Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef and Al-Azraq stars celebrate the qualification.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: Zain Kuwait co-arranged three special flights to carry the fans of the Kuwait national football team (Al-Azraq) to Doha, Qatar, to support the team in the Arab Cup qualifying play-off match against Mauritania. This initiative saw three aircraft allocated to transport supporters, in cooperation with the Kuwait Football Association and Kuwait Airways.

This step came as part of Zain’s ongoing initiatives to support Kuwaiti sports and strengthen the presence of the national team and its fans at regional competitions. The trip helped create an ideal atmosphere for supporters to cheer the national team from the stands and share in the joy of victory and qualification.

The match, which was played at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at Al-Sadd Club in Doha, saw a deserved win for Kuwait, which secured a spot in the finals of the Arab Cup after defeating Mauritania 2-0. The team booked its place in Group D alongside Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates in the tournament that will be held in Qatar from 1 to 18 December.

This initiative reflects Zain’s belief in the vital role that fans play in supporting the national team. The trip embodied the company’s commitment to standing behind the players on the pitch and in the stands alike, and to sharing with the people of Kuwait the joy of this achievement.

Organizing these flights in cooperation with the Kuwait Football Association and Kuwait Airways also presented a distinguished model of public-private partnership in support of Kuwaiti sports. Zain is keen to continue launching initiatives that bring fans closer to their favorite teams and enhance Kuwait’s position on the Arab and regional sports map.

Zain and the Kuwait Football Association have a long-term strategic partnership that includes sponsorship of many local football competitions, including the local Premier League (Dawri Zain), the First Division League, the Amir and Crown Prince Cups, and more.

This initiative also builds on Zain’s role in supporting some of the region’s top football events, most notably its successful official partnership with the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26), the tournament closest to the hearts of the people of the Gulf. Through its national talents, marketing and media activities, and fan zones across multiple locations, Zain helped showcase the tournament in an exceptional way on both the organisational and fan engagement levels.

Zain’s continued support for national teams, local competitions, and fans forms a core part of its corporate sustainability and social responsibility strategy, which places youth and sports at the top of its priorities. The company believes in the importance of sports in reinforcing national spirit, promoting healthy lifestyles, and positively representing Kuwait in regional and international arenas.

The company continues to roll out initiatives and programs that meet the expectations of football fans in Kuwait, support the national team in all competitions, and strengthen the role of the private sector in developing local sports, while wishing the Kuwait national team continued success and performances that reflect its rich history and loyal fan base at the upcoming Arab Cup finals.