Volunteers kick-off training for Khaleeji Zain 26 in Kuwait

Preparations are in full swing for the Khaleeji Zain 26, with the volunteer training kicking off ahead of the big Opening Ceremony in Kuwait City on December 21.

Hundreds of enthusiastic citizens and residents became the first batch from an expected volunteer workforce of up to 5,000 people to undergo professional training to welcome the tens of thousands of fans set to pour in from across the Arabian Gulf for the 14-day tournament.

Volunteers of all ages from 18-60 years have stepped forward to represent their country and they are being put through theoretical and practical sessions to prepare them for their vital tournament-time roles.

Here’s what they said:

I volunteered with the aim of helping to present an honourable and beautiful image of my country, Kuwait, by providing services and assistance to the fans and help them while they cheer on their teams in the tournament that we love. We want to provide a welcome for them to their second country, Kuwait. – Hajar Jamal

“I was motivated to be involved in this beautiful football event by my love and duty to raise the name of Kuwait, and I will seek to provide help and comfort for the supporters to be happy at every match they watch from the stands.” – Musaed Al-Humaidal

“I am honoured to be part of this large volunteer team to serve the tournament and its fans. I have seized the opportunity to ​​volunteer and assist the fans at the two stadiums and ensure their experience is smooth and enjoyable.” – Saad Al-Rashidi

“I am so happy to be undergoing this volunteer experience in my country and to present a positive image of Kuwaiti youth and our ability to organise a major event and gain experience.” – Mubarak Al-Dhafiri

“Volunteering is an important and challenging step for me in my life as it will teach me new skills and harness them for the benefit of the volunteer team to serve the fans.” – Yahya Jassim

“Volunteers will play a vital role in the success of the tournament and that is why I felt I had to get involved and play my part.” – Wael Shafi

“I am volunteering with my son, Mohammed, and my daughter, Jana, to be a team of one family who will welcome many families attending Khaleeji Zain 26. We want to do what we can to provide all the help and assistance that they need so that they can enjoy the beautiful matches. This is the first time we have done something like this and it is wonderful to be able to do it together.” – Al-Hisar Family(Mahdi Al-Hisar)

The Khaleeji Zain 26 will see hosts Kuwait joined by Oman, UAE and Qatar in Group A, with the reigning champions Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia contesting Group B.

The top two from each group will go through to the semi-finals before the final is played at the 60,000-capacity Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on January 3. The city’s Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium will also host matches.