UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Saudi Arabia’s King, Crown Prince and people on the country’s Gulf Cup 27 triumph. The hosts defeated the UAE national team 2-0 in Tuesday night’s final in Jeddah. Following the match, Sheikh Mohamed praised the performance and sportsmanship of both teams in a message posted on X.

“I congratulate King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia on winning the Gulf Cup 27 football tournament. I also commend the outstanding performance and exemplary sportsmanship shown by the UAE and Saudi teams in this match,” the UAE President wrote. He also praised the successful organisation of the tournament and wished all brotherly nations success in future sporting competitions.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also posted a separate message on X congratulating King Salman, the Crown Prince and the Saudi people on the national team’s victory. He praised the exceptional performance and sportsmanship of both finalists. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, also congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leaders and people, saying: “We are proud of the UAE national team, which represented the country throughout the tournament with determination, distinction and sportsmanship.”

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Saudi Arabia defeated the UAE on Tuesday, October 6, at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, with goals from Homam Al-Hammami and Firas Al-Buraikan in the opening 15 minutes, lifting the trophy for a fourth time. The Green Falcons had previously won the title in 1994, 2002 and 2003-04, making this their first championship in 22 years. The UAE, led by new Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalic, were seeking a third title after their triumphs in 2007 and 2013.

In January 2025, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also congratulated Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a similar message on X after Bahrain won the 26th edition of the tournament. In the message, he praised the performances of finalists Bahrain and Oman, as well as Kuwait’s successful organisation of the competition.