Zain Hosts Partner for Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait

Zain announced its partnership to host the 13th edition of the Saudi Super Cup for the 2026-2027 season, which will be held in Kuwait for the first time next December. In a move reflecting the growing momentum the country is witnessing in attracting and hosting regional and international sporting events, and confirming the state’s advanced infrastructure and accumulated organizational expertise that have made it an attractive destination for major regional and international events, Zain stated that this partnership extends its role in supporting national initiatives and events that contribute to highlighting and enhancing Kuwait’s presence as a hub for sports, cultural, and economic events.

This announcement came during a press conference held at the company’s headquarters in the Shuwaikh area, attended by Zain Group Vice Chairman and CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Al-Rai Media Group CEO Rashid Al-Omairi, Zain Kuwait CEO Nawaf Al-Gharbali, Al-Rai Global Advertising and Events Company CEO and Tournament Director Khaled Al-Sayer, Aayan Leasing and Investment Company CEO Abdullah Al-Shatti, and several executive officials and representatives of partner entities.

Zain Group Vice Chairman and CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi said, “The continuous successes witnessed by the State of Kuwait in attracting regional and international events come under the great patronage and support of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, and the persistent follow-up by relevant authorities. This has contributed to consolidating Kuwait’s position as a reliable destination for major events and enhancing its presence at both the regional and international levels.”

He added, “Hosting the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait for the first time is an extension of this momentum and an opportunity to showcase the state’s advanced infrastructure and national competencies that have proven their ability to organize and successfully execute many major sporting events.”

He continued, “At Zain, we believe in the importance of partnering with state institutions to support national directions and contribute to hosting events that help activate economic and tourism movements and enhance Kuwait’s position as an attractive destination for international events.”

Al-Kharafi emphasized that this tournament represents a sporting occasion that reflects the strength of the historical ties between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the close bonds and shared passion for football that unite the two brotherly peoples, giving it a distinctive popular momentum. He expressed his hope that this edition would provide an exceptional experience for fans and constitute a qualitative addition to the Gulf sports landscape, commensurate with the importance of the event and reflecting the status of the two brotherly countries.

For his part, CEO of Al-Rai Media Group, Rashid Al-Omairi, said, “The cooperation between the Al-Rai-Aayan alliance and Zain goes beyond the concept of traditional sponsorship to a partnership aimed at contributing to the success of this event and presenting it in a manner befitting Kuwait and the status of the Saudi Super Cup.” He confirmed that such partnerships enhance confidence in the ability of national institutions to lead and execute major projects and events according to the highest professional standards.

Al-Omairi praised Zain and its pioneering role in supporting sports, youth, and national initiatives, confirming that its presence as a sponsor of the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait constitutes a qualitative addition, given its expertise, institutional presence, and well-known contributions to sponsoring sports and community events.

He added, “The private sector is a fundamental partner in development, and its role is not limited to direct economic activity, but extends to supporting national, sports, and community initiatives, and contributing to creating qualitative events.”

He continued, “This important and anticipated event brings together national institutions that believe the success of major events requires the integration of expertise and resources, and that the private sector is capable of being a genuine partner in enhancing Kuwait’s status and creating a distinctive organizational and fan experience.”

Through this partnership, Zain aims to build on a wide record of major sports initiatives it has supported in previous years, including the Zain Gulf Cup 26, the French Super Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, the Zain Premier League, and other milestones that embody Zain’s commitment to transforming sports partnerships into real platforms for fan interaction and enhancing Kuwait’s regional presence, translating its vision that supporting sports represents a sustainable strategic direction rather than an association with a single tournament.

This partnership follows the announcement of an agreement between the Saudi Football Federation, represented by its exclusive commercial partner SMC Vibes Group, and the Al-Rai Media Group and Aayan Leasing and Investment Company alliance from Kuwait, making the alliance the official partner to host the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait.

The tournament matches are scheduled to take place at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium from December 19 to 23, 2026, with the participation of four clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah, amid expectations of a large fan turnout from within Kuwait and abroad.

Kuwait represents the eighth stop in the Saudi Super Cup’s journey, which has moved between several cities within the Kingdom and abroad since its inception, starting from Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, reaching London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, before settling in Kuwait for the first time next December, an extension that reflects the broadening regional and international presence of the tournament.

The tournament draw is scheduled to be held in Kuwait on October 14 next year to determine the semi-final matchups, after which tickets will be made available to the public. The tournament will be accompanied by a program of special events and fan experiences, the details of which will be announced later, with Zain adding its unique touch in line with the expected momentum and large fan presence of the event.

The hosting of the tournament comes amid the growing momentum Kuwait is witnessing in organizing regional and international sporting events, and its possession of modern facilities, including Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, which has become a main platform for some of the most prominent football and fan events in the region, thereby enhancing opportunities to develop the sports tourism sector and consolidating Kuwait’s position on the map of major events.