JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia takes to the world stage at the World Cup, support for the Green Falcons is coming not only from Saudi citizens, but also from thousands of expatriates who have made the Kingdom their home.
Having spent years living, working and raising families in Saudi Arabia, many foreign residents say cheering for the national team is their way of expressing gratitude and loyalty to a country that has become an important part of their lives.
US trader and investor Ben Harburg, who became the first foreign owner in the Saudi Pro League after taking over Al-Kholood Club, has shown his love and appreciation of the Kingdom through various initiatives to support Saudi fans in the US.
Harburg leveraged his political and diplomatic ties with the White House and FIFA to help Saudi fans bypass visa delays, organized an open-top bus for Saudi fans in Miami, invited fans to join a massive green march ahead of the Uruguay clash, secured free tickets for those who could not make it, launched the “Abu Harburg” show to host Saudi fans in his home and sponsored a Saudi content creator’s full trip, including tickets and accommodation, after his application was disapproved by FIFA.
Speaking to Arab News from Miami, Harburg said: “I have done all this and more to come to repay a portion of the favor and generosity the people of Saudi Arabia have shown me.
