KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18: Kuwait International Airport is preparing to welcome around 30,000 fans for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament, set to take place from December 21 to January 3. This reflects the extensive preparations for the prestigious event, which strengthens cultural and sporting ties among the participating countries.

The tournament will feature teams from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, and the host nation, Kuwait. This highly anticipated event has garnered significant attention and support, with high-level directives from the political leadership to ensure its success. The goal is to organize the tournament in the best possible way, achieving the desired outcomes and further enhancing Kuwait's position as a leading sports destination both regionally and internationally.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, Deputy Director General for Aviation Safety, Air Transport, and Civil Aviation Security, and Acting Spokesperson for the Administration, confirmed to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that there is full coordination with all relevant authorities at the airport and the Gulf Cup organizing committee. This collaboration aims to facilitate the entry of fans from Gulf countries to attend the tournament, which will kick off next Saturday.

"We have developed comprehensive plans to ensure smooth movement, provide necessary support to visitors, and streamline all procedures," Al-Rajhi said. "These efforts include providing accurate information about the facilities and services at the airport and allocating specialized teams to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all fans."

Al-Rajhi noted that approximately 30,000 fans are expected to arrive at Kuwait International Airport, in addition to regular scheduled flights. The total number of flights during the tournament period is expected to reach around 75, with additional flights likely in the later stages, particularly for the semi-finals and finals.

These 75 flights will be operated by nine carriers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with Iraq. Al-Rajhi emphasized the intensification of organizational and logistical efforts at the airport to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all travelers.

To accommodate the expected influx of fans, the capacity of the arrival halls will be increased. Civil Aviation has allocated teams in the halls to guide fans and assist with passport and customs procedures. Special reception areas will be set up for large groups, featuring screens with real-time flight schedules and transportation information.

Al-Rajhi praised the efforts of all entities involved in the airport operations, including the Ministry of Interior, the General Administration of Customs, airlines, ground service providers, and the Gulf Cup organizing committee.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the event, traveling by air or land from the GCC countries, as well as Iraq and Yemen, to support their teams and enjoy the accompanying events. The timing of the tournament coincides with school holidays and New Year's Day, further boosting attendance.

Kuwait's hosting of the 26th Gulf Cup is expected to significantly contribute to the country's tourism and local economy, providing an excellent opportunity to promote tourism and enhance entertainment during the tournament.

The tournament's groups include Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman in the first group, and Iraq, the defending champion, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen in the second group. This marks the fifth time Kuwait has hosted the tournament, having previously done so in 1974, 1990, 2003, and 2017. Kuwait has won the tournament 10 times, followed by Iraq with four titles, Saudi Arabia and Qatar with three each, Oman and the UAE with two, and Bahrain with one.