Kuwait, 24 January 2026: In support of Kuwait Vision 2035 and in line with strengthening the State of Kuwait’s position as an attractive destination for tourism and major sporting events, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) recently held a press conference to unveil the details of the fourth season of its flagship sporting event, KIB | The Stadium. Organized by the Bank’s strategic partner, Suffix, the upcoming season will be dedicated to equestrian sport for the third consecutive year and will take place over two weekends, from February 5 to 14, at Marina Beach.
KIB | The Stadium embodies the Bank’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that contribute to boosting tourism, enhancing community engagement and reinforcing Kuwait’s role as a regional hub for world-class sporting events, through strategic partnerships that bring together the private sector and government entities.
The press conference was attended by Marwa Marafie, Manager of Corporate Communications at KIB; Ahmed Al Huzami, CEO of Suffix; Abdulrahman Al Fuzae, representative of the Kuwait Equestrian Federation; Abdulaziz AlNasser, Senior Vice President of Property Management at United Real Estate Company (URC); Abdullah Shaaban, member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Athletes Committee at the Kuwait Olympic Committee; in addition members of KIB’s Executive Management Team, along with a distinguished group of partners, sponsors, and media representatives.
The show jumping championship enters its third consecutive year, featuring an expanded range of competitions and an enhanced experience for both participants and spectators. A standout feature of this season is the introduction of polo entertainment for the very first time, underscoring KIB’s ambition to champion new sporting disciplines each year, following the remarkable success of incorporating dressage in the previous season.
Building on this, the show jumping championships are scheduled over two phases. The first week, running from February 5 to 7, will host a 3-star competition (CSI3-W*), qualifying for the World Cup, alongside a CSI1 category. The second week, from February 12 to 14, will be dedicated to a 2-star international competition (CSI2*), also featuring a CSI1 category to ensure inclusive participation across all levels.
Commenting on the event’s new season, Marafie stated: “The launch of the fourth season of KIB | The Stadium, dedicated to equestrian sport for the third consecutive year, marks a pivotal milestone in the Bank’s journey to further enrich Kuwait’s sports landscape. We are not providing a mere sporting championship, but a fully integrated community experience that blends world-class professionalism with Kuwait’s authentic identity. This year, we have raised the bar by expanding the show jumping categories to include the one-star division, offering young and emerging riders a valuable opportunity to compete alongside international champions.”
She added: “At KIB, we believe sport is a universal language. Through our partnership with Suffix, we have successfully transformed Marina Beach into a premier sports and tourism destination that attracts audiences from within and beyond Kuwait. Our continued support for this event reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our institutional promise, ‘Bank for Life’. We strive to create an environment that celebrates talent, such as last season’s champion Yara Al-Hunaidi, the outstanding rider Ali Al-Kharafi, and many other athletes who proudly elevate Kuwait’s profile on the global stage.”
On his part, Suffix’s Al Huzami expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership with the Bank, saying: “KIB | The Stadium is the product of a shared vision to redefine the sporting events landscape in the region. In its fourth edition, we placed a strong focus on enhancing the visitor experience by significantly expanding and upgrading the championship village and fan zone, while introducing dedicated, interactive family programs and activities. We transformed the event into a complete entertainment destination for the entire family, not just equestrian enthusiasts.”
Al Huzami added: “The arena has been designed to meet the highest international standards, and this year’s championship serves as a World Cup qualifier, attracting strong international interest. We are proud to welcome riders from across the globe to compete on Kuwaiti soil, further strengthening the country’s position as a leading regional sports hub.”
The fourth season of this flagship event also welcomes new partners and sponsors who share the championship’s developmental vision, contributing to expanded logistical capabilities and enhanced facilities. The organizing committee has further opened the door to international participation, with the final lineup featuring riders from across multiple continents competing alongside Kuwait’s local champions in an atmosphere defined by sportsmanship and spirited competition.
Alongside the high-intensity competitions on the field, The Village will serve as the heart of the event. This year, the Bank has focused on expanding it, creating newly developed zones, dedicated restaurant and caf spaces, and curated programs and activities designed to enrich the experience for visitors and families. Through these enhancements, KIB aims to foster a meaningful connection between audiences and both traditional and modern sports, while inspiring younger generations to embrace an active lifestyle.
The fourth season of KIB | The Stadium underscores KIB’s commitment to supporting initiatives and events that advance Kuwait’s sports and entertainment landscape, in alignment with national efforts to promote sport, empower talent, and deliver events with a lasting and meaningful community impact.
By embracing new sports, expanding participation, and delivering a fully integrated experience for audiences and families, KIB continues to play a meaningful community role, supporting initiatives that blend professionalism, social impact, and a forward-looking vision. In doing so, the championship remains a dynamic platform that reinforces Kuwait’s position as a progressive sports and event-hosting destination at both the regional and international levels.