Rooted in Tradition, Looking to the Future: Saudi Club Al Kholood Unveils Revolutionary New Crest
Saudi Pro League club Al Kholood has officially unveiled a brand-new club crest ahead of the upcoming season. The new logo adopting a more modern and culturally rich circular badge, this move is not only a major overhaul of the club's visual identity but also aims to showcase a brand image deeply rooted in the rich history and traditions of Saudi Arabia's Al Qassim region.
Founded in 1970, Al Kholood is a team from the central Saudi region of Al Qassim. They achieved promotion to the Saudi Pro League for the 2024-25 season, opening a new chapter in the club's history.
The new crest is designed as a circular badge, a popular and classic structure in modern football club design that is easy to apply across various media. The outer ring features a deep green background with the club's full English name, "AL KHOLOOD" and "SAUDI ARABIA," inscribed in a cream color, along with the club's founding year, "1970."
At the heart of the crest is its visual core: a complex totem constructed from geometric lines. Dominated by a red hue that represents strength and bravery, the totem integrates an Islamic eight-pointed star, the sharp triangular lines of Najdi architecture, and the traditional patterns of Bedouin rugs. A stylized Deathstalker scorpion is cleverly embedded in the center of the totem, echoing the core element of the old logo and achieving a balance between heritage and innovation.
This new crest is more than just a visual symbol; it is a tapestry of regional culture. Every design element has been thoughtfully considered and carries a unique symbolic meaning:
- Deathstalker Scorpion: As a native species of the Al Qassim region, the scorpion symbolizes survival and resilience, perfectly embodying the club's spirit.
- Najdi Architecture: The sharp, repetitive triangles and geometric shapes in the design are derived from the traditional local Najdi architectural style, showcasing a distinct regional identity.
- Bedouin Rugs: The intricate patterns within the crest are inspired by the hand-woven carpets of the Bedouin people, reflecting a rich nomadic heritage.
- 8-Pointed Star: The inclusion of the common eight-pointed star from Islamic culture highlights the club's cultural foundations.
- Color Language: Red represents strength and courage, while green symbolizes nature and the Islamic faith.
- Custom Typeface: The typography in the crest is inspired by Arabic script, featuring sharp serifs and strong contrast in stroke width, exuding a sense of power.
Compared to the old logo, this update is a complete "modernization revolution." The former logo was a minimalistic and abstract combination of the letters "E" and "K," resembling a maze, topped with a crown. Its overall design language was dated and lacked distinction and cultural depth.
The new crest, while preserving the core spiritual element—the scorpion (in a more abstract, totemic form)—completes the transformation from a simple graphic to a culturally rich emblem. The circular structure replaces the irregular shape, aligning it better with contemporary sports branding visual standards. Most importantly, the new design significantly enhances the storytelling, forging a strong connection between the club and the history, culture, and natural landscape of its Saudi homeland.
