Khaleeji Zain 26 Media Center

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18: This afternoon, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the "Gulf Zain 26" Championship, will officially open the tournament's main media center at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya.

The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced computers, high-speed internet, and dedicated spaces for photography and press interviews. These facilities aim to streamline the work of media professionals covering the Gulf Football Championship. Additionally, the center features a dedicated "Diwaniya" for media personnel, complete with a large TV screen for live event coverage and a robust Wi-Fi network. Shuttle buses have also been arranged to transport journalists from the center to the tournament’s stadiums.

Pre-match press conferences will take place at the main media center, while post-match conferences are scheduled at Jaber International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, both of which are equipped to provide comprehensive services to journalists throughout the championship.

Faisal Al-Yateem, Chairman of the Quality Control Committee, emphasized the meticulous planning behind the tournament. The Supreme Organizing Committee has carefully selected specialized committees to oversee various responsibilities before and during the event. A dedicated Quality Control Committee has been established to monitor and evaluate all activities, ensuring high standards and efficiency.

“The committee submits daily reports on the progress and accomplishments of all subcommittees,” Al-Yateem explained. “This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also sets a benchmark for hosting future international tournaments in Kuwait.”

Al-Yateem expressed gratitude to the members of the organizing committees, highlighting their commitment and daily progress. Regarding ticketing, he assured that tickets are accessible to everyone through multiple platforms, including the "Hayakum" app, official social media accounts of the Gulf and Kuwait Football Associations, and physical sales points at Avenues and 360 malls.

He also teased an exceptional opening ceremony, aligned with the tournament’s slogan, “The Future is Gulf.” International experts in event planning have been brought on board to deliver a world-class spectacle, set to take place Saturday evening.

The Bahraini national football team landed in Kuwait yesterday morning (Wednesday) ahead of the Gulf Zain 26 Championship, which begins this Saturday and runs until January 3.

The team checked into the Jumeirah Hotel and later held their first training session at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, under the auspices of Al Qadisiya Club.

Team manager Mahmoud Riyadh expressed optimism about the tournament, noting the absence of defender Ali Haram due to injury. “The Gulf Championship is a significant event for us—a regional competition that fosters unity and holds great importance for Bahraini sports,” he said.

Media coordinator Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar shared the team’s aspirations to secure a second title, following their maiden victory in 2019. “Our fans are eager for another championship,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly in matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Bahrain’s tournament campaign kicks off with a match against Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, followed by encounters with Iraq on December 25 and Yemen on December 28 to conclude the group stage.