AGP Executive Report

Asian Games glory for Kuwait: Karateka Sayyed Al-Mousawi won bronze in men’s individual kata, adding to Kuwait’s earlier gold from Abdullah Shaaban (kumite 60kg) and a historic teqball bronze in doubles. Saudi breakthrough: Dina Mustafa became the first Saudi woman to win an Asian Games medal, taking karate bronze after a dramatic comeback. Gulf Cup 27 build-up: Kuwait keeps training in Jeddah ahead of its opener vs Saudi Arabia, with the tournament set for Sept 23–Oct 6 across two stadiums and Kuwait drawn in Group A. Inclusion spotlight: Zain Kuwait signed an MoU with the Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf (KSCD) to boost sign-language accessibility, training, awareness, and digital services. Local sports culture: Kuwait Cricket Board’s DP World ILT20 Development Tournament Kuwait 2026 kicked off with a trophy unveiling ceremony, spotlighting emerging talent. Cultural exchange: “Mid-Autumn in Poetry — Discover Hebei” launched in Kuwait with performances, calligraphy, and moon-themed activities.

Accessibility & Inclusion: Zain Kuwait signed an MoU with the Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf (KSCD) to boost sign-language access, training, awareness, digital services, and youth programs under its WE ABLE 2030 vision. Asian Games Glory: Kuwait kicked off the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 campaign with karate gold for Abdullah Shaaban and a historic teqball doubles bronze for Basil Ahmed and Abdulwahab Al-Qattan. Gulf Cup Build-Up: Kuwait stepped up preparations in Jeddah for Gulf Cup 27, with Group A fixtures set against Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman. Kuwait–Japan Sports Ties: Kuwait and Japan signed a sports cooperation memorandum to exchange expertise and support athlete and youth programs. Cricket in Kuwait: DP World ILT20 Development Tournament Kuwait 2026 began with a trophy unveiling ceremony, spotlighting emerging talent. Culture & Community: Kerala groups in Kuwait marked Onam with big family celebrations—IAK’s “Onaravam 2026” and MCA’s “Onnichoronam 2026”—packed with music, dance, and competitions. Travel Alert: Kuwait’s embassy in Lisbon warned citizens about Portugal’s face-covering ban starting Sept 23, with fines and possible prison for violations.

Gulf Cup 27: Kuwait’s national team keeps building for the Sept 23–Oct 6 Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah, with the Blue team drawn in Group A (Saudi, Oman, Iraq) and Kuwait fans getting help via KFA and Zain flights plus match tickets. Asian Games spotlight: Kuwait’s delegation of 120 athletes is in Nagoya for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games, and day-one action delivered a big moment as Kuwait’s handball men beat Iran 26-24 after trailing at halftime. Teqball breakthrough: Kuwait’s teqball campaign continues at the Asian Games, with Basel Ahmad and Abdulwahab Al-Qattan taking bronze in doubles, while Kuwait’s Zaid Eidan reached the men’s singles semis before retiring injured. Sports development: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sports is set to bring 15 international coaches to develop under-12 players at local clubs. Culture & arts: Kuwait hosted “Mid-Autumn in Poetry — Discover Hebei,” featuring Chinese performances like lion dance, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and shadow puppetry. Youth & sports ties: Kuwait and Japan signed a sports cooperation memo to exchange expertise and support athlete and youth programs. Travel/entertainment watch: Shahid unveiled its September lineup, including the Kuwaiti comedy “Kuwait Riyadh Kuwait” arriving Sept 24.

Asian Games Buzz in Nagoya: Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially opened the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games with a dance-and-fireworks ceremony, as Kuwait’s 120 athletes marched in under the flag carried by Sarah Al-Hawwal and Ibrahim Al-Thafiri. Kuwait’s Esports Milestone: The OCA approved Kuwait hosting the inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Games in 2027, with an agreement signed on the sidelines of the opening. Kuwait Handball Win: Kuwait opened its Games campaign by beating Iran 26-24 after a halftime deficit, setting up a next match vs South Korea. Gulf Cup Prep in Jeddah: Kuwait’s national team resumed training in Jeddah ahead of Gulf Cup 27, with KFA and Zain arranging subsidized flights and match packages for fans. Youth Football Push: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sports plans to bring 15 international coaches to develop under-12 players at local clubs. Portugal Travel Alert: Kuwait’s embassy in Lisbon warned that Portugal’s face-covering ban starts Sept 23, with fines up to €3,000 and possible jail for forcing others. Car Launch: Al-Sayer and Toyota unveiled the all-new Land Cruiser FJ at The Avenues, positioning it as “Freedom & Joy.” Entertainment on Shahid: MBC’s Shahid shared its September lineup, including the Kuwaiti comedy “Kuwait Riyadh Kuwait” arriving Sept 24.

Asian Games 2026: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games kicked off in Nagoya with a “warm hospitality” opening ceremony under “Imagine One Asia,” with 45 nations competing for 469 gold medals across 43 sports until Oct 4. Teqball Spotlight: South Korea’s Lee Jun-suk reached the men’s singles final after Kuwait’s Zaid Eidan retired with a thigh injury in the semifinal, guaranteeing Korea at least silver; Lee will face Iraq in Sunday’s gold match. Kuwait in the Mix: Day-one action also featured Kuwait’s handball win over Iran 26-24, plus Kuwait’s teqball presence as the tournament ramps up. Streaming for Fans: MBC’s Shahid unveiled its September 2026 lineup, including Arabic originals and the Kuwaiti comedy “Kuwait Riyadh Kuwait” arriving Sept 24. Travel & Media Buzz: Skytrax named Singapore Airlines top for 2026, while Kuwait Airways was left out of the top rankings again. Gulf Cup Tickets: Oman vs Kuwait, UAE vs Qatar, and other 27th Arabian Gulf Cup fixtures have ticket-buying guides pointing to official WeBook sales. Local Practicality: Kuwaitis traveling to Portugal were warned about the Sept 23 start of a face-covering ban with fines up to €3,000.

Asian Games Teqball (Kuwait): Kuwait’s Zaid Al-Eidan stormed into the men’s singles semifinals, winning three of four group matches and then beating Japan 2-0 in the quarterfinal, while Basel Ahmad and Abdulwahab Al-Qattan also reached the men’s doubles semis ahead of a Lebanon clash. Asian Games Teqball (India): India’s Quimcy Dsouza booked the women’s singles semis after a comeback win over Japan’s top seed and a 2-0 victory over Cambodia, and her mixed doubles pair with Mohamed Anas Imran Beg advanced after a group-stage win that included a straight-sets victory over Kuwait. Gulf Cup Football (Kuwait): Kuwait’s national team arrived in Jeddah for its final Gulf Cup test, a closed-door friendly vs Yemen, with the tournament group draw setting Saudi, Oman and Iraq in Group A. Arts & Culture (Kuwait): Kuwaiti photographer Ali Alobaidly won Royal Observatory Greenwich’s Astronomy Photographer of the Year for “The Quiet Predator,” shot in Kuwait and featuring the Shark Nebula. Local Community (Education/Environment): Kuwait’s Education Ministry is pushing environmental awareness through the “Your School’s Wish” exhibition, with 156 schools taking part and a focus on recycling and cutting plastic waste. Tech & Entertainment (Kuwait region): iCloud+ now bundles Apple TV and Apple Arcade in Kuwait and more than 100 countries, adding more streaming and gaming value to the subscription.

Teqball at the Asian Games: Kuwait’s Zaid Al-Aidan and Basel Ahmad/Abdulwahab Al-Qattan both booked semifinal spots after strong runs, keeping Kuwait in the medal mix as teqball continues to heat up in Nagoya. India’s teqball surge: Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza advanced to the women’s singles semis after a comeback win over Japan’s top seed and another victory, while Dsouza and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg reached mixed doubles quarter-finals after a key win over Kuwait. Gulf Cup build-up (Kuwait): Kuwait’s national team arrived in Jeddah for its final Gulf Cup test, facing Yemen in a closed-door friendly, with group matches against Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman next. Kuwait in space photography: Ali Alobaidly’s “The Quiet Predator” (Shark Nebula) won Royal Observatory Greenwich’s ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year, shot from Kuwait’s Jahra governorate. Local arts & culture: A look at how Kuwaiti theater’s classic satire “Farhat Ummah” still echoes today, and why many feel the scene has lost some of its edge. Tech/streaming for Kuwait: iCloud+ now bundles Apple TV and Apple Arcade in Kuwait and more than 100 countries.

Teqball at the Asian Games: Kuwait’s Zaid Al-Aidan stormed into the men’s singles semifinals after winning 3 of 4 group matches, then beating Japan 2-0 in the quarters. More Asian Games momentum: Basel Ahmad and Abdulwahab Al-Qattan also reached the men’s doubles semis, where they’ll face Lebanon. Special Olympics spotlight: Kuwait’s Special Olympics delegation of 17 athletes and staff has departed for Cairo for the Middle East & North Africa regional games (Sept 17–23), including artistic and rhythmic gymnastics plus equestrian and weightlifting. Gulf Cup build-up: Kuwait’s national team is in Jeddah preparing for its final Gulf Cup test vs Yemen, with eight club players joining after AFC Champions League Two action. Sports prep in Kuwait: The volleyball team heads to Cairo for an Arab Championship training camp, while ice-skating skills training continues to draw young participants. Arts & culture: A Kuwait theater piece, “Farhat Ummah,” is being remembered as a rare blend of comedy and social commentary—plus a Kuwaiti photographer, Ali Alobaidly, won Astronomy Photographer of the Year with “The Quiet Predator.”

Kuwait at the Asian Games: Kuwait’s flag was raised at the Athletes’ Village in Nagoya as the official sports delegation gears up for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games (Sept 19–Oct 4), with KOC officials praising months of preparation and support for athletes. Gulf Cup football build-up: Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef met Qatar’s sports leadership and Gulf football officials, then urged the national team to give their best as preparations continue in Doha and shift to Jeddah ahead of the Gulf Cup 27. Kuwait sports development: Kuwait Winter Sports Club wrapped up a popular ice skating skills course for youth, while Kuwait University students took part in the Asian University Table Tennis Championship in Malaysia. Kuwait in the spotlight at club level: Khaldiya kicked off its ACL Two campaign with a goalless draw, and the wider Gulf football scene continues to heat up with Kuwait Club involved in the group. Tech & lifestyle in Kuwait: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 regions, while iCloud+ is expanding into a bigger bundle (Apple TV and Apple Arcade) across 100+ countries. Beauty news: Korea Town by Boutiqaat launched AXIS-Y in Kuwait, pushing K-beauty growth across the GCC.

Asian Games Pride: Kuwait’s flag was raised at the Athletes’ Village in Nagoya to mark the start of the Kuwaiti sports delegation’s run at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games (Sept 19–Oct 4), with KOC officials praising months of preparation and support for athletes. Football Focus: Kuwait Football Association president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef met Qatar’s sports leadership and urged the national team to give their best at Gulf Cup 27, as the squad moved from Doha to Jeddah for final preparations and a friendly ahead of the tournament. Youth & Sports Development: Kuwait Winter Sports Club wrapped up an ice skating skills course that drew about 150 trainees per session, aiming to spot young talent for winter sports teams. University Sports: Kuwait University students took part in the Asian University Table Tennis Championship in Malaysia, highlighting the push for more regional and international student competition. Tech & Lifestyle (Kuwait-relevant): Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 regions, with regulatory clearances still in process. Entertainment Buzz: Netflix’s Indian original “Gandhari” kept climbing globally in Week 2, trending strongly in Kuwait among other countries.

Kuwait–Saudi Football: Kuwait has officially been named host for the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup, running Dec 19–23 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Kholood, with the semi-final draw set for Oct 14. Local Sports Support: Zain renewed its partnership with the Kuwait Olympic Committee as official partner of Team Kuwait across major events including the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and Riyadh’s Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. Education & Talent: Kuwait’s education ministry published regulations for gifted schools, outlining how students will be identified, taught and assessed as the first cohort prepares to enter two West Abdullah Al-Mubarak campuses later this month. Arts & Culture: Syria’s first Art Week in Damascus brought together 47 Syrian artists with talks, cinema screenings and music, reviving a cultural scene shaped by years of war. Streaming Buzz: Taapsee Pannu’s Netflix action thriller “Gandhari” surged in Week 2, trending across 58 countries and landing in Netflix’s top 3 most-viewed Indian originals of 2026. Beauty in Kuwait: Korea Town by Boutiqaat launched AXIS-Y in Kuwait and plans further GCC expansion, aiming to deepen K-beauty access across the region. Tech for Kuwaitis: Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ in 100+ countries, with Kuwait included.

Kuwait Education Update: The Ministry of Education has published detailed regulations for Kuwait’s new gifted-school system, laying out how students will be identified, taught, assessed and supported as the first middle-school cohorts roll into two campuses later this month. Sports & Youth: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Youth and Sport has launched the “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season,” unveiling a new visual identity after the youth and sports merger and aiming to boost local and international events. Football Spotlight: Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup for the first time from Dec 19–23 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, with Al Nassr, Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah and Al Kholood; the semi-final draw is set for Oct 14. Local Sports Support: Zain Kuwait renewed its partnership with the Kuwait Olympic Committee as official partner of Team Kuwait across major regional events, including the Asian Games in Japan. Tech for Families: Apple is expanding iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade (and Apple Music Select in some markets) at no extra charge, with Kuwait included. KOC vs. Asian Games Organizers: The Kuwait Olympic Committee has filed a complaint after three Kuwaiti senior football players were denied entry to Japan despite holding official accreditation cards.

