Amani Al-Kandari to "Al-Rai": "Pulse of the Gulf"... Tells the Story of the Tournament from Kuwait to Jeddah

Media personality and presenter Amani Al-Kandari is experiencing the atmosphere of the 27th Gulf Cup from a different perspective, in partnership with her colleague Khaled Bandar, through her new program “Nabdh Al-Khalij” (Pulse of the Gulf). The show recently launched with live broadcasts on the third sports channel, “Kuwait Sport,” from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, coinciding with the tournament held in Jeddah. It offers a media blend that combines sports with art, heritage, and the memory of Gulf football, while she continues to present her program “Good Evening, Kuwait” on the first channel.

Speaking to “Al-Rai” about “Nabdh Al-Khalij,” Al-Kandari said, “It is a diverse and unique sports program that captures the atmosphere of the 27th Gulf Cup. We host Kuwaiti and Gulf sports stars, artists, fans, and media personalities from various Gulf countries in studio interviews featuring diverse dialogues, alongside segments and field reports that document the tournament’s atmosphere and details.”

She clarified that “the program does not limit itself to following matches and results; rather, it opens windows onto the memory of Gulf football by revisiting the stories of its stars and the memories of past tournaments. It also includes interviews with historians and artists, visits to diwaniyas (traditional social gatherings), and field reports that convey the pulse of the fans and accompanying events.”

She added, “I am very proud to present ‘Nabdh Al-Khalij’ from Kuwait to document the tournament’s atmosphere in Jeddah. The concept is based on blending sports, art, and heritage, reflecting the bonds that unite Gulf peoples. I feel it represents a beautiful addition to my career and an opportunity for me to experience these distinctive atmospheres and stay close to the audience and the event in all its details. Football is not just a competition; it is a shared memory that unites Gulf peoples, evoking the stories of stars, tournaments, and moments that remain vivid in the hearts of the fans.”

Regarding the origin of the idea, she said, “From the moment it was proposed, it received immediate approval and support from Turki Al-Mutairi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Radio and Television Sector and the News Sector at the Ministry of Media, and Badr Al-Duai, Director General of the General Administration of Television. It also involved the sports channel, represented by its acting director Mohammed Al-Tini, as well as Dr. Nawaf Al-Daihani and Dr. Saleh Al-Shammari, all keen on delivering unique content that aligns with the tournament’s atmosphere.”

As for the program’s team, she stated, “Nawaf Al-Ali oversees the general supervision. The directing team includes Yaqoub Poland, Ahmed Al-Mutairi, Abdullah Al-Ali, and Haider Al-Qallaf. The preparation team comprises Abdulaziz Al-Adwan, Yousef Al-Nakass, Mohammed Jafar, Amal Al-Shammari, and Jawad Al-Sirafi.”

Alongside her new experience, Al-Kandari continues to present “Good Evening, Kuwait” on the first channel of Kuwait Television, expressing her pride in being part of the program’s team alongside a select group of colleagues. She said, “It is a daily live program, airing from Sunday to Thursday, running from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Its content reflects the pulse of Kuwaiti society, showcasing various government and community activities in the country, while keeping pace with events as they happen.”

She noted that the current version has seen significant development, “achieved by those in charge at Kuwait Television and the Ministry of Media, while preserving the program’s identity known to viewers over decades. This development included production aspects and others, contributing to presenting a refreshed image of the program.”

She also praised the work team, saying, “Behind this presence is a team always keen on delivering the best. Therefore, my thanks go to the preparation team for their ideas and efforts, led by Preparation Team Head Alaa Baqer, and to directors Fahd Al-Rashidi, Ali Al-Jaberi, Ahmed Al-Saeed, and Mishari Al-Abbas, for their distinctive touch evident in every episode.”