Al Ettifaq

Humble beginning (1941–1953)

Before the establishment of Al-Ettifaq as a professional sports club that also managed football, there were three clubs in the city of Dammam that were founded in 1941. Al-Taawoun (different from Al-Taawoun from Buraydah city), Al-Sha'ab and Al-Shabab. These clubs practiced their own sporting activities and gathered people across the region; however, these clubs gained little revenue for the sport activity to continue.

4 years later, in 1945, the presidents of the club and its staff met in Faris Al-Hamid's house, the ministry of sport at the time. There, they discussed a solution for their problems, and resulted in the merge all three clubs in Dammam into one single unified club. The ministry would fund the newly merged club and get its share of ownership. Al-Hamid also suggested to name the new club as "Al-Ettifaq" (الاتفاق al-ittifāq), which meant "the agreement" in Arabic.

The club's original color would also change, becoming green and white, which eventually changed into green and red afterwards. Some time later Mohammed Hassan Khairi from Sudan became the new club manager. In the early years of the club, the energetic and ambitious coach from Africa started to reform the sport club from Dammam.

First King Cup and Crown Prince Cup (1954–1971)

Al-Ettifaq saw some success in the domestic championship of the 1960s. A key reason for this achievement was the decision to sign the most prolific Ettifaqi player, Khalil Al-Zayani, in 1962. Zayani graduated from youth team Academy, as a wingback/centerback (defender) at just 15 years old. At the time, a nationwide football league was not yet established and regional leagues and tournaments were only held occasionally. Nevertheless, the manager's decision to entrust the defense role to Zayani proved successful, as the club was able to reach the final of the 1963 Crown Prince Cup.

Al-Ettifaq faced their final opponent in the national tournament, Al-Ittihad in their home ground (Jeddah). Loud cheers echoes from the opposing supporters after Al-Ettifaq defeated 6–2. The club run for 1963 King Cup is less successful from their Crown Prince Run. 1963-1964 Saudi Season end with Al-Ittihad securing their double title again after defeating their rival Al-Hilal.

The Khalil Al-Zayani was tested once again in 1964-1965 Saudi football season, when the barely 16 years old defender was selected by Khairi as the squad’s captain. Khairi encouraged the squad to aim high for the new record, he wanted for his coached player to raise occasional Regional League cup, King Cup and Crown Prince Cup at the same time or as we know as "treble".

The 17 years old Defender captain walked his first step to become nation football champion, when he secured his club back at the final match Crown Prince Cup against Al-Ittihad at the same pitch, avenging their defeat almost 3 years earlier. However Ettifaq failed to win the King Cup on that season in which Al-Ahli from the same city as Al-Ittihad went victorious.

In 1964-1965 Saudi Season even though Ettifaq won a national trophy, they fall short to achieve their treble goal. Meanwhile, for the young Zayani, around this time he is scouted to be part of Saudi National Team. Some of Ettifaq player also constitute part of the Eastern Team who compete under Crown Prince Cup new regulation and they managed to reach final in 1966-1967 Saudi Season.

On 1966 King Cup, in the final Al Ettifaq defeated by Al-Wehda and in 1967 King Cup, tasted defeat again by Al-Ittihad. For the third times in a row reaching final, Al-Ettifaq finally raise their first ever King Cup after defeating the defending champion in previous tournament. On the next seasons however, Al-Ettifaq defeated by new challenger and Al-Ahli become the winner of King Cup in that season. Hassan Khairi retired from the club activity after coaching Ettifaqi player for over 1 decade.

Al-Zayani keep playing as the club player until 1971 and retired from Saudi National Team in 1973, completely retiring from football the age of just 26 years old. In his career he managed to reach 5 finals in different competition and win 2 trophies for his club. Khalil Al-Zayani played his entire club career for Al-Ettifaq.

Sharp decline in 1970s

After Khairi and Zayani departure, Al-Ettifaq never the reach the final of national tournament. Slowly the condition inside the club become worrisome, Saudi Ministry of Sport then offer the 29 years old retired ex-player, to coach the club and also prepare the club for implementation of planned national league. Al-Ettifaq would be main representation from the city of Dammam.

Zayani agree to step up and took managerial role. At this time nationwide league are newly established with 8 clubs registered. Al-Ettifaq only eligible to play in second-tier of the Saudi League, First Division League and only able to make into 2nd place just behind Al-Nahda. The winner and runner-up at that time are promoted into Saudi Premier League.

Al-Ettifaq are promoted in the second edition of the league in 1977-1978 Saudi Premier League. In their first run in highest tier of league national, Al-Ettifaq finish 3rd place behind Al-Nassr in 2nd place and Al-Hilal as league champion. In the 1978–1979, Al Ettifaq finish in 6th position, 1979-1980 they finish again the same position and in 1981-1982 Ettifaqi finish in 5th position. In this period the club never won any single competition for over a decade except for getting promotion into Saudi Premier League.

Regardless of the setbacks, Zayani still confident to continue his predecessor ambition to secure the treble for club. The former defender began to implemented new tactics and shaping new core player, once the majority squad from 1970s started to retiring. His new winning strategy are applied by promising academy players promoted from the youth teams.

Saudi Premier league and Gulf Club Cup Championship

The club new youth players catch the attention of the nation when 1982–83 Saudi Premier League began on 16 December 1982. Some of the most recognized forwards such as Jamal Mohammad and Omar Bakhashwain made their debut in this season. Al-Ettifaq are undefeated in their run by the end of season in April 1983. First Saudi football club to ever do so. The club had nine wins and eight draws with a match left to conclude the season. Going into the final matchday, Al-Hilal were leading the table with 1 point ahead of Al-Ettifaq.