Al-Rajhi noted that a comprehensive plan has been set to ensure smooth operations, provide necessary support to visitors, and simplify all procedures. He explained that the anticipated number of fans arriving at Kuwait Airport by additional flights, excluding regular scheduled flights, during this period is almost 30,000 with 75 expected flights. Al-Rajhi stressed that DGCA has allocated special teams in the arrival halls to guide fans and provide necessary support, adding that special reception areas for large groups have been set up, equipped with screens displaying transportation information. He affirmed DGCA’s commitment to delivering top-tier services to Kuwait’s guests during the tournament, praising the efforts of the airport’s staff, including the Ministry of Interior, the General Administration of Customs, airlines, ground service providers, and the Gulf Cup organizing committee. Kuwait is gearing up for a historic football event by playing host to the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup titled “Khaleeji Zain 26”, making it the fifth time the championship is held in Kuwait.

The Arabian Gulf Cup, which began in 1970, has solidified its place as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region, obviously reflecting unity, deep-rooted relations, and shared heritage of Gulf nations. The Arabian Gulf Cup is held every two years, rotating among the member states of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, which comprises Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. The matches of this Kuwait-hosted tournament will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium. Kuwait leads in tournament victories, having won the title 10 times, followed by Iraq with four titles, Saudi Arabia and Qatar with three each, Oman and the UAE with two each, and Bahrain with one title. In related news, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Electricity and Water Eng. Falah Al-Subaie says the ministry has completed its assigned tasks in preparation for Kuwait to host the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup “Khaleeji Zain 26”, which will run from December 21 to January 3. In a press statement issued Wednesday, he highlighted the coordinated efforts of the ministry’s sectors in completing the necessary work for this major sporting event, which will take place at Jaber Stadium and Sulaibikhat Club Stadium.

Al-Subaie explained that the infrastructure works, including the installation and operation of the entire lighting network (50 light poles and 360 LED spotlights), were completed in record time for the external parking lots at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, which can accommodate approximately 12,500 cars. Also, 28 light poles and 54 LED spotlights have been installed at Sulaibikhat Club Stadium, which can accommodate approximately 2,500 cars. In addition, all newly established entrances and exits have been fully illuminated. These efforts were closely monitored by senior officials from the ministry for ensuring the use of the latest technical specifications, including energy-saving and eco-friendly LED lighting. The installation of LED spotlights, designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, has been completed at the Nuwaiseeb port and the surrounding area to ensure the safety of visitors. Work is ongoing to complete the related infrastructure at the Salmi and Abdali borders.

It is worth noting that the ministry has provided diesel generators for both Jaber Stadium and Sulaibikhat Club, and it continues to oversee the maintenance and operation of all related equipment through its various sectors to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament.