AFC Asian Cup 2027 Committee Showcases Ahlan App at LEAP 2026

The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organizing Committee concluded its participation at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, showcasing the “Ahlan” application — a pioneering digital platform designed to transform the fan journey for the continental tournament. The committee presented its work within the Ministry of Sport pavilion at the technology event, which ran from September 1 to September 3, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. The presentation highlighted how Saudi Arabia is harnessing advanced technology to deliver a seamless, integrated experience for football supporters traveling to the Kingdom for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

What does it take to host one of Asia’s largest sporting events and ensure every visitor feels welcomed from the moment they begin planning their trip? For the Local Organizing Committee, the answer lies in the “Ahlan” app, an Arabic word meaning “welcome” that encapsulates the Kingdom’s renowned hospitality. The application represents a central pillar of the committee’s technological strategy, designed to accompany fans through every stage of their tournament experience — from initial planning and ticket purchase to arrival, accommodation, and stadium entry. With more than 330,000 users already benefiting from its pilot phase during the AFC Champions League Elite matches hosted in Jeddah earlier this year, the platform has demonstrated its capacity to operate at scale.

Context and Background

Why has Saudi Arabia placed digital innovation at the heart of its preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027? The Kingdom was awarded hosting rights for the tournament in 2021, marking the first time the competition will be held on Saudi soil. The event is scheduled to feature 24 teams across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al Khobar, with matches set to take place in newly constructed and upgraded stadiums that meet the highest international standards. The Local Organizing Committee, established under the Ministry of Sport, has been tasked with delivering a world-class tournament that reflects the Kingdom’s growing status as a global sports hub.

LEAP 2026, one of the world’s premier technology events, provided an ideal platform for the committee to demonstrate its digital capabilities. The event attracted thousands of exhibitors, investors, and technology leaders from around the globe, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising center for innovation and digital transformation. Participating in LEAP allowed the committee to engage with international technology providers, showcase its progress, and gather insights that will inform further development of the “Ahlan” platform. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader strategy of leveraging major events to test and refine operational solutions before large-scale deployment.

The “Ahlan” app’s pilot phase during the AFC Champions League Elite matches in Jeddah served as a critical testing ground. Those matches brought together top clubs from across Asia, drawing significant crowds and providing real-world data on user behavior, app performance, and service integration. The committee used this feedback to iterate on the platform’s features, ensuring it can handle the demands of a full continental tournament. The experience also demonstrated the app’s potential to enhance crowd management, reduce friction at entry points, and deliver personalized content to fans.

Key Details

What specific features does the “Ahlan” application currently offer, and how will it evolve before the tournament kicks off? According to Khalid Khabti, Chief Commercial and Experience Officer at the Local Organizing Committee, the current version of the app enables users to create personal profiles, select their favorite national teams, purchase match tickets, and stay updated on tournament news, match schedules, and results. These core functionalities are designed to put essential information and services at fans’ fingertips, reducing the need for multiple platforms and streamlining the overall experience.

Khabti, who participated in a panel session at LEAP 2026, outlined an ambitious roadmap for expanding the app’s capabilities. Work is already underway to incorporate hotel bookings, visa applications, travel packages, and eSIM connectivity, allowing international visitors to manage their entire trip within a single interface. Enhanced transportation and navigation services are also being developed to help fans move efficiently between airports, hotels, stadiums, and fan zones. Furthermore, language support will expand to include Japanese and Chinese alongside Arabic and English, reflecting the diverse nations expected to participate in the tournament and the international audience the Kingdom aims to welcome.

The committee’s participation at LEAP 2026 was not merely a showcase but a strategic step in its ongoing preparations. By engaging with global technology companies and experts at the event, the committee sought to identify best practices, explore partnerships, and integrate cutting-edge solutions into its digital ecosystem. This approach mirrors Saudi Arabia’s wider commitment to hosting major international events — from the FIFA World Cup 2034 to the Asian Winter Games — with technological excellence as a cornerstone. The “Ahlan” app is thus both a practical tool for fans and a symbol of the Kingdom’s forward-looking vision for sports and entertainment.

International and Regional Impact

How will the “Ahlan” app influence the experience of international fans and shape perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a host nation? The application is designed to address common pain points associated with attending major tournaments abroad, such as navigating visa processes, finding accommodation, and understanding local transportation. By consolidating these services into a single digital platform, the committee aims to remove barriers and allow fans to focus on enjoying the football. This is particularly important for first-time visitors to the Kingdom, who may be unfamiliar with local customs, language, or logistics. The app’s multilingual support and intuitive design are intended to make every fan feel welcome and informed.

