Zain is the hosting partner of the Saudi Super Cup held in Kuwait

Bader Al-Kharafi and Rashed Al-Omairi seal the partnership.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 27: Zain announced its partnership as Hosting Partner of the 13th edition of the Saudi Super Cup for the 2026-2027 season, which will be held in Kuwait for the first time this December.

Reflecting Kuwait’s growing momentum in attracting and hosting major regional and international sporting events, as well as its advanced infrastructure and deep organizational expertise, the partnership builds on Zain’s longstanding role in supporting national initiatives and major events that strengthen Kuwait’s position as a hub for sports, culture, and economic activity.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Zain’s headquarters in Shuwaikh, attended by Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO; Rashed Al-Omairi, CEO of Alrai Media Group; Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait; Khaled Al-Sayer, CEO of Alrai International Advertising Company and the Tournament’s Director; and Abdullah Al-Shatti, CEO of Aayan Leasing and Investment Company, alongside senior executives and representatives of partner organizations.

Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi, said: “Kuwait’s continued success in attracting major regional and international events has been made possible by the strong support and patronage of H.H. the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, together with the close follow-up of the relevant authorities. This has helped reinforce Kuwait’s position as a trusted destination for major events and strengthen its presence at both the regional and international levels.”

He added: “Hosting the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait for the first time builds on this momentum and provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s advanced infrastructure and national capabilities, which have demonstrated their ability to successfully organize and deliver a wide range of major sporting events.”

Al-Kharafi continued: “At Zain, we believe in the importance of partnering with state institutions to support national priorities and contribute to hosting events that stimulate economic and tourism activity while further strengthening Kuwait’s position as an attractive destination for international events.”

He noted that the tournament also reflects the strength of the longstanding ties between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the close bonds and shared passion for football between the two peoples, giving the event a distinct level of fan engagement. He expressed his hope that this edition would deliver an exceptional experience for fans and make a meaningful contribution to the Gulf sports landscape, in a way that reflects the importance of the event and the standing of both countries.

CEO of Alrai Media Group, Rashed Ali Al-Omairi, said: “The collaboration between the Alrai-Aayan alliance and Zain goes beyond the traditional concept of sponsorship. It is a partnership aimed at contributing to the success of this event and delivering it in a manner befitting Kuwait and the stature of the Saudi Super Cup. Partnerships of this kind strengthen confidence in the ability of national institutions to lead and execute major projects and events to the highest professional standards.”

Al-Omairi praised Zain and its leading role in supporting sports, youth, and national initiatives, noting that its presence as a sponsor of the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait represents a valuable addition, given the company’s experience, institutional presence, and well-established contributions to sporting and community events.

He added: “The private sector is a key development partner. Its role extends beyond direct economic activity to supporting national, sporting, and community initiatives, while contributing to the creation of high-quality events.”

He continued: “This major and highly anticipated event brings together national institutions that believe the success of large-scale events depends on the integration of expertise and resources, and that the private sector can play a genuine role in strengthening Kuwait’s position and delivering a distinguished organizational and fan experience.”

Through this partnership, Zain continues to build on a strong track record of supporting major sporting initiatives over the years, including Khaleeji Zain 26, the French Super Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, and the Zain Premier League (Dawri Zain), among others.

These milestones embody Zain’s commitment to transforming sports partnerships into meaningful platforms for fan engagement, strengthening Kuwait’s regional presence, and translating its belief that supporting sport is a long-term strategic commitment rather than an association with any single tournament.

The partnership follows the announcement of an agreement between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, represented by its exclusive commercial partner, Saudi Media Group (SMC Vibes), and a Kuwaiti alliance comprising Alrai Media Group and Aayan Leasing and Investment Company, under which the alliance became an official partner for hosting the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait.

The tournament will take place at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium from December 19-23, 2026, featuring four clubs: Al Nassr, Al Kholood, Al Ahli, and Al Qadsiah, with strong attendance expected from football fans both within Kuwait and from abroad.

Kuwait will become the eighth destination in the history of the Saudi Super Cup, which has been staged in a number of cities inside and outside the Kingdom since its inception. Previous hosts have included Mecca, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, as well as London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. The tournament will make its first stop in Kuwait this December, reflecting its expanding regional and international footprint.

The tournament draw is scheduled to take place in Kuwait on October 14, determining the two semi-final matchups, after which tickets will go on sale to the public. A dedicated program of activities and fan experiences will also accompany the tournament, with further details to be announced at a later stage. Zain will bring its own distinctive touch to these experiences, in line with the scale of the event and the strong fan engagement anticipated.

The tournament comes amid Kuwait’s growing momentum in hosting regional and international sporting events, supported by modern facilities led by Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, which has become a key venue for some of the region’s most prominent football and fan-focused events. This is helping create further opportunities to develop sports tourism and reinforce Kuwait’s position on the map of major international events.