Saudi Airlift: Al-Ahli Safeguards Families of Star Players
9 March 2026
Swift airlift to protect families
Al-Ahli Saudi FC, with support from the Ministry of Sports, relocated the families of several foreign players who had been living in Dubai to Jeddah, citing safety concerns amid rising regional tensions.
Among the stars in the squad are Franck Kessié, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy.
Journalist Ben Jacobs noted that some families split time between Dubai and Jeddah, but authorities accelerated the move with private flights over the past days to reunite relatives in Saudi Arabia.
League context and regional security
This push comes as tensions in the Middle East intensify, heightening security risks for expatriates and sports staff alike.
Al-Ahli sits second in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 62 points after 25 rounds, trailing leaders Al-Nassr 64 and ahead of Al-Hilal 61.
Meanwhile, Gulf organizations have also tightened precautions for employees and families, especially in the UAE, a hub for many expatriates in Saudi clubs.
For fans, the episode is already giving a new meaning to transfers, now its family moves, not just players.
Punchline: If football really is a global business, this is the first transfer window where the family plan costs more than the players.
