As Saudi Arabia competes in the World Cup, support for the Green Falcons is coming not only from Saudi citizens but also from thousands of expatriates who have made the Kingdom their home. Many foreign residents say cheering for the national team is their way of expressing gratitude and loyalty to a country that has become an important part of their lives.
US investor Ben Harburg leads support initiatives
US trader and investor Ben Harburg, who became the first foreign owner in the Saudi Pro League after taking over Al-Kholood Club, has shown his love for the Kingdom through various initiatives to support Saudi fans in the US. Harburg leveraged his political and diplomatic ties with the White House and FIFA to help Saudi fans bypass visa delays. He organized an open-top bus for Saudi fans in Miami, invited fans to join a massive green march ahead of the Uruguay clash, secured free tickets for those who could not afford them, launched the “Abu Harburg” show to host Saudi fans in his home, and sponsored a Saudi content creator’s full trip after his application was disapproved by FIFA.
Speaking to Arab News from Miami, Harburg said: “I have done all this and more to come to repay a portion of the favor and generosity the people of Saudi Arabia have shown me. It has been an overwhelming display of generosity that I have received from all over the Kingdom. So, the idea was if the Saudis are coming to my home and I can be the host, I will do everything in my power to make them feel welcome, comfortable, respected and honored here in my own home country.”
Harburg’s initiatives expand to Atlanta and Houston
Harburg’s initiatives will be extended in Atlanta and Houston. “We will do bigger and better things in these cities, and I will do everything I can do for Saudi fans as part of giving back for all the love and kindness that I have received from the Saudis,” he added.
American Sid Fritts welcomes fans in Atlanta
Another loyal American, Sid Fritts, who grew up in Saudi Arabia while his father served as a ground equipment manager for Saudi Arabian Airlines, showed strong loyalty to the Kingdom. He expressed his happiness at seeing the Saudi national team playing in his hometown of Atlanta. Fritts, who regards the Kingdom as his second home, told Arab News how he prepared to welcome Saudi fans in Atlanta, where Saudi Arabia played against Spain on June 21. “Our love for the Saudi people and the country has always been dear to my heart,” Fritts said.
Brazilian tour guide cheers for Green Falcons
Brazilian tour guide Aline Viana has visited Saudi Arabia several times and lived in Riyadh for eight months. In 2022, Viana, who reverted to Islam, said: “I fell in love with Saudi Arabia, its culture and its people. I will always cherish my time spent in Riyadh and Madinah.” She told Arab News that cheering for the Saudi national team is her way of expressing gratitude and loyalty to a country that has become an important part of her life. “I am looking forward to watching the match with Saudi fans to cheer for the Green Falcons,” she said.
Expatriates share years of experiences
Regardless of nationality, many expatriates say their support for Saudi Arabia reflects years of shared experiences and friendships in the Kingdom. As the Green Falcons pursue success on football’s biggest stage, they carry with them the hopes of not only Saudi citizens but also countless residents who proudly call Saudi Arabia their second home.
