Dr. Noura Al-Marzouqi

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 21: Dr. Noura Al-Marzouqi has made history as the first Arab and Gulf woman to venture into the male-dominated field of technical analysis in football. Breaking barriers, she became a technical analyst with expertise in match analysis, earning her a role with Kuwait TV during the Khaleeji Zain 26 to provide insights on the tournament's games.

Al-Marzouqi holds a diploma in football analysis and a master’s degree in sports management, specializing in football public relations. She is also an affiliate student at the prestigious Barcelona Academy, further cementing her credentials in the field.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Seyassah, Al-Marzouqi shared that her journey into football analysis began unexpectedly after a 30-year career in Emirati media. Owning a company that manages football-related websites fueled her passion for the sport, leading her to explore match analysis. Encouraged by peers, she took the bold step into sports analysis.

Al-Marzouqi lauded the exceptional organization of the Khaleeji Zain 26 main media center at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, commending the media committee’s efforts to support Gulf journalists and media professionals. She also admired the tournament’s innovative “Hayakom” app, which streamlines media operations by providing daily updates, match tickets, hotel bookings, and flights. She described the app as a game-changer for Gulf sports media.

She remarked: "The media committee and all organizers of the Khaleeji Zain 26 have been incredibly cooperative with Gulf, Arab, and international media. This level of professionalism is no surprise coming from Kuwait, a nation renowned for excellence."

Discussing the tournament atmosphere, Al-Marzouqi praised the vibrant preparations and enthusiastic fan turnout, describing the event as a testament to the Gulf region's passion for football.

Group One: Qatar is a likely frontrunner for the first qualifying spot, while the second spot will be a battle between the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, with Oman potentially emerging as the “dark horse.”

Group Two: Iraq is a favorite for the first ticket to the semifinals, with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain contending for the second.

Regarding the UAE national team, Al-Marzouqi noted that coach Jorge Luis Pinto is still experimenting with lineups, which has led to a lack of stability. She highlighted gaps in certain positions and acknowledged the UAE football community's aspirations for better performances, given the abundance of talent in the UAE league.

Al-Marzouqi’s trailblazing role in football analysis and her insights on Khaleeji Zain 26 underscore her expertise and dedication to advancing the region’s sports media landscape.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff