The local organizing committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 used its appearance in the Ministry of Sport pavilion at LEAP 2026 to present the technology behind its fan journey, chief among it the “Ahlan” app.

In a panel session, the committee's Chief Commercial and Experience Officer, Khalid Khabti, described plans for an integrated digital experience that follows fans from the planning stage to their arrival in the Kingdom and entry into stadiums.

Khabti said the current app is a pilot version being developed continuously toward the full platform for the tournament. Its pilot phase began during the AFC Champions League Elite matches hosted by Jeddah this year and served more than 330,000 users.

Users can now create personal profiles, choose favorite national teams, buy match tickets and follow news, schedules and results. Work is under way to add hotel bookings, visa applications, travel packages and eSIM connectivity, better transport and navigation services, and Japanese and Chinese alongside Arabic and English.

The committee said its LEAP participation is part of its preparations to host the tournament, using major events staged in the Kingdom to test and refine its operational and technology solutions.