Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium at Sulaibikhat Club.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 14: Dr. Hamed Al-Shaibani, head of the competitions committee for the "Gulf Zain 26" tournament, confirmed that all preparations were completed well in advance of the arrival of the competing teams. He stated that the committee had ensured all administrative and technical arrangements were in place ahead of the final phase of the team’s preparations.

Al-Shaibani highlighted that the committee had closely monitored the logistical preparations for the tournament in recent weeks. This included preparing and maintaining the two main stadiums, Jaber International and Jaber Al-Mubarak, as well as ensuring that eight additional training venues were ready for the participating teams.

He further emphasized that the committee, in collaboration with the Gulf Federation, was fully committed to the tournament regulations approved by the Arabian Gulf Cup Federation's Board of Directors. The participating Gulf federations were provided with the necessary guidelines and tournament regulations.

Al-Shaibani extended his gratitude to the Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, for his constant oversight and dedication to meeting all the tournament’s needs. He also acknowledged the vital role of the Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Football Association, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef, for his significant contributions to the organization and success of the Gulf Cup.

Al-Shaibani expressed his best wishes to all the participating teams and stated his hopes for the tournament to meet the high expectations of Gulf football fans. He emphasized that the "Gulf Zain 26" tournament would be an unforgettable event, with everyone emerging victorious in this celebration of unity and brotherhood in Kuwait, the land of love.

The "Gulf Zain 26" tournament will be held at Jaber International Stadium, which will host both the opening ceremony and the final match. Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium will host its first event today with a friendly match between Kuwait and Al-Sulaibikhat clubs at 5:15 PM. This stadium, which can accommodate around 15,000 spectators, was officially opened last Wednesday in the presence of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

Al-Sulaibikhat Club will host seven matches during the "Gulf Zain 26" tournament, starting with the opening match between Qatar and the UAE on the tournament’s first day, and concluding with one of the semi-finals on December 31.

Saad Anad, Chairman of Al-Sulaibikhat Club, expressed immense pride in hosting the stadium for the "Gulf Zain 26" matches, calling it a significant milestone for the club and Kuwait’s sports community. Anad welcomed the new stadium as a valuable asset for young athletes and an ideal venue for Gulf brothers to gather and celebrate football. He also recognized the importance of the match between Kuwait and Al-Sulaibikhat clubs as a technical rehearsal ahead of the official tournament matches.

Anad expressed sincere gratitude to Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for his efforts to ensure the stadium’s readiness and thanked the Public Authority for Sports for their ongoing support in preparing the venue to host the Gulf Cup matches.