The Saudi Pro League is pressing ahead with its schedule despite regional security concerns, staging matches while other Middle East competitions have suspended play. On Thursday, Damac defeated Al Riyadh 3-0, though Al Qadsiah's flight to Al Kholood was canceled, forcing their match to be rescheduled for Saturday.

Friday brings the highly anticipated Jeddah derby between Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, expected to draw nearly 60,000 fans to one of the domestic season's biggest fixtures. The league had already postponed Asian Champions League knockout matches earlier in the week due to regional security concerns. Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Defense reported a suspected Iranian drone attack on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh early Tuesday.

Despite these tensions, the league maintains it is safe to continue playing, according to a letter sent to clubs this week. Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed preparations continue as normal in Riyadh. The league will pause from March 14 to April 3 for the international break. Al-Nassr leads the standings but will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for Saturday's match against Neom SC due to a hamstring injury.