Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has renewed its agreement to remain the official title sponsor for the Arabian Gulf Cup. The deal was brokered by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation’s (AGCFF) commercial agency, IMG.
Under the agreement, the biennial international football competition will be known as the ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’ for the upcoming edition. It will take place in Kuwait between 21 December 2024 – 3 January 2025.
Alongside naming rights opportunities, Zain Group’s brand will be present across key premium assets for the competition, including on pitch branding, digital integrations and broadcast advertising as well as city-wide fan zones and activations for the duration of the tournament. Zain Group became the tournament’s first official title sponsor when it previously came on board for the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2023, held in Iraq.
Jassim Al-Rumaihi, Secretary-General of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, said: “We appreciate this partnership with Zain which was secured through our commercial partners IMG, and are looking forward to another successful competition. This partnership with Zain will enhance the Arabian Gulf Cup edition in Kuwait, especially as it attracts football fans in the region and we hope to continue this association long term.”
Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, commented: “As a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications across the region, Zain is committed to the development of youth and sports as vital pillars of every society. By participating in the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain) for the second consecutive edition, we aim to contribute to elevating Kuwait’s standing as a leading force in regional sports. This thrilling competition will be watched by millions of passionate fans across the region, also bringing together thousands of fans from the GCC, to celebrate the unity, rich heritage, and enduring bonds of the Gulf nations.”
Adolfo Bara, SVP & Managing Director of Football Events at IMG commented: “Zain Group’s continued support and participation in the Arabian Gulf Cup showcases the strength of the tournament as a growing global asset. Together, IMG & AGCFF delivered one of the most successful editions of the tournament in 2023 and we’re looking forward to expanding on that success to grow the competition for the future.”
IMG has a long-term commercial partnership with the AGCFF to market the media rights and sponsorship agreements for the Arabian Gulf Cup, through to 2031. The partnership has delivered significant commercial milestones for the tournament, securing a series of new commercial partners for the previous edition featuring globally renowned brands Toyota and Mitsubishi Electronics, alongside established regional brands.
In addition to its partnership with AGCFF, IMG manages global sponsorship sales for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Football Club Internazionale Milano, Chivas De Guadalajara, the Leagues Cup, The Confederation of African Football (CAF), Deutscher Fussball-Bund (DFB), and the current World Cup titleholder Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA).