Zain announced that its headquarters in Shuwaikh served as the inaugural stop for the Saudi Super Cup trophy tour in Kuwait during a press conference attended by senior executives from the company and its partners. Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, vice chairman and group CEO of Zain, joined Rashed Al-Omairi of Alrai Media Group, Nawaf Al-Gharabally of Zain Kuwait, Khaled Al-Sayer as tournament director and Abdullah Al-Shatti of Aayan Leasing and Investment Company for the event. The gathering highlighted the telecommunications firm’s role as hosting partner for the 13th edition of the competition, which marks the first time Kuwait will stage the tournament.
According to details released at the conference, the partnership stems from an agreement between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, its exclusive commercial partner SMC Vibes, and the Kuwaiti alliance of Alrai Media Group and Aayan Leasing and Investment Company. Zain has integrated into the hosting framework to support promotional efforts and fan engagement across the country ahead of the December matches. The trophy tour will continue its Kuwait itinerary to build anticipation for the semifinals and final.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed that Al Nassr, Al Kholood, Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah will compete at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, with the October 14 draw setting Al Qadsiah against Al Ahli on December 19 and Al Nassr facing Al Kholood on December 20 before the final on December 23. Organizers expect strong attendance from fans in Kuwait and visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. A promotional video presented at related events outlined the tournament’s journey through prior venues in Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, London, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.
Reuters reported that Kuwait becomes the eighth host in the competition’s history as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation seeks to broaden the event’s regional and commercial reach. Federation president Bader Al-Reziza stated that the hosting arrangement would engage a wider audience while Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah pointed to the deep bilateral relations between the nations. The stadium’s capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators will support the anticipated crowds for the four-team knockout format.
Zain’s selection as a partner aligns with its established support for national sports initiatives that position Kuwait as a center for major events. The press conference at the company’s headquarters detailed how the trophy stop serves as a launch for broader promotional activities tied to the tournament schedule. Executives outlined coordination with authorities to manage fan access and event logistics in the lead-up to mid-December.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation noted that Al Ahli claimed the 2024 title by defeating Al Nassr on penalties after a 2-2 draw, underscoring the level of competition among participating clubs. Al Nassr’s inclusion is projected to draw particular interest due to its high-profile roster. Officials have finalized ticket sales plans following the draw to accommodate expected demand from regional supporters.
