On a crucial night in the Saudi Professional League, young striker Sultan Haroun stole the show, leading his team, Al-Riyadh FC, to a vital victory in a decisive match against Al-Najma FC. Haroun's goal was more than just a fluke; it proved to be a lifeline for his team in their fierce battle to avoid relegation, cementing his status as one of the most promising young talents in Saudi football.

General context: The battle to escape the bottom

Matches between teams vying for positions at the bottom of the league table take on added importance and are often referred to as "six-point matches." A victory not only grants the winning team three valuable points but also denies their direct rivals those points, significantly impacting both teams' trajectories. Al-Riyadh and Al-Najma entered this encounter fully aware that anything less than a win would severely complicate their chances of remaining in the top division, resulting in a cautious and competitive match from the opening minutes.

Details of the goal and its impact on the match

As the first half continued with both teams exchanging attacks, Al-Riyadh gradually imposed their attacking rhythm. This dominance culminated in a magnificent goal by Sultan Haroun, who displayed exceptional skill in aerial duels. Following a perfectly executed corner kick, Haroun rose above everyone inside the penalty area and headed the ball powerfully and precisely into the back of Al-Najma's net, sparking jubilation among his teammates and the coaching staff. This goal not only gave Al-Riyadh the lead but also changed the course of the match, forcing Al-Najma out of their defensive positions and opening up more space on the pitch.

Who is Sultan Haroun, the rising jewel of Riyadh?

Sultan Haroun, 20, is one of the promising talents on whom Al-Riyadh Club pins its hopes. The Sudanese player, born in Saudi Arabia on March 13, 2006, enjoys a significant legal advantage, as he is registered as a "born-in-Saudi" player, allowing the club to utilize his services without occupying one of their designated foreign player slots. Haroun excels as a center forward (number 9), possessing a strong physique and clinical finishing ability, qualities that make him a valuable option in the attack. His football career, which began at Al-Jabalain Club, continued through Al-Hazm Club, and culminated in his current stint with Al-Riyadh, demonstrates his continuous development and his ambition to prove himself at the highest level in the Saudi Professional League.

Importance and expected impact

This goal and this victory carry significance far beyond just three points. Domestically, this win gives Al-Riyadh a tremendous morale boost in their fight for survival and sends a strong message to their rivals. Individually, this goal puts Sultan Haroun in the spotlight as one of the young stars capable of making a difference in crucial moments, potentially opening wider doors for him in the future, both with his club and the national team. It also highlights the success of some Saudi clubs' strategy of investing in young talents born in the country, a strategy that has proven to be a vital source for enriching the league and increasing its competitiveness.

In a festive atmosphere reflecting the depth of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, crowned the owners who won the cups of the sixth day of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026, at the conclusion of the “Jathaa” category competitions held on the grounds of the historic Janadriyah field in Riyadh.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance
: Camel racing is an integral part of Arab and Gulf heritage, having historically served as a means of transportation and a source of tribal pride. Over time, it has evolved into an organized sport enjoying widespread official and popular support. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, whose third edition was launched under the generous patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – stands as the most prominent event on the map of this sport, not only in the Kingdom but also globally. The festival aims to preserve this authentic heritage, enhance its status as a national sport, and connect new generations with their ancestors' history, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enrich and promote national culture globally.

With its regional and international impact,
the festival is no longer just a local event, but has become a regional and international platform that brings together elite camel owners from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, strengthening fraternal ties and the spirit of fair competition. With prizes exceeding 75 million riyals, the festival attracts significant investments and stimulates economic and tourism activity in Riyadh, the capital. It also highlights the Kingdom's ability to organize world-class events that blend tradition and modernity, a fact praised by international visitors such as Irish businessman Raoul Masterson, who was impressed by the event's prestige and professionalism.

The "Jathaa"
category competitions witnessed great excitement, with the camel "Al-Maida" from Al-Shahaniya Camels in Qatar winning the first race and the (Bakar - Open) Cup, while the camel "Al-Wasmi" from the Presidential Camels in the United Arab Emirates won the second race and the (Qa'dan - Open) Cup. In the general races, the camel "Dhababa" owned by Qatari Abdulhadi Khalil Al-Hajri won the (Bakar - General) Cup, while the camel "Al-Baher" owned by Emirati Saeed Jaber Al-Harbi won the (Qa'dan - General) Cup. Over two days, 46 races were held for this category, with a distance of 6 km per race, and total prizes amounting to 16.18 million riyals.

camel
beauty contests in the individual camel category (Mafarid - Bakar), which celebrates the beauty of camels. In the "Majahim" category, Saudi owner Rashid Al-Marri won first place with his camel "Anawi Al-Mudara'at." In the "Wadh" category, Saudi owner Saad Al-Jalban won first place with his camel "Alou Wadh Al-Aridah," in a competition that reflects the passion and interest of camel owners in the most beautiful breeds.

Digital transformation and its role in the sector's growth:
The digital transformation spearheaded by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation plays a pivotal role in the sport's development. The "Hajin" mobile application has streamlined registration procedures, ownership transfers, and results tracking, attracting a new segment of investors and businesspeople. Owner Salem bin Obaid Al-Marri emphasized that this technological advancement, coupled with the substantial prizes and their rapid disbursement, has alleviated the financial burden on owners and encouraged them to continue and expand in this field, transforming their passion into a professional and sustainable investment.

Al-Hilal FC announced welcome news for its fans with the return of Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to the official squad list for their upcoming match against Al-Qadisiyah in the Saudi Professional League. This return comes at a crucial point in the season, bolstering the team's defense and providing a significant morale boost in their pursuit of the title.

Bono had been sidelined for the past few weeks after suffering a muscle injury while playing for his national team, Morocco, in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. He underwent an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff before receiving the green light to return to group training and matches. Bono was seen with the squad that traveled to Dammam, confirming his full readiness to play.

Background to Bono's transfer and its immediate impact on Al-Hilal

Yassine Bounou joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Spanish club Sevilla, in a deal considered one of the most significant in the Saudi league. His transfer came after a successful career in Europe, most notably winning the Europa League title, in addition to his historic performance with the Moroccan national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped the Atlas Lions reach the semi-finals, becoming the first Arab and African team to achieve this feat. Since his arrival, Bounou has proven his worth as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, delivering exceptional performances that have contributed to Al-Hilal's strong defense and their position at the top of the league table.

The importance of the return and its impact on the leader's ambitions

Domestically, Bono's return is crucial for Al Hilal's quest to maintain their lead in the Saudi Professional League. As the season progresses, the importance of a top-class goalkeeper with experience and the ability to decide difficult matches becomes increasingly apparent. His presence instills confidence in the defense and his teammates, minimizing errors that could cost the team valuable points.

Regionally and internationally, Bono's return is significant not only for domestic competitions but also for Al-Hilal's ambitions in the AFC Champions League. His extensive experience in continental and international tournaments is an invaluable asset to the team as they face the continent's top clubs. Furthermore, his return highlights the strength of the Saudi league and its ability to attract international stars, thus enhancing the league's standing on the global football stage.