Zain signed a sponsorship agreement with the alliance of Al-Rai Media Group and Aayan Leasing and Investment Company to serve as hosting partner for the Saudi Super Cup, the telecommunications firm announced during a press conference at its Shuwaikh headquarters. The partnership aligns with Kuwait’s strategy to position itself as a center for major sporting, cultural and economic events, according to executives who attended the event. Badr Nasser Al-Kharafi, vice chairman and group chief executive of Zain, joined other officials including Rashed Ali Al-Omairi of Al-Rai Media Group in outlining plans for the tournament, which marks the first time the competition will be held in Kuwait. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation designated the Al-Rai alliance as the official hosting partner through its exclusive commercial partner SMC Vibes.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the 13th edition of the tournament will feature Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Khulood competing at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium between December 19 and 23. A draw to set the semifinal matchups is set for October 14 in Kuwait, after which tickets will go on sale. The agreement between the Saudi and Kuwaiti football associations was signed in Riyadh earlier this month in the presence of Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and his Saudi counterpart Badr Al-Ruzaiza.
Kuwait becomes the eighth host nation or city for the Saudi Super Cup, which has previously been staged in multiple Saudi locations as well as London, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, according to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Sheikh Ahmad welcomed the opportunity, describing the event as an important addition to the Gulf sporting calendar that will reflect positively on Kuwait’s ability to organize high-profile competitions. The Saudi Gazette noted that the tournament forms part of the newly launched Kuwait Youth and Sports Season aimed at attracting prominent international events.
Zain has maintained a prominent role in regional sports sponsorship for years, including its title partnership for the Gulf Cup of Nations that rebranded the tournament as Khaleeji Zain in recent editions. The company also sponsors the Kuwait national team during overseas matches and supports multiple domestic leagues and cups through its long-term agreement with the Kuwait Football Association. Kuwait Times reported that these efforts demonstrate Zain’s commitment to developing the local and regional sports ecosystem across various levels.
Officials at the Zain press conference emphasized that the sponsorship extends beyond a single event to support Kuwait’s broader vision of sustainable sports investment. The alliance with Al-Rai Media Group and Aayan will handle commercial aspects while Zain focuses on enhancing the fan experience and promoting the event across its networks. Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, chief executive of SMC Vibes, stated that hosting the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait marks a new step toward expanding the tournament’s reach and commercial value.
Rashid bin Ali Al-Omairi, chief executive of Al-Rai Media Group, expressed the partners’ eagerness to deliver an exceptional edition that matches the tournament’s prestige and the interest of Kuwaiti fans in Saudi football. The event is projected to attract large crowds from both countries, further strengthening cross-border sports ties. Organizers have indicated that additional fan engagement activities will be announced in the coming weeks as preparations advance toward the December matches.
