzema.”




Legendary Diego Maradona played an exhibition match for Al-Ahli in Jeddah in 1987. (X)

Almost 40 years later, Al-Ghamdi still has clear memories of the game in which, energized by the presence of their superstar guest, Al-Ahli recorded a convincing 5-2 victory over their European opponents.

“On that fateful night in 1987, Al-Ahli played a great match, knowing that (members of their) main team (were) in the national team camp and were not allowed to participate in that match, in which Maradona scored two goals, Amin Dabo scored two goals and Bandar Surour scored one goal,” he said.

Maradona’s first was an extravagant lob over the Brondby goalkeeper. His second was an effortless flick that sent the crowd in the packed stadium wild.

If the Saudi fans were elated, Maradona’s bosses at Napoli, his club at the time, were less thrilled, afraid that their prize asset might suffer an injury. But Maradona, famed for always playing by his own rules, went ahead with the match regardless.




Legendary Diego Maradona played an exhibition match for Al-Ahli in Jeddah in 1987. (X)

Born in 1960 and raised in a shanty town on the outskirts of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, Maradona made his World Cup finals debut in Spain in 1982.

He then led Argentina to victory at the 1986 finals in Mexico, when he was at the peak of his form. His performances during the competition ensured he would forever be considered national hero and a global football superstar.

Most memorably, Maradona scored both of his team’s goals in an unforgettable 2-1 quarter-final victory over England. The first goal proved particularly controversial, as replays clearly showed the player had punched the ball into the net. The referee missed this, however, and Maradona later described the incident as ‘the hand of God.’ He went on to score a second, after dribbling past almost the entire England team, which is regarded as one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time.




Gharman Al Ghamdi, a Maradona fan, who watched his icon play the match for Al-Ahli in Jeddah in 1987, with his entry ticket. (Supplied to AN Gharman Al Ghamdi)

Mahfooz Shaikh, another long-time Maradona fan, told Arab News: “The Argentine superstar, with his magical ability on the ground, built a legendary status for himself. He attained global fame and status as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen after the 1986 World Cup. It could be argued that he single-handedly carried that Argentina side to World Cup glory.”

Mexico ’86 was the stage on which Maradona showed the world there was finally a worthy challenger for Pele’s throne as the greatest footballer of all time, Shaikh added.


Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for global peace talks in Riyadh

Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for global peace talks in Riyadh
Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for global peace talks in Riyadh

Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for global peace talks in Riyadh
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed relations with both France and the US, ways to strengthen ties across various sectors, as well as regional and international developments
  • Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the talks between Russia and the US in Riyadh, highlighting the Saudi commitment to global peace and security

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired a Cabinet session in Riyadh on Tuesday and briefed ministers on his recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the talks, he discussed relations with both countries, ways to strengthen ties across various sectors, as well as regional and international developments.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the talks between Russia and the US in Riyadh, highlighting the Saudi commitment to global peace and security.

The Council of Ministers reviewed the government’s recent activities, particularly those aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. It also discussed the outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in regional and international meetings, highlighting its commitment to collective efforts and expanding cooperation to achieve its aspirations and objectives.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call, expressed during the 42nd Arab Interior Ministers Council, to enhance security cooperation, coordinate efforts to combat crime and develop a comprehensive security strategy to address shared challenges.

The council said that the Kingdom’s presidency of the GlobE Network reflects the international community’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to drive a major shift in consolidating cooperation among member states, enhancing policies and developing tools to effectively combat corruption.

The Cabinet welcomed the Jeddah Declaration issued by the 13th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World. The declaration outlines a shared vision for leveraging culture to drive social and economic progress, safeguard Islamic heritage and foster collaboration to address global challenges.

For the occasion of Founding Day, observed on Feb. 22, the Cabinet expressed pride in the history of the Saudi state, its deep-rooted heritage and its three-century-long civilization. It commended the nation’s achievements in fostering unity, justice and continuous progress.

The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom’s prominent position among the top 10 global markets for battery energy storage, marked by the start of operations at the 2,000-megawatt-hour-capacity Bisha project. This reflects the transformation of the energy sector and the Kingdom’s leadership in energy production as well as export.

The Cabinet commended the opening of regional headquarters for 600 international companies within the Kingdom, highlighting global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s economic stability, promising growth trajectory and strategic geographic location, supported by exceptional talent and expertise.


Saudi crown prince receives Russian FM in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
Updated 29 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives Russian FM in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
  • During the meeting, aspects of Saudi-Russian relations and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields were reviewed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During the meeting, aspects of Saudi-Russian relations and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields were reviewed, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Developments in regional and international events, views on them, and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability were also discussed by the officials. 

The meeting came after Lavrov participated in US-Russian talks hosted by the Kingdom on ending the war in Ukraine. 


World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition

World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition
Updated 18 February 2025
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World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition

World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition
  • Next edition will be held under the theme The Future of Defense Integration, showcasing the latest technology in air, land, sea, and space
  • Organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, the event is a key part of the Kingdom’s ambition to localize 50 percent of its defense spending by 2030

RIYADH: Organizers of Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show have announced an expanded exhibition area with several new sections for its third edition, which will be held in February 2026.

An additional hall will increase floor space to a total of 273,000 square meters, more than 58 percent larger than the first edition in 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than 65 percent of the exhibition space is already sold out, according to the report.

The next edition will be held under the theme “The Future of Defense Integration,” showcasing the latest technology in air, land, sea, and space.

Organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, the event is a key part of the Kingdom’s ambition to localize 50 percent of its defense spending by 2030.

The next edition will be the most successful yet, said the event’s CEO Andrew Percy, as reported by SPA.

There will be more local and international participation, and the exhibition will focus more closely on technology including unmanned and marine defense systems.

New programs in the upcoming edition will include a defense and security industry lab, and an exhibition of future technologies.

A Saudi supply chain zone will allow local small and medium-sized enterprises to network with key players in global supply chains.

Positive feedback from the last two editions exceeded expectations, Percy said, allowing organizers to set new ambitious goals for this upcoming event.

The World Defense Show was first held in 2022 on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh.

It attracted 600 exhibitors from 42 countries, 82 military and defense delegations, and 65 thousand visitors from 85 countries, according to GAMI.

The second edition in 2024 saw over 106,000 people attend, with 441 delegations from 116 countries.

A total of 61 purchase contracts worth SR26 billion ($6.9 billion) were signed, according to GAMI.


Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference

Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference
Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference

Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference
  • Saudi interior minister, Moroccan PM discuss security cooperation
  • Kingdom reaffirms its focus on reducing traffic fatalities through tech, collaboration 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in Marrakesh on Tuesday.

Their meeting, held on the sidelines of the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, reviewed ongoing security cooperation and discussed various issues of mutual interest.

Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Sami Al-Saleh, Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, and several senior officials attended the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In his speech at the conference, Prince Abdulaziz commended Morocco’s efforts in hosting the event, highlighting its crucial role in fostering cooperation on road safety, protecting lives, and addressing challenges in the field.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to road safety, recognizing it as a key public health, security, and economic priority.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the alarming global impact of road accidents, with over 1.3 million fatalities annually and millions more suffering severe injuries that hinder personal and national progress.

Stressing the need for effective strategies, he called for the development of mechanisms to reduce injuries and work toward a future with fewer road casualties.

Prince Abdulaziz underscored the profound social, economic, and health impact of traffic-related injuries, emphasizing the Kingdom’s determination to tackle these challenges through innovation and commitment.

He reaffirmed that, under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to creating sustainable and safer road environments in alignment with global road safety objectives and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the Kingdom’s traffic safety initiatives, including a ministerial-level committee that has contributed to a more than 50 percent reduction in traffic-related fatalities over the past seven years.

He also emphasized the transformative role of technology in road safety, stating that Saudi Arabia will leverage AI-driven traffic management systems and IoT solutions to reduce fatalities and injuries. These innovations will enhance urban mobility, creating safer and more efficient road networks across the Kingdom.


Historic Baran village draws winter tourists

Historic Baran village draws winter tourists
Updated 18 February 2025
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Historic Baran village draws winter tourists

Historic Baran village draws winter tourists

RIYADH: Nestled among the mountainous slopes of Qilwah governorate in Baha, the village of Baran stands as a captivating cultural landmark and boasts over 500 years of history.

It is a draw for tourists and history enthusiasts, particularly in winter when the weather is refreshing and the surrounding landscapes are at their most picturesque, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Saeed Al-Zahrani, a 73-year-old resident, said the village was constructed from stone, sidr wood and white quartz. Doors and windows are adorned with intricate architectural engravings, highlighting Baran’s unique heritage.

Atiya Al-Zahrani, another resident, said the village consisted of several multi-story buildings, ranging from three to four floors. At its heart are expansive agricultural terraces, which have long served as residents’ primary livelihoods, providing fertile soil for growing crops.

In a recent effort to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Heritage Commission has added 25 new sites, including Baran village, to the National Register of Architectural Heritage.

This initiative is part of the commission's broader efforts to archive and digitize heritage sites across the country, ensuring conservation of its rich legacy.