Saudi Super Cup draw sets the path for competition in Kuwait - Sarmad

• Khaled Al-Sayer: Support from leadership and effective partnership underpin the success of hosting the Saudi Super Cup

The draw for the Saudi Super Cup, held today, Wednesday, at the St. Regis Hotel in Kuwait, mapped out the path for the four participating teams toward the title clash. The draw resulted in Al-Qadsieh and Al-Ahli facing each other in the first semi-final match on December 19 next year, while Al-Nassr will take on Al-Khaleej in the second semi-final on December 20.

Kuwait will host the tournament from December 19 to 23 next year at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, marking the first time Kuwait hosts the Saudi Super Cup. This follows the official partnership agreement signed between the “Al-Rai Media Group” alliance and “Aayan Leasing and Investment Company” with the Saudi Football Federation, represented by its exclusive commercial partner, “SMC Vibes” – the Saudi Media Group.

The draw ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma; the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kuwait, H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud; the President of the Kuwait Football Association, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef; the Secretary-General of the Saudi Football Federation, Majed bin Ali Al-Sahib; alongside representatives of the participating clubs, the “Al-Rai – Aayan” alliance, the Saudi Media Group, the hosting partner “Zain,” and several sports and media figures.

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, followed by a promotional video showcasing the Saudi Super Cup’s journey since its inception across various local and international cities, including Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, as well as London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, before reaching its eighth stop in Kuwait next December.

The event featured appearances by several football stars, along with a presentation recalling the experiences of Kuwaiti football legends Ali Marwi and Bishar Abdullah in the Saudi Pro League, paying tribute to milestones in the sporting ties between Kuwait and the Kingdom.

Khaled Salah Al-Sayer, Director of the Saudi Super Cup – Kuwait Edition, delivered a speech at the ceremony, stating that “presenting Kuwait’s bid to host this tournament and planning its organization came by the grace of God Almighty, followed by the generous support and high directives from our wise political leadership, which has always been keen on nurturing youth and sports, and embodying the bonds of brotherhood and the deep historical ties between Kuwait and the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Sayer noted that the hosting bid would not have achieved success and full readiness without the effective partnership, 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 Association, who worked with exceptional efforts to provide all logistical and organizational means of success befitting the stature of the tournament and the standing of both countries.”

Al-Sayer also commended the efforts of the young male and female team members who participated in managing the hosting file from its inception as an idea, up to the first stop of the Saudi Super Cup in the heart of Kuwait.

He pointed out that the draw represents the actual launch of the competition, welcoming the participating Saudi clubs and wishing them success, as well as wishing sports fans an exceptional football experience that reflects the bright face of sports in Kuwait and the Kingdom.

Naim Al-Bakr, head of the competitions committee at the Saudi Football Federation, oversaw the draw ceremony, which was attended by stars Ali Maroui and Bishar Abdullah. The draw resulted in Al-Qadsiah facing Al-Ahli in the first semi-final match on December 19, and Al-Nassr taking on Al-Khaleej in the second semi-final on December 20. The final will be held on December 23.

Tariq Al-Jalahmah: Saudis are our hosts, and we are their guests

Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahmah, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, affirmed that Kuwait’s hosting of the Saudi Super Cup represents a significant addition to the Kuwaiti sports landscape, reflecting confidence in the country’s capabilities and organizational capacity to host major tournaments and sporting events.

Al-Jalahmah stated that the draw marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament and in determining the participants for the two semi-final matches.

He added, “This hosting reflects an important model of cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors, which consistently drives the attraction and organization of major sporting events.” He expressed his hope that this approach would extend to various sports and that Kuwait would witness more hostings befitting its status on the global sports map.

Al-Jalahmah noted that the current stage requires re-prioritizing the youth and sports sector, pointing to the launch of the “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season” and expressing anticipation for broader partnerships between the public and private sectors in the coming period.

He emphasized that hosting the tournament is not merely about a football match, 90 minutes, or even penalty shootouts; it carries deeper dimensions that reflect the high status and affection the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds in the hearts of Kuwaitis.

He said, “We host our brothers in our stadiums and hearts, and all Kuwaiti homes are open to them. They will not feel like strangers, for they are the people of the house and the hosts, and we are their guests.”

Al-Jalahmah issued an open invitation to Saudi fans to visit Kuwait, adding, “God bless you in your home, in their house, in your stadiums. All facilities in Kuwait will rejoice in your presence, God willing.”

Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait: The “Super Cup” in Kuwait has a “different flavor”

His Highness Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait, affirmed that the Saudi Super Cup enjoys widespread fan interest in the Gulf region and in an increasing number of countries worldwide. He noted that hosting the tournament in Kuwait this year will grant it additional uniqueness.

The ambassador stated that “Kuwait has a different flavor,” given its great passion for sports in general and football in particular, as well as the extensive following and interest the Saudi public shows for Saudi football. Furthermore, Kuwait’s rich sporting history and its national team contribute to this sentiment, leading him to expect that the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait will indeed have a “different flavor.”

He added that the Kuwaiti public is among the most distinctive and football-loving fan bases. He observed that in recent years, large numbers of Kuwaiti fans have traveled to the Kingdom to follow Saudi club matches in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Jeddah, alongside widespread viewing of the Saudi League in public and private venues within Kuwait.

He pointed out that this interest would give the tournament greater fan momentum, confirming that the level of matches in the Saudi League, especially the Super Cup clashes, reflects the strength of competition among the participating clubs.

He said that the four clubs competing in the Super Cup this season represent significant artistic and fan value, adding that the public’s passion for Saudi football makes the anticipated competition a subject of widespread attention and interest.

