Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen and Bashar Abdullah in the middle of the bank team, and some knights participating in the tournament.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 23: The highly anticipated third season of KIB | The Stadium, Kuwait’s first-of-its-kind show jumping tournament by the sea, officially launched with a grand opening ceremony at Marina Beach. This year’s edition, organized by KIB’s strategic partner Suffix, takes center stage by spotlighting equestrian sports for the second consecutive year over three weeks. The championship builds on the legacy of its previous seasons and promises an even more exceptional experience this year, further reinforcing KIB’s commitment to nurturing Kuwait’s sporting culture as part of the Bank’s expansive social responsibility program.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of influential figures and distinguished attendees, including H.E. the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah; Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports Bashar Abdullah; President of the Kuwait Equestrian Federation Masoud Hayat; Vice Chairman and CEO of KIB Raed Jawad Bukhamseen; and Chief Operations Officer of Suffix Ahmed Al-Majed; in addition members of KIB’s Board of Directors and Executive Management Team, as well as Suffix’s Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and Executive Management.

Commenting on the opening ceremony, Marwa Marafie, Manager of the Corporate Communications Unit at KIB, expressed her excitement to see months of preparation for this exceptional mega-sporting event come to life once again. She said: “Following the tremendous success of last season, we are proud to bring back the country’s first-of-its-kind international show jumping competition, set against the stunning backdrop of the sea.KIB | The Stadium is a key initiative that reflects our unwavering commitment to social responsibility, as we strive to promote a culture of sports, particularly equestrianism, which is deeply rooted in Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage. By creating an ideal platform to celebrate and spotlight equestrian talent, we aim to inspire the next generation of athletes and strengthen Kuwait’s position as a hub for sporting excellence.”

She added:“Together with our strategic partner, Suffix, and with the support of the championship’s sponsors, we look forward to delivering a world-class show jumping experience while showcasing our nation as a premier destination for international sporting events. We invite everyone to join us in witnessing the elegance of equestrian sport, where athleticism and grace come together in a spectacular display of talent.”

Continuing the momentum from last season’s resounding success, KIB | The Stadium raises the bar yet again, attracting approximately 500 local and international riders and 5,000 spectators. This year’s championship brings an exciting lineup of competitions, beginning with a local show jumping competition, followed by a 2-star international competition (CSI2*), and culminating in the prestigious 3-star competition (CSI3-W*), a qualifier for the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Jumping World Cup.

At the heart of the venue, spectators can enjoy more than just world-class show jumping. The Village Zone features a diverse lineup of F&B vendors and a curated selection of local businesses, creating a vibrant atmosphere for individuals and families alike.

On his part, Ahmed Al-Majed, Chief Operations Officer of Suffix, said: “We ensured that the opening ceremony reflected the rich heritage of equestrian sports in Kuwait through an inspiring performance that combined tradition and innovation. This opening symbolizes Suffix's commitment to delivering an exceptional sporting experience for all participants and attendees, showcasing our passion for advancing equestrianism and positioning Kuwait as a global sports hub.”

It is worth noting that this prestigious championship underscores KIB’s dedication to its comprehensive social responsibility program, with a particular emphasis on advancing sports development and empowering youth. Guided by its enduring slogan, “Bank for Life,” KIB ensures that every endeavor contributes to creating a more prosperous and fulfilling future for its community, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and realize their aspirations.