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

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.


‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

Updated 05 July 2025
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‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

  • Family favorite is part of Ithra’s Disney in Concert series along with ‘Frozen’

DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney’s “The Lion King” dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra.

“We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,” conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. “This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.”

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. (Supplied)

As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several “Harry Potter” films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.

For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.

• ‘We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,’ Ochsner told the crowd before the show.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on.

Originally released in 1994, “The Lion King” quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on. (Supplied)

The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.

At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.

Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning ‘The Lion King’ score while the film played on a large screen. (Supplied)

Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,” audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.

Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.

“It’s one of my favorite films,” Hassan’s nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.

Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film “at least five times” — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.

“I like the show so far. It’s really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,” he said.

“After watching the show, I’d like to play the piano,” Tia added.

The concert is part of Ithra’s cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney’s “Frozen,” giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.

Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.

 


Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

  • The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market

MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.

The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)

The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.

The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.

FASTFACTS

• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.

• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m

A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.

Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.

The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)

Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.

 


Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. (X @MOCCulinary)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

  • The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October.

The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027.

The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally.

The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom’s cuisine.

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage.

For Bocuse d’Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity.

For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of “Elevating Saudi Dessert.” There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom.

Hopeful chefs can register at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/40/?lang=ar.

 


Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

Updated 05 July 2025
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Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

  • Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the National Day celebration held by the Embassy of Rwanda at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mayor was received by Rwandan Ambassador to the Kingdom Eugene Segore Kayihura and other officials.

Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha. The pair discussed topics of common interest, the ambassador wrote on X.

 


Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

  • The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production

RIYADH: A daily event featuring Saudi brand stores and promoting local art, accessories and modern designs is taking place in Diriyah’s JAX District.

The event, which began on Wednesday and runs until July 8, is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products.

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)

Brands taking part are presenting a range of innovative pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production.