DUBAI: When one thinks of football in Saudi Arabia, the big names of Al-Nasser and Al-Ittihad often come to mind. Traveling east of Jeddah and even further past Riyadh, a giant is emerging in the women’s game.
Al Khobar’s Al-Qadsiah Football Club has experienced a rapid ascension over the last two months. The team has had a jump-start to the 2026-2027 Saudi Women’s Premier League season, recording a 10-0 victory over Al-Ahli and a 14-0 win against Al-Taraji. Another landmark came when the women’s team recently became the first to play at the rebranded Armco stadium. Things are on the up.
Manager Giles Barnes, who took the reins in July 2026, is no stranger to a challenge. During his playing career he represented West Bromwich Albion and Fulham in England before moving to sides in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and India. A veteran of the Premier League and Major League Soccer (MLS), Barnes’vast tactical experience makes him well-equipped to manage a team of diverse backgrounds and playing styles.
Indeed, it is undeniable that Al-Qadsiah has become a force to be reckoned with in Saudi football.
The club’s start to the season has not gone unnoticed and was best demonstrated when Al-Qadsiah recorded 11 call-ups to the senior Saudi Women’s National team and its U-20 side for overseas training camps…
