ShareKUWAIT: The Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) concluded on Saturday with Bahrain securing a dramatic victory over Oman in a thrilling final. Hosted in Kuwait, the tournament captivated fans from across the Gulf region, who lauded its exceptional organization and lively atmosphere. However, attendees also raised concerns about the ticketing system, highlighting an area that could be improved for future events.
For Youssef, who attended the final, the organization was nothing short of outstanding. “The event was exceptionally well-managed,” he shared. Comparing his experience in Kuwait with attending stadiums abroad, he was pleasantly surprised by the results. “Even with 60 or 70 thousand people, it felt like being in a mall—crowded but orderly. The flow in and out of the stadium was smooth, the seats accommodated everyone, and around ten gates were placed, which ensured quick access,” said Youssef, who asked Kuwait Times not to use his last name. Youssef also appreciated the thoughtful design of the Jaber International Stadium. “You could see the field clearly from almost every seat, and the food stalls under each section were easy to reach.”
Khaled, who chose not to give his last name, described the tournament as “amazing.” Entesar Taqi, who attended multiple matches, also applauded the organization. “This was a historic event—a resounding success recognized by all our Gulf brothers and sisters,” she said. She emphasized the inclusivity of the event, noting, “Everyone was there—the elderly, children, men, women, and people with disabilities. Those in wheelchairs moved around smoothly and without hassle.” She also commended the volunteers, saying, “At every step, there were organizers ready to help, and many of them were volunteers.”
While the organization received high marks, all three attendees pointed to the ticketing process as a major challenge. Khaled highlighted glitches in the official app. “A lot of my friends couldn’t get tickets, and sometimes the app wouldn’t let us log in.” Youssef shared his frustration: “I waited six or seven hours on the waiting list just to get a ticket. Tickets for the semi-finals were especially hard to find.” He also mentioned that the only way he was able to secure tickets for the final match was by purchasing them two weeks in advance—without even knowing which teams had qualified.
Taqi also expressed concerns about the ticketing system, urging Kuwait to consider building larger stadiums to accommodate more fans, particularly as the country aspires to host larger events, such as the Asian Cup. “There were times when the demand for tickets exceeded the stadium’s capacity,” she noted, explaining that this left many fans unable to attend.
She further emphasized the importance of expanding hotel accommodations. “With the influx of Gulf visitors, all hotels were fully booked at 100 percent capacity. We need to increase availability to ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated,” she added. Beyond the logistical challenges, the tournament’s cultural impact was undeniable. “These events strengthen children’s national pride and foster unity among Arab and Gulf nations,” Taqi, a mother herself, reflected. “They help eliminate racism and promote harmony.” Taqi extended gratitude to Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information, Youth, and Sports, for his role in making the Khaleeji Zain 26 a success. “This Gulf championship was a true triumph,” she said.
