KUWAIT: Kuwait is fully prepared to host the upcoming Arab Cup for handball teams, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 11 at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, according to Meshal Al-Qabandi, board member of the Kuwait Handball Federation and head of its media committee. The tournament coincides with the International Handball Federation (IHF) Week and will feature the participation of nine Arab nations, including Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.

Al-Qabandi said extensive coordination meetings were held with the Public Authority for Sport, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Health to ensure the smooth organization of the tournament. “We have overcome all challenges with the full cooperation of the concerned authorities to present the tournament in a manner that reflects the esteemed image of Kuwaiti sport, particularly handball,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude for the support extended by senior officials, including Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sport Bashar Abdullah, as well as officials from the interior and health ministries. “Their commitment underscores the importance of hosting the Arab Cup in a distinguished and professional manner,” he added.

Al-Qabandi noted that tournament committees are working around the clock to ensure all preparations are in place, with a full-scale rehearsal for the opening ceremony set to be conducted in the days leading up to the event. He also extended thanks to the Handball Federation’s board members and staff for their dedicated efforts since Kuwait was announced as host of the tournament, which returns after several years of absence. He further emphasized the importance of the Arab Cup as a prelude to Kuwait’s hosting of the 22nd Asian Championship — the qualifier for the 2027 World Cup — slated for January 2026.