Al-Yousef: Kuwait stands with Saudi Arabia in heart and soul

- No Kuwaiti will forget the stances we witnessed and experienced in the Kingdom.

- The martyrs and wounded in Saudi Arabia are like those in Kuwait or any other Gulf country.

- Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are one country and brothers. The people of the Kingdom are among their own people, not guests.

- Hosting the Saudi Super Cup is a message of confidence from the Saudi leadership in Kuwait.

- The Ministry of Interior is mobilizing all its capabilities to ensure the success of the championship, with a comprehensive plan for checkpoints, the airport, and fans.

- Doubling the number of Nuiwsib booths from 10 to 20... and preparing Terminal 1 for additional flights.

- Special IDs for administrators and players instead of biometric fingerprint procedures.

- The Ministry of Interior is ready 365 days a year, with no difference between championship and non-championship periods.

In a message reflecting the Kuwaiti national sentiment toward the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud, sent a message to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, affirming that “Kuwait is with the Kingdom in heart and form,” and that what Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing affects Kuwait and the entire Gulf.

This came during his attendance, alongside State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahimah, at the signing ceremony of the government partner sponsorship agreement for the Saudi Super Cup between the General Commission for Youth and Sports and the “Al-Ray – Aayan” alliance.

Al-Yousef said: “My first message to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince is that Kuwait is with the Kingdom in heart and form. I do not believe any Kuwaiti will forget the stances we witnessed and experienced in the Kingdom. What the Kingdom is facing today is as if the entire Gulf is facing this tragedy, which surprises us every day.”

He added: “The martyrs and wounded over the past four or five days are like martyrs and wounded within Kuwait or any other Gulf country.” Al-Yousef emphasized that hosting the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait represents “confidence from the Kingdom’s leadership in Kuwait’s sports officials,” adding: “I do not believe there is a stronger message than this one sent by the Kingdom to Kuwait.”

He noted that the “Ministry of Interior has mobilized all its capabilities to ensure the success of this championship, not just for the public, but for everyone coming to Kuwait,” recalling the atmosphere of the Gulf Cup and pointing out that holding the championship in December would be ideal.

He said: “The Ministry of Interior is ready throughout the year, 365 days a year, with no difference between championship and non-championship periods, and Interior Ministry personnel work 24 hours a day.”

Al-Yousef added: “I say to the Saudi public: Welcome to Kuwait. Kuwait is your home. No one among us can say that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are separate; we are one country and brothers. I cannot say more than that.”

Regarding the details of the security and traffic plan related to the entry and exit of fans, Al-Yousef clarified that “the Nuiwsib Center is expected to receive the largest number of fans,” noting the doubling of the number of booths there, saying: “We had about 10 booths, and now there are 20.”

He added that regarding the airport during the championship period, “Terminal 1 is expected to start operations in November, and it will be prepared for additional civil aviation flights coming from Saudi Arabia. We have no problem in this regard.”

Al-Yousef predicted a large public turnout, saying: “I am certain that the public will exceed the stadium’s capacity. There will be football fans attending, and there are people who will come to witness the celebrations that will take place.”

He added, “I believe you were all present during the Gulf Cup. Al-Mubarakia was not walkable; all the hotels were full, and you couldn’t find a room. Similarly, The Avenues, meaning people take advantage of the celebrations that will take place during the Super Cup, and I believe some fans will attend to stroll and enjoy the atmosphere in Kuwait and the upcoming events.” He noted that “Shahid Park has organized a program to schedule its activities during the Super Cup days.”

Regarding Kuwait’s hosting of several major sporting events and tournaments, such as the French Super Cup and the 26th Gulf Cup, among others, Al-Yousef affirmed that “Kuwait is a pioneer; it was the first Gulf country to begin organizing tournaments, and they certainly have experience in organizing such events.”

The Public Authority for Youth and Sports stated in a press release that its participation as a government partner in the Saudi Professional League Super Cup is part of its commitment to supporting the hosting of major sporting tournaments and enhancing Kuwait’s standing on the regional and international sporting stages.

It added that this partnership is part of its efforts to develop the sports sector, stimulate sports tourism, and attract fans, thereby contributing to boosting sports and tourism activities in the country.

It clarified that Kuwait’s hosting of this tournament reflects the deep fraternal and historical ties between Kuwait and the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and embodies both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in the sports field and consolidating the bonds between the two brotherly peoples.

The Authority emphasized its continued support for sports initiatives and events that contribute to achieving strategic objectives for developing the sports sector and enhancing Gulf partnerships, in line with Kuwait’s vision and aspirations to consolidate its position as a hub for hosting distinguished sporting events.