Reigniting Kuwait’s Tourism Through the 26th Gulf Cup: A Vibrant Comeback Story during Khaleeji Zain

“I’ve rarely seen Kuwait so alive,” a local remarked during the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26)—a statement backed by the electric energy pulsing through the country. With an estimated 30,000+ fans arriving via 75 additional flights (organized by nine airlines across the GCC and Iraq), Kuwait transformed into a lively arena of celebration, economic growth, and cultural pride.

This isn’t mere hype: the success of the 25th Gulf Cup in Basrah, Iraq, which drew approximately 550,000 visitors and generated an estimated USD 150 million in economic activity, proved that Gulf sports events can be catalysts for remarkable growth. Now, Kuwait’s turn has reaffirmed that potential in spades.

A Personal Journey Back to Al-Mubarakiya

For me, stepping into Al-Mubarakiya, my first visit since COVID, was like rediscovering a lost treasure. The souk was teeming with life: fans from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and across the Gulf filled the corridors, sampling Kuwaiti dishes, browsing for souvenirs, and, most importantly, sharing their experiences on TikTok and Instagram. The posts reflected a single, powerful truth: Kuwait exudes an authentic atmosphere found nowhere else, an immersive blend of old and new, sea and desert, locals and expats.

This vibrant scene echoed the findings from my earlier research on traveler experiences, detailed in Unveiling Kuwait: Transforming Traveler Experiences, where I highlighted various obstacles facing newcomers, such as logistical bottlenecks and outdated infrastructure. For the Gulf Cup, however, Kuwait demonstrated it can rise to the challenge: immigration lines were streamlined, stadiums were prepared, and visitors were ushered into a welcoming environment that contrasted sharply with the hurdles travelers once faced. If anything, this tournament proved that with the right planning and coordination, Kuwait can truly shine.

Khaleeji Zain, Bigger Crowds, Bigger Gains: The Economic Upswing

When large-scale events are well-orchestrated, the return on investment (ROI) can be staggering. While official data is still emerging, early indicators suggest that Kuwait’s hosting generated substantial revenue across multiple sectors:

1. Hotels and Hospitality
   • Occupancy Rates soared from about 50% to over 90% during the tournament.
   • Room Rates at five-star hotels spiked by 20–40%, echoing patterns seen during major tournaments like Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, which attracted 1.2 million international visitors and an estimated USD 17.6 billion in economic impact.

2. Retail and Dining
   • Luxury malls and neighborhood shops alike saw a clear uptick in foot traffic, particularly with foreign fans snapping up team merchandise and local artisanal crafts.
   • Cafés and restaurants such as Alshamam and Dalak Suhail, around Al-Mubarakiya, were bustling into the late hours, serving eager fans sampling the full range of Kuwaiti cuisine.
3. Transportation and Logistics
   • Ride-hailing apps, taxis, and even regional bus services witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand.
   • Local shipping and courier companies reported increased activity, transporting sports equipment, promotional materials, and media technology around the country.

By mirroring Basrah’s 25th Gulf Cup success and referencing global benchmarks from events like Qatar’s World Cup, Kuwait underscores a vital truth: sports tourism can be a multifaceted engine that ignites not just immediate revenues but also laying the groundwork for lasting tourism appeal.

Global Fans, Record-Breaking Demand, and Seamless Operations

In a notable display of the tournament’s international allure, fans from far beyond the Gulf, such as Japanese football enthusiast Taiyo Kimura, traveled to Kuwait, sharing their impressions on social media and expanding the event’s global reach. Moreover, Kuwait elevated its organizational standards by employing the same event organizers from the Qatar World Cup for the opening ceremony and partnering with the same ticketing company that ensured smooth ticket distribution in Doha.

Their expertise proved invaluable: one particularly stunning moment occurred when Kuwait vs. Bahrain tickets reportedly sold out in seconds, with 1.2 million applicants clamoring for seats in a stadium that can only accommodate around 60,000 spectators, some say it’s a world record in terms of demand relative to capacity. Families, including men, women, and children, have been flocking to matches and surrounding fan zones,. They have been savoring the festive atmosphere that showcases Kuwait’s hospitality and organizational prowess. In addition, the tournament set a historic record: for the first time ever that a match not involving the host nation, a match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, was sold out and all 60,000 seats were filled.

Unity, Heritage, and Global Stage Presence

Much like the Qatar World Cup, where visitors discovered the nation’s blend of tradition and modernity, the 26th Gulf Cup revealed a Kuwait that is both rooted in heritage and eager to innovate. Fans left with an authentic sense of the country’s coastal charm, urban development, and celebrated cultural heritage. So much so that countless TikTok and Instagram posts continue to trend internationally, fueling curiosity among potential future visitors. Yet, the most profound impact of the tournament extends beyond tourism statistics: it’s the renewed sense of community unity. Kuwait’s different sectors, government ministries, private enterprises, local businesses, rallied around a shared goal. Strategic partnerships, such as Kuwait Airways joining forces with Zain, ensured streamlined air travel, fan engagement, and global branding opportunities. This collaboration proved that when diverse entities come together, an event transforms from a simple sports competition into a national triumph.

Planning, Execution, and Lessons Learned

The tournament’s success wasn’t accidental. Drawing on insights from previous events, Kuwait invested in:

1. Infrastructure and Logistics: Upgrading stadiums, refining airport processes, and fortifying public transport routes.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Beyond the Kuwait Airways–Zain alliance, hotels coordinated with tour operators, while local SMEs stepped up to offer specialized services, from VIP meet-and-greets to cultural tours.
3. Visitor Experience: Streamlined visa and immigration processes reflected Kuwait’s commitment to welcoming guests.

If there’s one overarching takeaway, it is that major events can become Kuwait’s global business card. With carefull planning, a well-defined vision, and a willingness to adapt, each event can serve as a stepping stone toward sustained economic growth, cultural exchange, and international prestige.

Semifinal Excitement on December 31

As of December 31 in the morning, fans are eagerly anticipating the semifinals, set for 5:30 pm (Saudi vs. Oman) and 8:30 pm (Kuwait vs. Bahrain). With families, men, women, and children all adopting the spirited atmosphere, the momentum of this year’s Gulf Cup shows no signs of slowing. It’s yet another testament to how Kuwait has successfully unified an entire region, indeed, the region, around the love of football and a shared celebration of culture.