Latest news with #Burgan


Arab Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club clinches 58th Premier Handball League title, Burgan secures historic second
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: The Kuwait Club handball team secured the title of the 58th Premier Handball League after a commanding 39-28 victory over Sulaibikhat in the first round of the league's third and final stage. This triumph marked the club's 15th overall league title and 13th consecutive championship, sealing the title with four rounds remaining and bringing their total to 48 points. Meanwhile, Burgan made history by finishing second in the league for the first time, following a 32-28 win over Al-Salmiya. With 39 points, Burgan stands eight points clear of third-place Kazma. Even if Kazma wins its remaining four matches and Burgan loses all of theirs, both would be tied on points, but Burgan would maintain the edge based on head-to-head performance. The battle for third place continues, with Kazma (31 points) and Al-Salmiya (23 points) contending for the podium. Reacting to the historic achievement, Burgan Sports Club Chairman Anwar Al-Otaibi praised the club's progress, saying: 'This milestone didn't happen overnight. It is the result of the tremendous support from the club's board of directors, combined with the efforts of our technical, administrative, and medical staff, as well as the commitment of our players.' Al-Otaibi also confirmed that Burgan will participate in the Asian Club Championship this November, marking the team's first continental appearance. He expressed optimism, noting that the team will compete with four Asian professionals and is aiming for a strong showing.


Arab Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Arabi signs Sobirov ahead of new season
KUWAIT CITY, May 28: Al-Arabi has strengthened its volleyball squad by signing Uzbekistani professional Islam Sobirov as part of its early preparations for the upcoming season. Standing at an impressive two meters, Sobirov is known for his powerful free-kicks and offensive prowess. This season, he earned the Best Striker Award in Oman and was also named Best Player in the 2023-2024 Thai League. Sobirov brings valuable international experience, having played professionally in Oman, the Czech Republic, and Thailand. In addition, Al-Arabi has bolstered its roster by signing Burgan players Yousef Mandeel and Abdulrahman Al-Mulla, along with new signings Mishaal Al-Khawaled and Fahad Al-Kout. These strategic moves reflect the club's strong ambition to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.


Asharq Al-Awsat
27-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Wafra Oil Find Boosts Saudi, Kuwait Reserves and Global Energy Security
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait announced a new oil discovery on Tuesday in the divided zone between the two countries, marking the first such find since production resumed in the area in 2020. Located about 5 kilometers north of the Wafra field, the new well, named Wara Burgan-1, has shown a flow rate exceeding 500 barrels per day with an API gravity of 26–27. The discovery is expected to boost the two Gulf nations' proven oil reserves and underscores their role in securing stable energy supplies for global markets. The announcement signals a renewed momentum in exploration and production in the shared neutral zone, which holds significant untapped hydrocarbon potential. The find is particularly notable due to its proximity to the Wafra field, which forms part of the southern extension of the vast Burgan field in Kuwait, one of the largest oil fields in the world. The strategic location lends additional weight to the discovery, being near established reserves with proven productivity. Reviving joint operations The divided zone, rich in hydrocarbons, is jointly administered by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and includes two main oilfields: Khafji and Wafra. In 2019, both countries signed an agreement to resume and regulate oil output in the area after years of suspended operations. In July 2023, the Kuwait-Saudi Joint Permanent Committee met to discuss expediting oil projects in the zone, including joint operations in both Khafji and Wafra, according to a statement by Kuwait's Ministry of Oil at the time. Strengthening energy security Energy experts hailed the new discovery as a milestone that reflects the natural wealth of the neutral zone and supports the long-term energy security of both countries. Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabban, former senior adviser to the Saudi oil minister, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the find reinforces the region's global and regional economic significance, increasing both countries' oil reserves at a time of market uncertainty. He said recent discoveries of both oil and gas were contributing positively to the economic outlook of Gulf states. 'The announcement confirms the area's resource richness and supports investor confidence amid global oil market volatility,' Al-Sabban said, adding that Saudi Arabia's recent energy sector announcements have expanded its reserves and bolstered its economic resilience. Market stability and strategic depth Economist Ahmed Al-Shahri said the discovery aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategy to maintain its position as the largest oil producer within OPEC and to secure additional proven reserves. He said it also contributes to stabilizing global energy markets. 'This development enhances the credibility of both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as reliable energy suppliers,' Al-Shahri told Asharq Al-Awsat. 'It also demonstrates the strength of their energy partnership and their commitment to supporting global energy security.' Broader exploration success Earlier this year, Saudi Aramco announced the discovery of 14 new oil and gas reservoirs across the Eastern Province and the Rub' al-Khali Desert. These included six new oil fields, two oil reservoirs, two gas fields, and four gas reservoirs. These discoveries further solidify Saudi Arabia's standing as a global energy leader and expand the country's hydrocarbon resource base. They are expected to open new avenues for economic development and enable the Kingdom to meet both domestic and international energy demands efficiently and sustainably for decades. Officials say these efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to maximize the benefits of its natural resources and ensure long-term energy security.


Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Handball Federation increases professional player quota for the season
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Qaid Al-Adwani, Secretary-General of the Handball Federation, announced a major change for the upcoming 2025–2026 season: clubs will now be allowed to register three foreign professionals instead of the current two. Speaking on the new regulation, Al-Adwani said, 'In response to club concerns, particularly regarding injuries to foreign players and the inability to replace them mid-season, the Federation has approved the participation of three professionals per team. However, only two will be allowed on the court at any time, with the third available as a substitute for one of the other professionals, not for a local player.' He further clarified that the registration of foreign professionals will take place during both the initial registration period before the start of the season and again in the winter transfer window. Al-Adwani also revealed that several proposals will be reviewed by the Competitions Committee and discussed with the National Teams and Technical Committees, as part of ongoing development efforts. Meanwhile, the Handball Federation's Ordinary General Assembly will convene this Wednesday to approve the administrative and financial reports for the fiscal year. Kuwait Club is on the verge of claiming its 15th overall and 13th consecutive title in the Premier Handball League, needing just one more win from the final five matches in the third and final division. The Dean solidified its lead after defeating Burgan 34–25 in the final round of the second division. Other results included Sulaibikhat's 32–24 victory over Al-Arabi and a thrilling 36–36 draw between Kazma and Al-Salmiya. Kuwait Club tops the league standings with 46 points, followed by Burgan (37), Kazma (29), Salmiya (23), Sulaibikhat (22), and Al-Arabi (18). Led by veteran Algerian coach Said Hejazi, Kuwait Club is aiming for a treble this season after already securing the Super Cup and edging closer to clinching the league title, with the Federation Cup still to come. In the First Division Handball League, two matches are scheduled for today as part of Round 11: Al-Qadsia vs. Al-Fahaheel at 5:00 PM Khaitan vs. Al-Nasr at 6:30 PM Al-Nasr currently leads the standings with 32 points, followed by Al-Qurain (29), Khaitan and Al-Fahaheel (20 each), Al-Yarmouk (8), Al-Tadamon (5), and Al-Sahel (0).


Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club closes in on league title
KUWAIT CITY, May 24: Kuwait Club is eyeing a critical victory today in its quest to secure the Premier Handball League title as it faces Burgan SC at 6:00 pm in the fifth and final round of the Second Division of the league at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex and follows an earlier clash between Al-Arabi and Sulaibikhat at 4:30 pm, with Kazma and Salmiya squaring off at 7:00 pm. Currently, Kuwait Club leads the standings with 44 points, followed by Burgan with 37 points. Kazma holds third place with 28, while Salmiya (23), Sulaibikhat (20), and Al-Arabi (18) trail behind. With only Kuwait Club and Burgan left in the title race, today's showdown is pivotal. Kuwait Club, which has dominated the league for the past 12 consecutive seasons, is just two wins away from clinching another championship. A victory today would leave them needing only one win in the upcoming third-division stage, which begins next Wednesday—a task well within reach considering the team's strong form and depth. On the other side, Burgan is aiming to halt Kuwait Club's momentum and keep its slim title hopes alive. A loss would end its championship dreams, but a second-place finish remains within reach. Securing runner-up status would grant Burgan a historic qualification to the Asian Club Championship for the first time—an achievement that would reflect the dedicated efforts of the club's management, technical team, and players. Meanwhile, Kazma and Salmiya are battling for third place, as Al-Arabi is out of contention and Sulaibikhat's hopes of staying in the third division are fading.