Kuwait Investigates Collapse of Barrier at Gulf Cup Final

Kuwaiti security guards stand at attention after a glass barrier supporting fans broke at the end of the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final football match between Oman and the UAE at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City on January 5, 2018. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
Kuwaiti security guards stand at attention after a glass barrier supporting fans broke at the end of the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final football match between Oman and the UAE at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City on January 5, 2018. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
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Kuwait Investigates Collapse of Barrier at Gulf Cup Final

Kuwaiti security guards stand at attention after a glass barrier supporting fans broke at the end of the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final football match between Oman and the UAE at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City on January 5, 2018. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
Kuwaiti security guards stand at attention after a glass barrier supporting fans broke at the end of the Gulf Cup of Nations 2017 final football match between Oman and the UAE at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City on January 5, 2018. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP

The Kuwaiti authorities have launched an investigation into the collapse of a glass barrier at the Gulf Cup final in Kuwait, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Khaled al-Roudhan has said.

Roudhan was quoted as saying "around 40 people" had been injured at the Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait City, hospitalized for "minor injuries" likely after rushing towards the barrier to celebrate with their players.

Roudhan added that the injured were "all OK."

The barrier collapsed as jubilant Oman fans pushed up against the glass to cheer players waving up at them from below after Oman's second Gulf Cup triumph on Friday.

Oman claimed the title after beating the United Arab Emirates on penalties.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.