ShareKUWAIT: Zain has successfully concluded its title partnership with the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) on a remarkable note, congratulating Bahrain’s national team on clinching its second-ever championship title after a thrilling final against Oman, which secured the runner-up position for the second consecutive time. The final match was held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium under the esteemed patronage of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with the attendance of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Also in attendance were Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Oman; Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain; and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth of Qatar.
On the sidelines of the final match, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a commemorative gift from Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi.
His Highness also honored Gulf football legends, including Kuwait’s Jassem Yaqoub, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Abduljawad, Qatar’s Mubarak Mustafa, UAE’s Ismail Matar, Bahrain’s Talal Youssef, Iraq’s Hussein Saeed, Oman’s Ali Al-Habsi and Yemen’s Anwar Al-Soroori.
Since announcing its partnership in September 2024, Zain has dedicated its resources and national capabilities to ensuring the success of this major regional tournament. The company expressed pride in its collaboration with the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, organizing a series of events and contributions throughout the tournament to deliver a memorable championship that befits Kuwait’s sports legacy. In this report, Zain details its efforts and contributions to ensure the success of this Gulf celebration.
Partnership announcement and visual identity
In September, Zain unveiled its partnership with the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, branded Khaleeji Zain for the second consecutive edition, during a visual presentation at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center in the presence of senior state officials.
The event showcased preparations for Khaleeji Zain 26, including the tournament’s visual identity and the logo designed by Zain, followed by the official signing of the partnership agreement with the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation.
The Khaleeji Zain 26 logo was inspired by elements from Gulf nations, depicted abstractly, including sand dunes, a Kuwaiti dhow sail, a camel, palm fronds, the Arabic letter “Alif,” a falcon’s wing, and a traditional headdress (Agal). Together, these elements form the Arabian Gulf Cup. The blue color, symbolizing Kuwait’s national team, was prominently featured, with The Future is Gulf chosen as the slogan to reflect unity and solidarity among Gulf nations.
Draw event and mascot reveal
In November, Zain continued its support at the tournament’s draw event, held at the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. Attendees included senior state officials, Gulf federation representatives, team delegations, media, and Gulf football legends.
The draw revealed exciting matchups among the eight participating teams and introduced the tournament’s mascot, Haydo, a camel symbolizing Gulf heritage and culture. Haydo served as a dynamic touchpoint for fans, especially families and younger audiences.
The draw highlighted classic encounters, including the opening match between Kuwait’s national team and Oman at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, part of Group A, which also featured Qatar and the UAE. Group B comprised Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen.
‘Ya Hala Bil-Zain’: A warm welcome
To celebrate Khaleeji Zain 26 and welcome visitors to Kuwait, Zain launched its TV commercial, Hala Wallah, featuring Kuwaiti talents Humoud Al-Khudur, Khaled Al-Mudhafar and Lulwa Al-Mulla. The vibrant commercial encapsulated the shared enthusiasm and pride for this cherished tournament.
The TVC showcased a lively village representing Gulf communities and concluded at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, symbolizing unity through shared passion. The commercial was presented by the Agency Joy Productions, music composition & lyrics by Saif Fadel, music arrangement by Barrak Al-Mutawa, mix & master by Montather Al-Zayer, direction by Mahi Seoud, and Production House Big Films.
Partnership with Kuwait Airways
In November, Zain welcomed Kuwait Airways as the official carrier of Khaleeji Zain 26, reflecting public-private sector collaboration to ensure the tournament’s success. Under this partnership, the visual identity of Khaleeji Zain 26 was integrated into Kuwait Airways’ operations, including on aircraft flying to and from participating countries, the Terminal 4 building that is dedicated to welcoming visitors and guests, and cabin crew uniforms. Special and exclusive offers were also made available for guests, delivering a delightful and comfortable travel experience from Kuwait Airways, paired with an enriching and innovative digital experience from Zain.
Trophy tour
In December, as the tournament countdown began, Zain hosted the official trophy and match ball at its headquarters in Shuwaikh, marking the start of the trophy tour in Kuwait. The event allowed Zain employees, customers, and tournament fans to capture memories with the trophy. The tour also included stops at Kuwait International Airport, partner and sponsor locations, Zain Fan Zones in Murouj, The Walk mall, and other destinations.
Daily fan engagement
From the first whistle, Zain engaged fans daily with activities, entertainment, and competitions. The company welcomed Gulf delegations and fans with special phone lines, free minutes, and Internet to enrich their stay in Kuwait.
Fans enjoyed prizes, including smart devices, gaming consoles, match tickets, and signed jerseys from Kuwait’s national team. Social media contests and interactive events added to the excitement. Zain also collaborated with Kuwait Times to produce a special edition featuring tournament details, team profiles, and match schedules, which was available at fan zones.
Zain’s fan zones
Zain elevated the Gulf Zain 26 experience with fan zones across Kuwait, including Murouj and Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. These zones featured live match screenings, competitions, traditional Gulf performances, and sports-themed children’s activities. Additional zones at Souq Sharq, The Walk, and The Avenues mall offered unique entertainment and activities, enhancing the festive atmosphere throughout the tournament.