Kuwait Sports Spotlight: Zain Kuwait renewed its partnership with the Kuwait Olympic Committee as official partner of Team Kuwait for the Asian Games in Japan, Youth Olympics in Senegal, and the Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games in Riyadh—another big push for local talent. Football & Events: Kuwait has officially been picked to host the Saudi Super Cup for the first time, running Dec 19–23 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium with Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Kholood; the semi-final draw is set for Oct 14. Youth & Sports Season: The Public Authority for Youth and Sport launched the “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season” with a new visual identity after the merger of youth and sports bodies, aiming to organize activities, attract international events, and boost tourism. Back to School: Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei inspected schools in the Capital Educational District to check readiness, safety, and learning conditions for the new academic year. Aviation Rules: Kuwait published an Amiri decree regulating drones and light sport aircraft, requiring licenses, registration, and safety certificates, with jail terms up to three years and fines up to KD 5,000 for violations. Regional Football Build-Up: Oman heads into the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah aiming for a third title under new coach Tariq Sektioui, with Group A matches against Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Arts & Culture: The Arab Radio and Television Festival returns Sept 21–24 in Tunisia, with Kuwait among the countries honoured at the opening ceremony.

Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait: Kuwait will host the Saudi Football Super Cup for the first time from Dec 19–23 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Khulood; the draw is set for Oct 14 and tickets will go on sale after. Youth & Sports Season: The Public Authority for Youth and Sport has launched “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season” with a new visual identity after the Youth and Sports merger, aiming to boost local and international events and tourism. School readiness checks: Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei inspected schools in the Capital Educational District, stressing safe, stable learning environments as the academic year begins. Drone rules tightened: Kuwait issued a decree regulating drones and light sport aircraft, requiring licenses and registration, with violators facing jail up to 3 years and fines up to KD 5,000. Arab TV & radio festival: The Arab Radio and Television Festival returns Sept 21–24 in Tunisia, with Kuwait among the countries honored at the opening ceremony featuring Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad. Equestrian spotlight abroad: Arabian horses are set to return to the Las Vegas Strip for the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s Americas Final (Oct 2–4) at Resorts World, with a $1.5M-plus prize pool at stake. Sports diplomacy: Kuwait’s Education and Youth ministers signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen school sports and talent development.

Aviation Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait has issued a new legal framework regulating drones, light sport aircraft and air sports, with unapproved operations risking jail terms of up to three years and fines up to KD 5,000, while operators must register, get safety certificates and secure Ministry of Interior approval before flying. School Sports Push: Kuwait’s Education and Youth & Sports ministers signed a cooperation protocol to boost school sports, identify talent and expand student activities through joint coordination with youth bodies and higher education. Gulf Cup 27 Build-Up: Kuwait’s national team has intensified preparations in Doha with evening training before heading to Jeddah, where it will face Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman in Group A. Sports Sponsorship: Zain is now the official partner of Team Kuwait at major Asian sporting events, backing athletes heading to the Asian Games, Dakar Youth Olympics and Riyadh’s indoor and martial arts games. Football Development: Kuwait’s football plans get a boost as FIFA support backs the Al-Azraq Academy, with permits underway for a new HQ and training fields. Basketball Result: Fatat won bronze at the Arab Women’s Basketball Championship, beating Egypt’s Al-Jazira 80-74, while Alexis Latrice was named MVP. Handball Transfer News: Al-Arabi completed foreign signings for the 2026-27 handball season, adding Portuguese Francisco Silva alongside other experienced recruits. New Sport Interest: Pickleball is starting to gain traction in Kuwait as more players look for beginner-friendly, social racket-sport options beyond padel.

Aviation & Safety: Kuwait has issued a new Amiri decree-law regulating drones, light sport aircraft and air sports, with strict licensing and registration rules. Flying without approval can mean up to three years in jail and fines up to KD 5,000, while owners must register, get safety certificates, and report changes quickly. Sports & Youth: The Education and Youth & Sports ministers signed a cooperation protocol to boost school sports, spot talent and expand student activities. Football: Kuwait’s national team is stepping up Gulf Cup 27 preparations in Doha with evening training, ahead of friendlies and a group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia. Handball: Al-Arabi completed foreign signings for the 2026-27 season, adding Portuguese Francisco Silva and other experienced players as it ramps up pre-season friendlies. Basketball: Fatat won bronze at the Arab Women’s Basketball Championship in Alexandria, with Alexis Latrice named MVP. Tech & Banking for Students: Weyay Bank joined PAAET’s student orientation as a strategic sponsor, promoting fast digital account opening and a student prepaid card with cashback and brand discounts. Equestrian: Kuwait’s equestrian league season is set to kick off on Nov 6, with local and international events planned through February. Streaming Buzz: Netflix’s Fauda season 5 is climbing charts worldwide, with Kuwait ranking among the top spots as episodes tied to Oct. 7 draw major attention.