From a regional perspective, the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will bring together teams and supporters from across Asia, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The tournament represents an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote cultural exchange, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s hospitality on a continental stage. The “Ahlan” app can play a role in facilitating these connections by providing information about local attractions, cultural events, and fan zones where supporters from different countries can gather. By enhancing the overall fan experience, the Kingdom hopes to leave a lasting positive impression that extends beyond the final whistle.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic and strategic benefits does the digital transformation of the fan experience bring to Saudi Arabia? Hosting a major tournament like the AFC Asian Cup is expected to generate significant economic activity, from tourism and hospitality to retail and transportation. The “Ahlan” app can amplify these benefits by encouraging longer stays, increased spending, and repeat visits. By integrating travel packages and hotel bookings, the app makes it easier for fans to extend their trips and explore destinations beyond the stadiums, thereby distributing economic gains across multiple sectors and regions.

Strategically, the app supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of becoming a global leader in sports and entertainment. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to leverage technology to deliver world-class events, enhancing its reputation as a reliable and innovative host. This is crucial as Saudi Arabia prepares for future mega-events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, which will require even more sophisticated digital infrastructure. The lessons learned from developing and deploying the “Ahlan” app will inform those preparations, creating a legacy of technological capability that extends well beyond 2027. Moreover, the app aligns with the National Transformation Program and the Digital Economy Strategy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to digital innovation as a driver of economic diversification.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the “Ahlan” app exemplify the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a global hub for tourism, entertainment, and sports. The app directly contributes to these goals by improving the visitor experience, supporting the growth of the tourism sector, and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s technological prowess. It reflects the Vision’s emphasis on digital transformation and innovation, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to deliver tangible benefits for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

As the Kingdom continues its journey toward 2030 and beyond, initiatives like the “Ahlan” app serve as powerful examples of how strategic investments in technology can elevate Saudi Arabia’s standing on the world stage. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will be a milestone event, and the digital platform developed for it will leave a lasting legacy — a blueprint for future tournaments and a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to excellence and hospitality. With every update and new feature, the app brings Saudi Arabia closer to its vision of a vibrant, connected, and welcoming society.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the “Ahlan” application?

A1. The “Ahlan” app is a digital platform developed by the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organizing Committee to enhance the fan journey, offering services from ticket purchase to stadium entry.

Q2. When and where was the app showcased?

A2. It was showcased at LEAP 2026, held in Riyadh from September 1 to 3, 2026, within the Ministry of Sport pavilion.

Q3. Who presented the app’s vision at LEAP 2026?

A3. Khalid Khabti, Chief Commercial and Experience Officer at the Local Organizing Committee, presented the vision during a panel session.

Q4. How many users benefited from the pilot phase?

A4. More than 330,000 users benefited during the AFC Champions League Elite matches hosted in Jeddah earlier this year.

Q5. What features does the current app offer?

A5. Users can create profiles, select favorite teams, purchase tickets, and access tournament news, schedules, and results.

Q6. What future features are planned?

A6. Planned features include hotel bookings, visa applications, travel packages, eSIM connectivity, and enhanced transportation and navigation services.

Q7. Which languages will the app support?

A7. The app will support Arabic, English, Japanese, and Chinese, expanding from its current Arabic and English offerings.

Q8. Why is the app called “Ahlan”?

A8. “Ahlan” means “welcome” in Arabic, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s traditional hospitality and the app’s purpose of welcoming fans.

Q9. How does the app enhance the fan journey?

A9. It consolidates essential services into one platform, simplifying planning, travel, and stadium access for a seamless experience.

Q10. What is the significance of LEAP 2026 for the committee?

A10. LEAP 2026 provided a global platform to showcase technological solutions and engage with international tech leaders.

Q11. How does the app support Vision 2030?

A11. It advances digital transformation, boosts tourism, and enhances quality of life, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals.

Q12. When will the AFC Asian Cup 2027 take place?

A12. The tournament is scheduled for 2027, with exact dates to be announced by the Asian Football Confederation.

Q13. Which cities will host matches?

A13. Matches will be held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al Khobar, featuring newly built and upgraded stadiums.

Q14. How many teams will participate?

A14. The tournament will feature 24 teams from across Asia, competing for the continental title.

Q15. What was the pilot phase’s purpose?

A15. The pilot phase tested the app’s functionality and gathered user feedback to refine features before the main tournament.

Q16. How does the app aid international visitors?

A16. It simplifies visa applications, hotel bookings, and navigation, making travel to Saudi Arabia easier for foreign fans.

Q17. What economic benefits does the app bring?

A17. It encourages longer stays and increased spending, supporting tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors across the Kingdom.

Q18. How does the app reflect Saudi hospitality?

A18. By providing a warm, user-friendly welcome and comprehensive support, it embodies the Kingdom’s tradition of generous hospitality.

Q19. What legacy will the app leave after 2027?

A19. It will serve as a blueprint for future events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, showcasing Saudi technological capabilities.

Q20. How can fans access the app?

A20. The app is available for download on major app stores, with updates and new features rolled out regularly.

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