'Zain' becomes hosting partner for the 'Saudi Super Cup' in Kuwait
The company will sponsor the tournament matches at Jaber Stadium from December 19 to 23 next year.
Bader Al-Kharafi: The Amir’s support has strengthened Kuwait’s position as a destination for major regional and international events.
Zain announced its partnership in hosting 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 is an extension of 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.
Bader Al-Kharafi
This announcement came during a press conference held at the company’s headquarters in the Shuwaikh area, attended by Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Zain Group; Rashid Ali Al-Omairi, CEO of Al-Rai Media Group; Nawaf Al-Gharbali, CEO of Zain Kuwait; Khaled Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Rai Global Advertising and Tournament Director; Abdullah Al-Shatti, CEO of Aayan Leasing and Investment; 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 successes Kuwait is witnessing in attracting regional and international events come under the generous patronage and support of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 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 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 stimulate economic and tourism activity 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 between the two brotherly peoples, which gives 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.
Project Leadership
For his part, Rashid Ali Al-Omairi, CEO of Al-Rai Media Group, 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 affirmed 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 for its pioneering role in supporting sports, youth, and national initiatives, emphasizing that its presence as a sponsor of the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait represents 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.” Through this partnership, Zain continues to build on a broad record of major sports initiatives it has supported 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 public engagement and enhancing Kuwait’s regional presence, translating its vision that supporting sports is a sustainable strategic direction rather than a one-off association with a single tournament.
This partnership follows the announcement of an agreement signed between the Saudi Football Federation, represented by its commercial partner Al-Hisrim Saudi 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-Qadsiah, 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 moved between various cities inside and outside the Kingdom since its inception, starting from Makkah, 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.
