By Sheikha Suhaila Al-Sabah
Managing Editor
In a sports scene befitting its long history of hosting major events, Kuwait succeeded in organising the 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Football Cup, which was held from 21 December 2024 to 4 January 2025.
The tournament, held under the name of ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’, was not just a sporting event, but a practical embodiment of the meanings of unity and interdependence among the peoples of the Arabian Gulf. Khaleeji Zain 26 was also not just a competitive football tournament; but a platform through which the Gulf brothers met under the banner of sports and love.
The participation of the eight teams—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq and Yemen—showed the world the depth of extended Gulf relations, where the stands of Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium were filled with fans who came from all over to support their teams and live the enthusiastic atmosphere.
The Bahraini team was crowned the championship title after beating its Omani brother in the final match with a score of 2-1 in an exciting match, making it the second title in the history of the competition for the Bahrainis. The tournament showed high levels of competitiveness, as it witnessed fiery confrontations and unexpected results, consolidating its position as one of the most important sporting events in the region.
Kuwait, which hosted the tournament for the fifth time, was at the level of the challenge. The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Also, the streets and facilities of Kuwait were decorated with the colors of the tournament, and the country had a festive atmosphere that made every visitor feel that they were at home.
The Fan Zones, created by Zain, also played a big role in enriching the audience experience. From interactive activities to competitions and cultural performances, these areas were an ideal gathering point for the masses, which enhanced the festive atmosphere and made the tournament an unforgettable experience.
In addition, local and Gulf media played a pivotal role in conveying the atmosphere of the tournament to the audiences in various countries. Comprehensive media coverage through television and radio channels and social media platforms allowed football fans to follow every moment of the matches and accompanying events, which strengthened the status of the tournament as a Gulf event that brings everyone together.
Efforts were not limited to the media aspect only, but the organising committee provided integrated services to ensure the comfort of players and fans. From providing advanced means of transportation to transport fans between stadiums to equipping sports facilities with the latest technologies, these preparations reflected Kuwait’s keenness to offer a tournament befitting its sports history.
The tournament also witnessed social and cultural initiatives aimed at highlighting the common Gulf heritage, where exhibitions and heritage performances were held on the sidelines of the matches. These activities not only impressed visitors, but also deepened the cultural awareness of the public about the deep ties that unite the Gulf countries.
In a related context, the players and officials participating in the tournament praised the level of organisation and the potential presented. The statements that expressed gratitude to Kuwait, reflected everyone’s feeling that the tournament was not just a sports competition, but a loving and welcoming message addressed by Kuwait to everyone who attended or followed this sports wedding.
The current edition came under the name ‘Gulf of Zain’ for the second time in a row, thanks to the strategic partnership between the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation and Zain. Zain not only fulfilled her role as a main sponsor of the tournament, but also actively contributed to presenting a distinguished version.
From the design of the logo of the tournament, whose symbols were inspired by the components of the Gulf environment, to the launch of the ‘Hudo’ mascot, which attracted the attention of young and old, Zain succeeded in translating the common Gulf identity into tangible elements that everyone interacted with.
The slogan ‘The Future is Gulf’ was chosen to express the unified vision that the peoples of the Gulf seek to achieve through cooperation and integration in various fields. This spirit was not far from the sports scene, as the tournament strengthened relations between the countries of the region and created new opportunities for communication between peoples.
Khaleeji Zain 26 stressed that sport is not only an area of competition, but also a means of strengthening cultural and social relations between countries.
The importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors has also been shown in the success of major events, as entities such as Zain and Kuwait Airways played a prominent role in providing an exceptional experience for the masses.
The tournament concluded with a majestic scene that reflected its remarkable success, as the Gulf fans lived unforgettable moments on the soil of Kuwait. From the special honoring of the legends of Gulf football to valuable prizes presented to the fans, ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’ was a sports and cultural festival that reflected the unity of the Arabian Gulf. And here is Kuwait, which has always been the beating heart of the Gulf, writes a new chapter in its sporting career, and shows the world that sport is capable of bringing people together in the spirit of unity and interdependence.
