Officials pose for a group photo after the inauguration.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 12: Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports Bashar Abdullah affirmed the readiness of Jaber International and Jaber Mubarak stadiums for the "Khaleeji Zain 26" competition, which will take place in Kuwait from December 21 to January 3.

According to a press statement issued by the Kuwait Football Association (KFA), Abdullah said, "The stadiums are fully prepared to host the Gulf 26 Championship, following the official opening of Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Stadium. We extend our gratitude to all the workers who worked tirelessly around the clock to complete this sports landmark, and ensure the stadium is ready for this cherished tournament."

Bashar Abdullah made these remarks during the inauguration of Jaber Mubarak Stadium at the Al-Sulaibikhat Club in the presence of Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

Abdullah said, "Kuwait is fully prepared for this significant sporting event, which brings together Gulf nations. This achievement is made possible through the guidance of the high leadership and the follow-up and oversight of Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi to ensure the final preparations are on track.

He revealed that Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Stadium is the first stadium in Kuwait without a track, and it has a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators.

Abdullah indicated that Fahaheel Club's stadium, which will soon open, will also be trackless.

It is worth highlighting that the opening ceremony of Jaber Mubarak Stadium was attended by the Vice Chair of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the tournament and President of the Kuwait Football Association Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef, Head of the Local Organizing Committee Mubarak Abdulaziz, and the Tournament Director Mishal Al-Subaie.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Facilities, Maintenance, and Infrastructure Sector in the Public Authority for Sports Sara Fletah affirmed that all the facilities are equipped with the latest systems and technologies, which will be operated by approved technical teams from global companies in collaboration with local national companies and staff.

Fletah, who heads the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee in the tournament’s organizing committee, highlighted that the training grounds are ready to welcome the participating Gulf teams and referees to complete their training ahead of the major Gulf sports event.