ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait is gearing up for a historic sporting event as it hosts the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup titled ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’, from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. This will be the fifth time the tournament is held in Kuwait, with Zain as the Title Partner for the football competition for the second consecutive time.
Zain, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, is reaffirming its commitment to supporting major sporting events, enhancing Kuwait’s position as a key player in regional sports, boosting the development of football among the youth. The Arabian Gulf Cup, which began in 1970, has solidified its place as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. The football competition underscores the unity, deep-rooted relations, and shared heritage of Gulf nations.
Zain announced its partnership during a ceremony held at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, attended by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Bedah Al-Mutairi; Secretary-General of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, Jassim Al-Rumaihi; Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi; Zain Kuwait CEO, Nawaf Al-Gharabally; Acting Director of the Public Authority for Sports, Bashar Abdullah; Director of the GCC Joint Program Production Institution, Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al-Sabah; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Nasser Al-Muhaisen; and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, along with senior officials from the Kuwait Football Association.
The occasion highlighted preparations for ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’, the brand identity of the tournament, and its official logo. Following the presentation, Zain and the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation signed the title partnership agreement. The Gulf Cup has a special place in the hearts of football fans across the GCC, particularly Kuwaitis, as Kuwait won the inaugural tournament in 1970 and remains the most successful team in Gulf Cup history. Zain will utilize its resources and national talents to ensure this edition of the tournament leaves fans with unforgettable memories. In addition, the company plans to engage football enthusiasts through a series of interactive events and programs like fan zones, social media contests, giveaways, and more.
The logo for ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’ incorporates symbolic elements from Gulf nations, including sand dunes, the Kuwaiti dhow sail, camels, palm fronds, the Arabic letter “Alef,” falcon wings, and the traditional Arabian headdress (Aqal), which all form the shape of the Gulf Cup. The color blue represents Kuwait’s national team’s colors. Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, stated, “We look forward to contributing to the success of the event and reflect Kuwait’s leadership under the wise guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.”
Al-Kharafi added: “This partnership highlights Zain’s ongoing support for sports at both the national and regional levels as this football festival will attract thousands of fans to Kuwait, and will be watched by millions across the globe all celebrating the unity, rich heritage, and enduring bonds of the Gulf nations.” Al-Kharafi expressed “his confidence that the tournament will be a great success, enriched by a wide fan base in the stadiums, behind TV screens, and online. Our clear strategy for sustainability and social responsibility enhances our regional standing as a leading digital service provider that fully engages with the communities in which it operates.”
Jassim Al-Rumaihi, Secretary-General of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, said: “In the Federation, we appreciate this partnership with Zain, through our commercial partners IMG, and we are looking forward to a successful competition in this edition too. This partnership with Zain will enhance the Arab Gulf Cup edition in Kuwait, especially as it attracts football fans in the region, and we hope to continue this association for the long term.”
Adolfo Bara, SVP & Managing Director of Football Events at IMG commented: “Zain Group’s continued support and participation in the Arabian Gulf Cup showcases the strength of the tournament as a growing global asset. Together, IMG & AGCFF delivered one of the most successful editions of the tournament in 2023 and we’re looking forward to expanding on that success to grow the competition for the future.” IMG has a long-term commercial partnership with the AGCFF to market the media rights and sponsorship agreements for the Arabian Gulf Cup, through to 2031. The partnership has delivered significant commercial milestones for the tournament, securing a series of new commercial partners for the previous edition featuring globally renowned brands, alongside established regional brands.
As a leading technology and digital lifestyle company, Zain remains committed to supporting major sporting events as part of its mission to contribute to youth and sports development, which are vital pillars of every society. This marks the second time the tournament will carry the ‘Khaleeji Zain’ name, following the previous edition, ‘Khaleeji Zain 25’, held in Basra, Iraq, in 2022-23, which celebrated the tournament’s silver jubilee. The 2022-23 edition saw Iraq win the championship, drawing a significant fan response.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is held every two years, rotating among the member states of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, which includes Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. This year’s matches will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium. For more on the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup titled ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’, visit: https://agcff.com/en/home/
