Khaleeji Zain 26 draw ceremony embodies unity among Gulf nations

• Bader Al-Kharafi: “The passionate regional support for this football spectacular raises the bar for an exceptional tournament”
• Kuwait to face Oman in the opening match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
• Draw ceremony unveiled the tournament’s official mascot: ‘Haydo’

The organizing committee for Khaleeji Zain 26 (the Arabian Gulf Cup) held a ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait to conduct the tournament draw, that unveiled the eagerly awaited matchups among the eight teams competing in the region’s premier sporting event, hosted in Kuwait from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

The event was attended by H.E. Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Bedah Al-Mutairi; H.E. Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth, and Chairman of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al-Thani; Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi; Secretary-General of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, Jassim Al-Rumaihi; Chairman of the Kuwait Football Association, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah; President of the Qatar Football Association, Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain; and Acting Director of the Public Authority for Sports, Bashar Abdullah.

During the event, the tournament’s official mascot, ‘Haydo the Camel’, was unveiled. Representing Gulf heritage and embodying the identity of Khaleeji Zain 26, Haydo stands as a symbol of the Gulf’s environment and rich culture. Haydo will serve as a dynamic focal point for engaging with fans, especially families, and young fans.

Bader Al-Kharafi praised the efforts and preparations undertaken by the tournament’s organizing committee, highlighting its role in presenting the draw ceremony in such a remarkable fashion. He commended the support provided by both the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation and the Kuwait Football Association in ensuring this edition of the tournament is an exceptional one.

Al-Kharafi added, “We have been delighted from the outset to participate in this competition among Gulf national teams, cherished by football fans across the region. We hope Gulf and Arab audiences alike will enjoy the thrilling matches among our brotherly nations, especially as this tournament receives the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.”

He also noted that the robust support this tournament is witnessing at all levels raises expectations for Khaleeji Zain 26 to live up to the legacy of this championship as one of the most prominent football events on the regional scene, especially with the enthusiastic fan engagement anticipated.

The DRAW & RULES

The draw ceremony was attended by representatives from the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, Kuwait Football Association, Gulf football associations, delegations from the eight participating teams, and many renowned Gulf football stars.

Fans can look forward to classic showdowns, with a highlight being Kuwait’s national team facing Oman in the opening match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, as part of Group A, which also includes Qatar and the UAE. Group B features Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Khaleeji Zain 26 will feature two stages: the group stage and the knockout stage, culminating in the final match. The draw divides the eight teams into two groups, with the host nation, Kuwait, and the defending champion, Iraq, heading each group.

According to tournament rules, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, where the Group A leader will face the Group B runner-up, and the Group B leader will compete against the Group A runner-up. The winners of these semifinals will advance to the final match, where the victor will claim the championship title.

Zain Group recently announced its role as the Title Partner of the tournament, now branded as Khaleeji Zain 26 for the second consecutive time. Kuwait will host this historic sporting event for the fifth time in its history, and Zain warmly welcomes Gulf teams and delegations to this premier regional event.

Zain is reaffirming its commitment to supporting major sporting events, enhancing Kuwait’s position as a key player in regional sports, boosting the development of football among the youth.

The Arabian Gulf Cup, which began in 1970, has solidified its place as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. The football competition underscores the unity, deep-rooted relations, and shared heritage of Gulf nations.

The Gulf Cup has a special place in the hearts of football fans across the GCC, particularly Kuwaitis, as Kuwait won the inaugural tournament in 1970 and remains the most successful team in Gulf Cup history.

Zain will utilize its resources and national talents to ensure this edition of the tournament leaves fans with unforgettable memories. In addition, the company plans to engage football enthusiasts through a series of interactive events and programs like fan zones, social media contests, giveaways, and more.

The logo for Khaleeji Zain 26 incorporates symbolic elements from Gulf nations, including sand dunes, the Kuwaiti dhow sail, camels, palm fronds, the Arabic letter "Alef" falcon wings, and the traditional Arabian headdress (Aqal), which all form the shape of the Gulf Cup. The color blue represents Kuwait’s national team’s colors.

As a leading technology and digital lifestyle company, Zain remains committed to supporting major sporting events as part of its mission to contribute to youth and sports development, which are vital pillars of every society.

This marks the second time the tournament will carry the Khaleeji Zain name, following the previous edition, Khaleeji Zain 25, held in Basra, Iraq, in 2022-23, which celebrated the tournament’s silver jubilee. The 2022-23 edition saw Iraq win the championship, drawing a significant fan response.

The Arabian Gulf Cup is held every two years, rotating among the member states of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, which includes Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. This year’s matches will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium.