Al-Harbi retires from handball after a 25-year career

05/09/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 5: Kuwait Club and national team handball star Meshaal Abbas Al-Harbi has officially announced his retirement after a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years.

Al-Harbi revealed his decision on social media, saying he will begin a new chapter by taking up an administrative role in Kuwait Club’s youth sector.

The veteran thanked Kuwait Club’s board, headed by Khaled Al-Ghanem, for its support throughout his career. He also thanked his teammates, coaches, administrative and medical staff, and everyone who stood by him over the years.

Al-Harbi began his handball career in 2001 with Al-Sulaibikhat, progressing through the club’s youth ranks before reaching the first team. He joined Kuwait Club in 2007 and spent the following 19 years with the club.

During his career with Kuwait Club, Al-Harbi collected 14 Premier League titles, 13 Federation Cup trophies, and three Super Cups. He also helped the club win an Asian Club Championship, a Gulf title, and three Arab Club Championships.

Meanwhile, Burgan has completed the signing of Tunisian handball player Jihad Arar as the club prepares for the FIFA Club World Championship and the new Premier League season.

Arar’s arrival completes Burgan’s foreign-player roster for the upcoming campaign and further strengthens the Asian champions’ squad.

Burgan is currently holding a training camp in Bosnia ahead of the Club World Championship in Cairo later this month. The camp runs until Sept. 20, during which the team will play four friendly matches as the coaching staff works to improve the players’ technical and physical condition.

The team will return to Kuwait on Sept. 20, then travel to Cairo three days later for its final preparations.

Burgan has been drawn in Group B alongside German side Füchse Berlin, Egypt's host Al Ahly, and the winner of the preliminary-round match between Hungarian club Veszprém and Australia's Sydney.

Group A features Barcelona of Spain, Morocco’s Montada Derb Sultan, and Brazil’s Pinheiros, as well as the winner of the preliminary-round clash between Zamalek of Egypt and Los Angeles of the United States.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff