By Amal Al-Saeed

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — For the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Federation for Community Sports is organizing the first Gulf women’s football tournament from March 1 to 6.

A total of 16 teams will participate in the knockout tournament, titled “The Football Unites Us,” at the Green Hall of Al-Khobar Sports City.

Several women’s football clubs from within the Kingdom as well as from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman will participate in the tournament, which will be held under the patronage of Prince Saud Bin Naif, Emir of the Eastern Province.

The Saudi clubs participating in the tournament include Al-Shuala Al-Sharqiyah, Al-Yamamah, Lourdes, United Eagles, Royals, Jeddah Eagles, and Kings’ Union.

Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Sanaa Al-Ateeq, general manager of one of the companies specialized in organizing exhibitions and conventions, said that the tournament will kick off with an official inaugural event, of which the major highlight will be a musical performance by 50 young Saudi women, titled “I come here” and this will be staged under the supervision of designer Hanouf Al-Duwaihi.

The inaugural event will be followed by two football matches. There will be four matches daily in the succeeding days.

Apart from football, sport events such as tennis, basketball and table tennis will be held at the venue in addition to musical programs.

Outdoor spaces will be made available for children’s games, healthy sports and healthy meals with the availability of food courts, and these will be meant not only for women, but also for their families, Al-Ateeq added.

Lima Al-Enezy, a player of Al-Yamamah Club, said that her team is ready to participate in the tournament and will compete for the title of champions of the first women’s football tournament at the Gulf level.