One of the stadiums for the tournament.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 17: The Supreme Organising Committee for the Khaleeji Zain 26 is wrapping up a stunning Opening Ceremony, and the team behind the show promises an event that will make Kuwait proud.

The prestigious biennial football tournament will be launched at the 57,000-capacity Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 21. The opening Ceremony will feature music, special effects, and choreography before the first match between Kuwait and Oman.

It is being delivered in a partnership that sees world-renowned ceremony experts, Balich Wonder Studio, working with local talent and expertise to produce a bespoke spectacle using cutting-edge technologies that will captivate fans both inside the sold-out stadium as well as the millions more watching across the world.

The Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information for Television Affairs and member of the Supreme Organising Committee, Turki Al-Mutairi, said: “The Supreme Organising Committee is closely following up on the preparations, monitoring every detail to have a successful Opening Ceremony that emulates the best and highest international standards.

“The selection to work with Balich Wonder Studio came after comparing with many specialized companies, and in light of them successfully delivering similar ceremonies for major international sporting events such as the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup; 2016 Rio Olympic Games Ceremonies, and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games closing and Paralympic Games Ceremonies.

“We look forward to a dazzling and exciting ceremony which will be the best introduction to a tournament and that will be enjoyed by people across the Gulf, followed by matches full of high levels of sportsmanship.”

Formerly known as the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Khaleeji Zain 26 will see hosts Kuwait joined by Oman, UA,E, and Qatar in Group A, with the reigning champions Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia contesting Group B.