Zain: 'Hosting Partner' for the 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 underscoring 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 activities.

The announcement came during a press conference for the signing of the sponsorship agreement, 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 Ali Al-Omairi, Zain Kuwait CEO Nawaf Al-Gharbali, Al-Rai Global Advertising and Events CEO and Tournament Director Khaled Al-Sayer, Aayan Leasing and Investment Company CEO Abdullah Al-Shatti, and a number of executive officials and representatives of partner entities.

Vice Chairman and CEO of Zain Group, Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, said, “The continuous success Kuwait is witnessing in attracting regional and international events comes under the generous sponsorship and support of His Highness the Amir of the State, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him, and the diligent 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 country’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 stimulate economic and tourism activity and enhance Kuwait’s status 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 between the two brotherly peoples, which gives it a distinctive popular momentum. He expressed his hope that this edition would offer 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 Ali 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 implement 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 extends beyond direct economic activity to supporting national, sports, and community initiatives, and contributing to the creation of high-quality events.”

He noted that “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 standing and creating a distinctive organizational and fan experience.”

Through this partnership, Zain builds on a broad record of supporting major sports initiatives in previous years, including the Zain Gulf Cup 26, the French Super Cup held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, the Zain Premier League, and other milestones that embody Zain’s commitment to transforming sports partnerships into genuine platforms for fan engagement and strengthening Kuwait’s regional presence, translating its vision that supporting sports is a sustainable strategic direction rather than a one-off sponsorship.

This partnership follows the announcement of an agreement signed between the Saudi Football Federation, represented by its exclusive commercial partner, Al Wasail Group (SMC Vibes), and the Al Rai Media Group alliance and Aayan for Leasing and Investment from Kuwait, making the alliance the official partner for hosting 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, featuring four clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Khaleej, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsia, with expectations of a large turnout from both within Kuwait and abroad.

Kuwait marks the eighth stop in the Saudi Super Cup’s journey, which has seen its matches hosted in various cities within the Kingdom and abroad since its inception, starting from Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, extending to London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, before making its first appearance in Kuwait next December, reflecting the tournament’s expanding regional and international presence.

The tournament draw is scheduled to be held in Kuwait on October 14 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, details of which will be announced later, with Zain adding its own touch to align with the expected momentum and large fan attendance of the event.

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