Saudi Super Cup draw sets the path for competition in Kuwait

The draw for the Saudi Super Cup was held today at the St. Regis Hotel in Kuwait, resulting in Al-Qadsiah facing Al-Ahli in the first semi-final on December 19, while Al-Nassr will take on Al-Khaleej in the second semi-final on December 20. The final match is scheduled to be played on December 23 at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

Kuwait is hosting the tournament for the first time from December 19 to 23, following the signing of an official partnership agreement between Al-Ray Media Group Alliance and Aayan Leasing and Investment Company with the Saudi Football Federation, represented by its exclusive commercial partner, SMC Vibes.

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems and a promotional film highlighting the Super Cup’s journey through Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, before reaching Kuwait as its eighth stop. The event also featured a tribute to the careers of stars Ali Al-Merai and Bashar Abdullah in the Saudi Pro League.

Khaled Al-Sayer, Director of the Saudi Super Cup – Kuwait Edition, delivered a speech at the event, stating that “presenting Kuwait’s bid to host this tournament and planning its organization was made possible by the grace of God Almighty, followed by the generous support and high directives of our wise political leadership, which has always been keen on supporting youth and sports, and reinforcing the enduring historical bonds of brotherhood and connection between Kuwait and the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Sayer noted that the hosting bid would not have achieved such success and full readiness without the effective partnership, which was manifested in its most splendid form. He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi Football Federation for its trust, and to the Saudi Media Group for its efforts and cooperation, reflecting the remarkable sports and marketing renaissance witnessed by the Kingdom.

He expressed “deep gratitude and appreciation to all Kuwaiti government authorities and the Kuwait Football Federation, who worked with exceptional efforts to provide all logistical and organizational means necessary to ensure the success of the tournament, befitting the stature of the event and the standing of both countries.”

Naem Al-Bakr, Chairman of the Competitions Committee at the Saudi Football Federation, oversaw the draw, which was conducted with the participation of stars Ali Al-Merai and Bashar Abdullah. The draw resulted in Al-Qadsiah facing Al-Ahli in the first semi-final on December 19, and Al-Nassr meeting Al-Khaleej in the second semi-final on December 20, with the final to be held on December 23.

Al-Bakr stated that the hosting represents a model of public-private partnership in attracting major events, with aspirations to extend this model to various sports. He also announced the launch of the “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season.”

He emphasized that the tournament transcends the 90 minutes of play, carrying dimensions that reflect the love Saudis hold in the hearts of Kuwaitis, saying, “Kuwaiti homes are open to them… they are the people of the house and the people of the home.” He invited Saudi fans to attend, adding, “Welcome to your home… all of Kuwait’s facilities will rejoice in your presence.”

He remarked that “Kuwait has a different flavor,” given its passion for sports and football, alongside the Kuwaiti public’s interest in the Saudi Pro League and Kuwait’s rich sporting history.

He added that the Kuwaiti audience is distinctive, noting the large numbers of Kuwaiti fans who travel to the Kingdom to follow Saudi club matches in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Jeddah, as well as their widespread viewership of the league in public and private venues across Kuwait, which adds greater momentum to the tournament.

Responding to the tournament being held outside the Kingdom, he stressed the uniqueness of the relationship, saying, “The Kingdom is Kuwait, and Kuwait is the Kingdom,” expressing confidence in a large public turnout and full stadiums during the Super Cup matches.

Al-Yousef, speaking on the sidelines of the draw ceremony, said, “The strongest evidence of this is the editions held outside the Kingdom, whether in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, or England, where the stands were filled with fans.” He added that the presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo amplifies the momentum and interest in the tournament.

He noted that Kuwait will host a “football festival” from December 17 to 24, evoking the atmosphere of Gulf Cup 26 and the joy Kuwaitis felt in welcoming Gulf fans.

Al-Yousef revealed that more than one fan zone would be designated, allowing spectators unable to attend matches inside the stadium to follow the games via screens as part of the tournament’s accompanying events.

He emphasized the uniqueness of hosting the event in Kuwait, affirming that the relationship transcends the tournament’s location. He added, “Our starting point since the formation of the A’yan and Al-Ray alliance is that this event is Kuwaiti-Saudi. There is no difference whether it is held in the Kingdom or in Kuwait; we and Saudi Arabia are one.”

For his part, Rashid Al-Amiri, CEO of the Al-Ray Group, predicted that the Saudi Super Cup draw would ignite enthusiasm in the stands, given the tournament’s artistic and popular momentum.

He disclosed that the next step is the imminent release of tickets at affordable prices, with ticket sales taking precedence on the work agenda, followed by preparing the schedule for accompanying events in coordination with government authorities in both countries.

Naim Al-Bakr, head of the competitions committee at the Saudi Football Federation, described the draw as a promising beginning and stated that fans are in for three matches of final-like magnitude. He affirmed that Kuwait is no stranger to hosting major events, such as the Asian Cup.