KUWAIT: Under the sponsorship of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup tournament (Khaleeji Zain 26) was held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Saturday. HH the Amir arrived at the stadium to a warm welcome by dignitaries. The ceremony was attended by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, senior sheikhs, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and senior officials from Kuwait and the Gulf.

The ceremony started with the national anthem, followed by a brief statement by HH the Amir, who welcomed all attendees “who have gathered on the territory of the State of Kuwait, the territory of amity and peace...such a gathering depicts the fraternal sports spirit bonding our Gulf peoples”. “In the name of His Almighty Allah, we inaugurate the 26th session of the Arabian Football Gulf Cup,” he said. The spectacular opening ceremony showcased artistic performances reflecting both the Gulf heritage of the past and the vision for the future — KUNA