Last month a strike hit Riyadh’s international airport. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, and Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi movement said it was responsible.

The Houthis later said they sent drones toward Dammam airport, which made the original schedule of 7 January to 5 February doubtful. The organising committee said these “exceptional circumstances” created big logistical complexities and travel disruptions. Because of these problems, the AFC decided to postpone the tournament.

Saudi Arabia has spent a lot of money on sport and sees the Asian Cup as a rehearsal for the 2034 World Cup, even though it has never hosted the Asian Cup before. The new dates aim to give teams, officials and fans a safer and smoother competition.