In response to a question about hosting the tournament outside the Kingdom, the ambassador emphasized the unique relationship between the two countries, stating: “The Kingdom is Kuwait, and Kuwait is the Kingdom. Regardless of where the match is held, whether in Kuwait City or at one of the Kingdom’s stadiums, we consider it to be in the same country.”

He expressed confidence in a large Kuwaiti fan turnout during the tournament matches, noting that the Kuwaiti public’s love for Saudi football, combined with the affection binding the Kuwaiti and Saudi peoples, would be reflected in the stands, expecting them to be filled with supporters during the Super Cup matches.

Ahmed Al-Yousef: Kuwait to Host a Football Wedding

Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef expressed his happiness over Kuwait hosting the Saudi Super Cup, affirming that the tournament has gained a presence and fan base that transcend the local scope, effectively making it a “global super cup.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the draw ceremony, Al-Yousef said, “The greatest proof 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 doubles the momentum and interest in the tournament.

He noted that Kuwait will host a “football wedding” from December 17 to 24, evoking the atmosphere of Gulf Cup 26 and the joy Kuwaitis felt welcoming Gulf fans. He expected attendance by fans from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as well as supporters from various nations around the world.

Al-Yousef pointed to the announcement by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef regarding significant facilitations at border crossings and Kuwait International Airport for fans attending the tournament.

He urged fans to purchase tickets as soon as they are released rather than waiting until the last days, expressing his expectation that the stadium will be packed to capacity during the tournament matches.

He also revealed that more than one fan zone will be designated, allowing fans unable to attend matches inside the stadium to follow the games via screens as part of the events accompanying the tournament.

Fahad Al-Ghanim: “Saudi Super Cup” is a Global Tournament… and We Are Proud to Host it in Kuwait

Fahad Ali Al-Ghanim, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aayan Leasing and Investment Company, affirmed that the significant development Saudi football has witnessed in recent years, reaching a high rank in international rankings, has granted the Saudi Super Cup a major sporting status. He expressed his pride in Kuwait hosting the tournament.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the draw ceremony, Al-Ghanim said, “The Saudi Super Cup has become a tournament of global value and status, and we are proud in Kuwait to host it. We look forward to the tournament being successful on both the sporting and fan levels.” He wished success to the four participating clubs and noted that the draw results would add further momentum and fan appeal to the competitions.

He stressed the uniqueness of hosting the tournament in Kuwait, affirming that the relationship between the two countries transcends the location of the event. He added, “Since forming the alliance between Aayan and Al-Rayyan to host the tournament, our primary starting point has been that this event is Kuwaiti-Saudi. We see no difference between hosting it on Saudi soil or Kuwaiti soil; we and Saudi Arabia are one, and certainty is not in doubt.”

Al-Ghanim indicated that multiple and diverse events will accompany the tournament, expressing hope that the public will enjoy the Saudi Super Cup and its accompanying events, and that they will deliver an event befitting the tournament’s status and the scale of public interest.

Rashid Al-Omairi: Tickets to be released soon… and we look forward to an honorable edition befitting the Kingdom and Kuwait

Rashid Al-Omairi, CEO of Al-Rai Media Group, predicted that the matchups resulting from the Saudi Super Cup draw would ignite passion in the stands, given the distribution of participating teams in the semi-final matches and the tournament’s artistic and fan momentum.

Al-Omairi stated that “expectations point to unprecedented fan turnout,” expressing his hope to deliver an honorable edition befitting the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the host nation, Kuwait.

He clarified that the organizational plan in its current phase focused on presenting the draw ceremony as a major event commensurate with the tournament’s significance, noting that the ceremony was broadcast across three satellite channels.

Al-Omairi revealed that the next step would be preparing to release tickets, confirming that the announcement of the sales opening date would come soon and that prices would be affordable for all segments of football fans.

He added that “opening the ticket counter tops the work agenda in the current phase,” to be followed by preparing a comprehensive schedule for accompanying events in coordination with relevant government authorities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Al-Omairi thanked the government authorities in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their cooperation and support in the ongoing preparations, emphasizing that work continues to deliver a complete tournament that extends beyond matches to include a program of accompanying events that enhance the fan experience.

Naim Al-Bakr: Kuwait is ready for the “Super Cup” and we anticipate three matches of final magnitude

Naim Al-Bakr, head of the competitions committee at the Saudi Football Federation, expressed his happiness at being in Kuwait, which represents the eighth destination in the Saudi Super Cup’s journey. He praised the draw ceremony and the organization accompanying the event, viewing it as a promising start to the tournament scheduled for December 19–23 next year.

Al-Bakr explained that the draw was conducted in an open format, without seeding the participating teams, resulting in matchups directly determined by the draw results.

He said expectations are directed toward watching three matches of final magnitude, befitting the stature of the Saudi Super Cup and the hosting standard provided by Kuwait. He noted that what the delegation witnessed from the first day of signing the hosting agreement, through the draw ceremony, reflects a clear commitment to delivering a distinguished edition ahead of the match dates.

Al-Bakr emphasized that Kuwait is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, recalling its hosting of the Asian Cup in 1980, as well as hosting the French Super Cup earlier this year, in addition to hosting numerous Gulf Cup tournaments.

He pointed out continuous communication with the Kuwaiti side, which fulfilled various requests and needs related to the tournament, confirming that Kuwait is ready to host.

He added that fans will experience a distinctive event during the tournament, expressing his hope for a fan turnout commensurate with the event’s value.

Al-Bakr disclosed the financial prizes allocated for the tournament, clarifying that the champion will receive 4 million Saudi riyals, the runner-up 2 million riyals, while each team eliminated in the semi-finals will receive 1 million riyals.