The shop named Al-Hilal Store is a joint venture with Etihad Etisalat (Mobily), official sponsor of the club .

The showroom, reputedly the first of its kind in the Middle East, was jointly opened by Al-Hilal Club President Abdul Rahman bin Musaad and  Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khalid Al-Kaf amid a large gathering of journalists, Mobily and Al-Hilal senior officials and well-wishers of the club.

Thanking Mobily for the partnership program, Prince Musaad said that he hoped the new venture would quickly pick up among the people since Hilal enjoys a large clientele of fans in and out of the Kingdom.

It is estimated that Hilal has more than 4 million fans in all parts of the Kingdom .

“Opening of a sports store in the heart of the Saudi capital is a major step in the longstanding partnership with Al-Hilal, ” Al-Kaf told Arab News, adding that similar outlets will rise in Dammam and Jeddah. He also said that Mobily has plans to extend this service to the countries in the region since this is an effective way to keep in touch with the people.

The 1,000-square meter area showroom displays a wide range of sports items suited for men, women, youths and children. According to Kaf, the initial investment for the store was more than SR 16 million and it showcases 800 products which target people from all walks of life.

“They are manufactured in reputed factories in the west and European countries for Hilal club,” he said, pointing out that that it took 18 months to design and prepare this unique shop.

Founded in 1957, Hilal had won six Asian championships in addition to local achievements. The football team won the Founder’s Cup once, Saudi League championship 12 times , King’s Cup six times, Crown Prince Cup  nine times and Prince Faisal bin Fahd Cup seven times.