Al-Arabi SC has signed Saif Al-Adwani from Kuwait Club and Montenegro’s Vladan Lipovina to reinforce its handball team for the Qatar Cup and Amir Cup in the 2025-26 season, according to Arab Times on March 28, 2026. The club was the newly crowned league champion at the time of the announcement and sought to build on that success with targeted additions. Al-Adwani is described as a returnee who was key to the league title, while Lipovina helped Al-Arabi secure its first GCC Handball Clubs Cup Winners’ Championship by defeating Kuwait Club 33-32 in the final in Muscat.
The Arab Times report indicated that both players will strengthen the backcourt with their Gulf experience. Al-Adwani, a 24-year-old central player standing 189 centimeters tall, has shown strong performance in regional leagues. Lipovina, a 33-year-old Montenegrin international, brings a wealth of knowledge from playing across the Middle East. The technical staff views these signings as critical for the demanding schedule of cup competitions. This move allows the team to have greater depth as it defends its domestic standing.
According to the report, Lipovina’s contribution in the GCC final was significant in securing the narrow victory. That success in the 41st edition of the tournament marked a milestone for Al-Arabi in regional club handball. The competition regularly features top teams from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states. Such tournaments help raise the overall standard of the sport in the region. The player will look to replicate that form in the Qatar Cup and Amir Cup.
Data from the Qatar Handball Association shows that Al-Arabi has a strong track record in the Qatar Cup, having won the title in previous seasons including 2020-21 and 2023-24. The Amir Cup is considered the crown jewel of Qatari handball, with a history spanning over 50 years. Winning both would represent a successful campaign for any club. The signings of Al-Adwani and Lipovina were timed to prepare for these specific events. The league title win earlier had already set a positive tone for the year.
The International Handball Federation has documented the increasing level of club handball in Asia, with the 2026 Asian Men’s Club League Championship showcasing several GCC teams including Al-Arabi. Preliminary rounds in the tournament featured close matches and high scoring, as seen in games involving Al-Duhail and Kuwaiti sides. Top scorers in the competition included players with similar profiles to the new Al-Arabi recruits. This regional context underscores the importance of acquiring proven performers. Al-Arabi’s strategy aligns with the competitive demands of both domestic and continental play.
In player profiles published by various sports databases, Saif Al-Adwani has been noted for his all-around game and leadership qualities on the court. Vladan Lipovina is recognized for his shooting accuracy and defensive capabilities. These attributes are expected to mesh well with the existing Al-Arabi roster. The club has a tradition of blending Qatari and foreign talent effectively. The upcoming cups will test the effectiveness of the reinforced squad.
