SPL · Saihat, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia · Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium
Al-Khaleej FC
Originally founded as Al-Nasr in 1945 and renamed by royal decree, Al-Khaleej represent the Eastern Province city of Saihat with a history stretching back nearly eight decades.
1945–1976
From Al-Nasr to Al-Khaleej
A coastal club forged in the Eastern Province.
Al-Khaleej were founded in 1945 in Saihat, a city on the Persian Gulf coast in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Originally named Al-Nasr Club ('The Eagle'), the club adopted a yellow and black emblem that reflected the energy and ambition of the coastal community. The club was officially recognized as one of the Eastern Province's institutions in 1968, and later its name was changed to Al-Khaleej — meaning 'The Gulf' — by order of King Faisal, with new yellow and green colors. This royal renaming connected the club to the broader Gulf identity and gave it a grander sense of purpose. Through the pre-professional era, Al-Khaleej competed in regional tournaments and built a loyal following in Saihat and the surrounding communities.
Key Facts
- Founded in 1945 as Al-Nasr Club in Saihat
- Renamed Al-Khaleej by order of King Faisal
- Officially recognized as an Eastern Province club in 1968
1976–Present
Between Divisions
Top-flight campaigns interspersed with lower-division rebuilding.
Since the establishment of the Saudi Professional Football League in 1976, Al-Khaleej have experienced life at multiple levels of the pyramid. The club have earned promotion to the top flight on several occasions, competing against the best in the kingdom, but have also spent significant periods in the second tier. Each promotion has been celebrated by the Saihat community, and each relegation has been met with determination to return. In the modern Saudi Pro League era, with its influx of international investment and world-class talent, Al-Khaleej face the challenge of competing against clubs with vastly greater resources. Greek manager Giorgos Donis was appointed for the 2025-26 season, bringing European tactical know-how to a squad that needs every edge to survive in the top flight. The club's Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium remains a proud home for Eastern Province football.
Key Facts
- Multiple promotions and relegations throughout professional era
- Giorgos Donis appointed for 2025-26 season
- Compete against significantly wealthier clubs