KUWAIT CITY, Jan 4: In a new achievement added to its sporting and historical record, Kuwait successfully hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup “Khaleeji Zain 26”, an event that brought immense pride and honor to the country for its ability to organize such a major Gulf sporting competition. The event transcended a mere sporting contest and evolved into an integrated experience that demonstrated Kuwait’s capability to reassert its position in the Gulf and Arab arenas most beautifully. The tournament had a profound impact on the social, economic, and tourism levels. This success was not a coincidence but the result of joint cooperation between various governmental entities. The Ministry of Interior ensured the provision of security, and efficiently managed fan entry, as well as the electronic processing of visas. The Ministry of Information provided excellent media coverage. The Public Authority for Sports, Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Health, and others offered vital logistical and support services with all efficiency. The collaboration extended beyond organizational aspects, as it also played a key role in boosting tourism. Thousands of fans from all Gulf countries flocked to Kuwait, which contributed to a noticeable economic recovery. In an unprecedented tourist atmosphere, hotels were packed with guests, restaurants were bustling with patrons, and markets were alive. This created a scene that evoked memories of Kuwait’s prosperous days as a sought-after tourist destination. Visitors expressed their admiration and affirmed that Kuwait had become the center of attention in the Gulf during the championship days.

Boost
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kuwait Union of Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Supplies Fahad Al-Arbash highlighted that Kuwait’s hosting of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup had provided a major boost to the local economy due to the influx of tourists and sports visitors. He explained that the restaurant and cafe sector had seen an increase in activity, but it had not achieved a transformative leap in profits, particularly in establishments located outside the areas of festive events and large crowds. This surge in business coincided with the Kuwait Hotel Association’s announcement of a 100 percent occupancy rate in all hotels, particularly those of higher classification. In a press statement, Al-Arbash explained that sales had increased by 30 percent to 40 percent at popular restaurants and cafes in Mubarakiya and heritage sites, as well as in establishments in the Avenues, Marina, Gate, and 360 malls. However, restaurants and cafes in different areas of Kuwait saw a more modest increase of 10 to 15 percent in sales. Al-Arbash revealed that his family’s gold shops in Mubarakiya experienced a 10 to 15 percent increase in sales during the Khaleeji Zain 26 period.

Many visitors confirmed that Kuwait, despite the challenges, has all the potential to restore its former glory and shine and position itself as a new Gulf hub that showcases its rich cultural and civilizational identity. Restaurants and cafes experienced large crowds, and shopping centers and popular markets flourished due to the influx of visitors, which significantly boosted economic activity and reaffirmed Kuwait’s status as a vibrant tourist destination.

Media coverage
The Ministry of Information demonstrated exceptional readiness by providing comprehensive media coverage that matched the significance of the event. According to sources, the Ministry of Information formed specialized teams comprising correspondents and editors to ensure accurate and high-quality coverage of all tournament events. It also equipped its studios with the latest technical equipment to broadcast continuous analytical and news programs for highlighting the matches and the overall atmosphere of the tournament. They said field teams were deployed to broadcast live events from the stadiums and popular gathering areas to provide a comprehensive image for viewers both in Kuwait and abroad. The sources revealed that the Ministry of Information facilitated all the necessary logistical services for the participating Gulf satellite channels, including supporting live broadcast operations and offering technical assistance to ensure that the tournament was televised in a manner befitting its significance. Kuwait’s ports, including Kuwait International Airport, saw a significant increase in public attendance during the tournament, as the number of arrivals between January 1 and January 4 reached approximately 79,000. Furthermore, sources from the travel and tourism sector said the majority of arrivals were due to the Gulf Cup Championship, which encouraged many visitors to come to the country and enjoy the festive atmosphere. In addition, the supervisor of decorations and flag raising at Kuwait Municipality Ghosoun Al-Jassem said a specialized team from the municipality’s decorations department was formed prior to the launch of the Khaleeji Zain Cup events. In a press statement, she explained that the municipality decorated important tournament locations, especially Jaber Stadium, with approximately 128 flags representing the eight participating countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, and Iraq. Also, 68 fl ags were placed in Souk Mubarakiya, 16 fl ags at the Kuwait Football Association building, 12 fl ags at Sulaibikhat Club, and 32 fl ags at the entrances of Jaber Stadium. In addition, the acting head of the Maintenance Department in the Construction Department of the municipality’s projects sector Khaled Al-Kandari confirmed that the municipality successfully provided technical services to Souk Mubarakiya in record time during the Khaleeji Zain Championship. He highlighted the cooperation with the Kuwait Oil Company in implementing and overseeing the decorative lighting in Mubarakiya.

By Inaas Awadh and Mohammad Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff