KUWAIT: Under the patronage and presence of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, a presentation was held on Tuesday to showcase preparations for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament, which Kuwait will host from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

During the event, Zain Group signed a partnership agreement with the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group, stated: “Zain’s strategic partnership reflects its commitment to sports and youth, aligning with the directives of HH the Amir of Kuwait to position Kuwait as a host for international events.”

Al-Kharafi highlighted Zain’s role as the official sponsor, noting that the Gulf Cup holds special significance for Kuwait. “Kuwait has won the Gulf Cup multiple times, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Kuwaiti fans. The tournament’s slogan, ‘The Gulf Future’, emphasizes the need for advanced technology, and Zain, a leader in the tech field, will provide top services in terms of stadium coverage and digital solutions, all in line with international standards,” he shared.

In his opening remarks, Minister Al-Mutairi said: “For decades, Kuwaiti sports have received strong government support, experiencing both challenges and a golden era, which is natural for all countries. The important thing today is to have institutional memory, develop strategies, and plan for the future. Under the guidance of HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister, we have a mandate to support and enhance Kuwait’s sports system.”

He added: “Today’s event is a great opportunity to train and prepare national talents. The Gulf Cup embodies the spirit of hosting our brothers from the region, bringing everyone together in the peaceful country of Kuwait, and reinforcing our presence on the world stage.”

The minister revealed that the tournament’s slogan, “The Gulf Future”, reflects the significant progress in the Gulf states and their prominent role in hosting major events. “Our future must align with the Gulf’s trajectory. We must plan according to global standards and strengthen international partnerships. We have an agreement to collaborate with international companies to leverage their expertise in organizing the Gulf Cup, alongside coordination with various government ministries and the private sector,” Al-Mutairi stressed.

Al-Mutairi also announced Kuwait’s partnership with Microsoft to develop an app that will provide services, location tracking, and advanced technologies during the tournament. “A specialized company has been hired to handle the unique opening and closing ceremonies, ensuring that Kuwaiti talent is showcased with international standards and supported by a global company.”

The ministry has also established a 19-committee organizational structure, involving both global and local companies to enhance performance levels. “Around 500 Kuwaiti youth will work within these committees, along with 2,280 volunteers who will be trained to organize the event,” he added. “We have completed over 200 construction and maintenance projects across three main stadiums and eight training fields, achieving over 70 percent progress. All necessary work will be completed before the tournament, meeting international standards to ensure full readiness,” Al-Mutairi confirmed.

Regarding parking, he said: “We have provided 10,000 spaces at Jaber Stadium, along with an additional 10,000 nearby. The app will make it easy for attendees to find suitable parking spots. On the tourism front, we’ve involved the private sector in organizing various activities at venues across Kuwait.”

Al-Mutairi also noted that the Ministry of Information has coordinated with the exclusive broadcaster to dedicate TV and radio programs and four studios to cover the event, creating a visual identity worthy of Kuwait’s media reputation. “A sustainable developmental legacy is a key focus, and we must continuously improve these facilities to host future events, leaving a lasting legacy and achieving our vision under the theme ‘The Gulf Future’.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cup Federation Jassim Al-Rumaihi expressed his happiness with Zain’s partnership, noting this is not the first time Zain has participated, as they were also involved in the 25th Gulf Cup. He hopes Zain’s continued collaboration will inspire other companies to follow suit. Al-Rumaihi thanked the minister for his detailed presentation and expressed hope that Kuwait will be fully prepared to successfully host the Gulf Cup.