Saudi Arabia will meet the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Gulf Cup final on Tuesday evening at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah.
Both national teams are chasing an end to long title droughts in the regional tournament.
Emirati supporters filled all seats on six charter aircraft to Jeddah within minutes after registration opened at 1 p.
m. UAE time, according to Reuters.
The travel rush followed the UAE's 1-0 win over Oman, which secured their first final appearance since 2018.
Saudi Arabia advanced by beating Asian champions Qatar in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw through extra time.
Title droughts and defensive records
Saudi Arabia are seeking their first Gulf Cup trophy since 2003 and want to erase the memory of their 2019 final loss to Bahrain under former coach Hervé Renard, according to Goal.
Group A winners Saudi Arabia enter the match having conceded no goals in open play.
The UAE are aiming for their third title after victories in 2007 and 2013.
Saudi head coach Georgios Donis pointed to his squad's determination before the championship fixture.
"We played five matches in 14 days, and we have some injuries. The weather conditions were also difficult," Donis said.
Donis also acknowledged the defensive challenge expected in the decider.
"It is not easy to play against a team that relies on a low defensive block," he said.
The Greek manager noted that every match has its own calculations and must be handled according to its circumstances.
Reflecting on the semifinal route, he stressed the physical toll on his players.
"We played 120 minutes against Qatar in the semi-final, and that was difficult and exhausting for us, especially as the opponent played in a defensive manner," Donis said.
He reiterated his commitment to maximizing the team's strengths.
"We will try to deliver the best possible performance in the Gulf Cup final," he said.
Donis also praised the opposing technical leadership.
"The UAE is one of the best teams in this tournament, and it has clear tactical discipline, while their coach Zlatko Dalic has a precise reading of every detail of the matches," he said.
Outlining his game plan, the coach stressed preparation on set pieces.
"We must focus on ourselves, and we will select the best elements in defence and attack to create chances, while making use of set pieces," Donis said.
Saudi midfielder Mohammed Kanno expressed confidence in the team's objective.
"We have reached the final, and that was our ambition. God willing, we will win the tournament," Kanno said.
Kanno assessed the opponent while keeping his focus on victory.
"The UAE team is strong, but God willing we will rise to the occasion to claim the title and make the fans happy," he said.
On the prospect of extra time, the midfielder voiced hope for a decisive result in normal time.
"Penalty shootouts are a matter of luck. The most important thing is that we have reached the final.
God willing, we will not go to penalties in the final and will settle the match," Kanno said.
He repeated his desire to avoid a shootout conclusion.
"We hope not to reach it. We want to settle matters in normal time," he said.
The tournament concludes at King Abdullah Sports City, with both squads competing for regional silverware.
