Al Ahly FC Opens First Academy in Saudi Arabia as Part of Regional Youth Development Strategy.

Roger Hampel

Image: Al Ahly FC

Al Ahly FC has officially opened its first football academy in Riyadh, marking a strategic step in the club’s long-term plan to expand its youth development model beyond Egypt and strengthen its regional footprint in the Middle East.

The launch represents Al Ahly’s first academy presence in Saudi Arabia, aligning the club with one of the fastest-growing sports markets globally and reinforcing its focus on grassroots and talent development as a core growth pillar.

Regional Expansion in a Rapidly Growing Sports Market

According to the club, the Riyadh academy is positioned as more than a standalone training centre. Instead, it forms part of a broader ecosystem built around Al Ahly’s sporting heritage, development philosophy and operational standards.

Al Ahly’s entry into Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the Kingdom is accelerating investment across sport, infrastructure and sports marketing. The club’s leadership framed the academy opening as a response to the country’s growing role in shaping the future of football in the region.

Brand Consistency and Market Positioning Al Ahly FC

Club representatives highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent brand standards as Al Ahly expands internationally. The Riyadh academy launch was positioned as part of a controlled expansion strategy designed to ensure that the club’s identity, values and operational quality are preserved across new markets.