KUWAIT: Thousands of volunteers are looking forward to delivering a memorable Khaleeji Zain 26 that will be a sporting and cultural celebration from December 21-January 3. Up to 5,000 citizens and residents have stepped forward to volunteer on the event in a variety of roles, and at a training session held at the Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium, the finishing touches were being made to ensure they provide a first-class welcome to the tens of thousands of fans expected to pour into Kuwait from across the Gulf.

Each volunteer is put through several training sessions which include class-room theoretical presentations mixed with on-the-job practical training at the venues. Both stadiums have been fitted with the latest crowd-management technology to ensure a smooth flow of spectators from the outer perimeter fences to the stadium bowl and seats.

Volunteers being given theoretical presentations mixed with on-the-job practical training at the venues.

Tickets, which are available to buy through the Hayakom application, will be scanned for the first time at the outer perimeter, before a second scan at the entry turnstiles into the stadium. Formerly known as the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Khaleeji Zain 26 will get underway on Saturday with a stunning Opening Ceremony, followed by the first match between hosts Kuwait and Oman at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.