Al-Rumayyan was attending his first game since August, having been on Tyneside since Thursday as part of an annual board meeting that this year took on heightened significance.
The Public Investment Fund delegation had gathered at Matfen Hall, a country house outside Newcastle, for discussions that included a review of the club's season and questions for Howe about how he intends to turn around what has been a difficult campaign. Saturday's result — which ended a run of five defeats and lifted Newcastle United to 13th — appears to have answered many of those questions in the most direct way possible.
Following the final whistle, Al-Rumayyan went down to the dressing room, spoke to the squad and posed for a team photograph before having a kickabout with fellow executive Jamie Reuben on the pitch.
Howe described the visit as a significant moment for the group.
"Not a couple of words individually, but mainly with the group. He spoke with the players after the game and spoke really well about his plans for the future and how committed he and everyone is to the football club, long-term growth and exciting times ahead. That was great to see. They have been very supportive and it was great to see everyone together and United in the dressing room."
Howe was asked whether the intensity of the week — with its board meetings and widespread speculation about his future — had unsettled his players. He was clear that he kept the squad entirely insulated from the noise.
"I certainly wasn't dragged! Those meetings, for you guys, will be big news. For us, that is something we do every year. Of course, this year was maybe not as easy as the previous years for us — understandably so. They are just part of our routine."
He explained how he handled the players.
"From the player side, I don't involve them in that. They have enough to think about with their own performances, their own level of training, and they have a lot of tactical information to take in without worrying about me. It is totally separate. All I ask is that when they go on the pitch, they try to give their all for the football club. Today they did that to a man. I am very proud of the team."
Howe had also faced pre-match criticism for leaving Lewis Hall and Nick Woltemade out of the starting lineup, but Dan Burn and William Osula — both of whom scored — vindicated those decisions. Harvey Barnes added a third late on to settle the game after Jack Hinshelwood had briefly given Brighton hope.
Howe defended his selections directly.
"I went with players I can really trust and I know can handle this type of atmosphere and pressure. Those players have never let me down and they didn't today."
The Newcastle manager then admitted the anxiety of the occasion had followed him home on Friday night.
"I'll level with you — I didn't get eight hours' sleep last night. There was a moment when I woke up — there was obviously an anxiety there. I really wanted the team to perform. I'll sleep better tonight."
Newcastle need to win their remaining three games to have any chance of European qualification. They travel to Nottingham Forest next weekend in what could prove the defining fixture of their season. Howe's future, which had appeared uncertain heading into Saturday, now looks to rest squarely in his own hands.