DOHA: Football fans on Thursday welcomed Qatar - the new Gulf Cup champions - with thunderous party that kicked off at Hamad International Airport. On Wednesday, Qatar stunned hosts Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final played at a packed King Fahd International Stadium. Saudi Arabia took the lead through Saud Kariri in the 16th minute in the final but Qatar hit back just two minutes later through Al Mahdi Ali. In the second half, Khouki Bualem deflected a ferocious volley past Saudi Arabi goalkeeper to score the winning goal in what was the 58th minute. His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received the squad at Hamad International Airport. The team was led by captain Bilal Mohammed and coach Djamel Belmadi as hundreds of footballs fans greeted the champions. Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani was also present as were scores of other sports personalities. The players were later taken around the city as hundreds of fans followed the open-top bus around Corniche. The triumph was Qatar’s third Gulf Cup title following their successes in 1992 and 2004, and was the second major championship they have won this year after being crowned champions of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Championship back in January. After overcoming a slow start to win the Gulf Cup, Qatar are now looking in good shape ahead of next January’s AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia, where they will meet Iran, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in Group C.