Starbucks Kuwait hosts international referee Omar Artan reaffirming its commitment to supporting referring excellence and sport in Kuwait
Kuwait, 28 June 2026: Starbucks Kuwait, operated by Alshaya Group and the official sponsor of Kuwait Football Association referees, hosted a special event featuring international referee Omar Artan during his visit to Kuwait, celebrating his refereeing journey and the values referees represent: integrity, discipline, fairness and professionalism.
Held at Starbucks Grand Avenue in The Avenues, the event was attended by Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Football Association, alongside representatives from the Association, members of the media and guests from the sporting community.
The event forms part of Starbucks Kuwait’s ongoing partnership with the Kuwait Football Association and reflects a shared commitment to supporting referees, recognising excellence, and inspiring the next generation of sporting talent in Kuwait. Through this collaboration, Starbucks continues to champion initiatives that highlight the important role referees play in upholding the values of fairness, respect and professionalism in sport.
The event featured an engaging conversation with Omar Artan, who shared insights from his professional journey, key moments from his career, and the experiences that have shaped his approach to refereeing at the international level. The session provided an opportunity for dialogue and knowledge sharing, while highlighting the dedication, discipline and resilience required to succeed in the profession.
Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Football Association, commented: “We value Starbucks’ initiative in hosting this event, which highlights the importance of refereeing and the role referees play in the development of football. Meeting international referee Omar Artan provides a valuable opportunity to learn from an inspiring international experience and to further promote a culture of professionalism and excellence within the refereeing community in Kuwait.”
“We are proud of our partnership with the Kuwait Football Association and of Starbucks’ role as the official sponsor of KFA referees,” said Saleh Alshaya, President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group. “This event reflects our belief in recognising inspiring individuals who embody the values of integrity, discipline and respect, values that are closely connected to sport and to the role we believe we can play within the community.”
“Our commitment extends beyond serving coffee. We see Starbucks as an active part of the communities we serve, whether through supporting youth development, empowering local talent or creating spaces where people can connect and share experiences. This partnership reflects our belief in the positive impact sport can have in bringing people together and inspiring future generations.”
Since opening its first store in Kuwait in 1999, Starbucks has been part of the country’s evolving social and cultural landscape, creating moments of connection and belonging over coffee. Over the years, the brand has continued to grow alongside the Kuwaiti community, supporting initiatives that empower young people, celebrate local talent and contribute to community wellbeing.
Through initiatives such as this, Starbucks Kuwait continues to support programmes that celebrate achievement, encourage personal development and strengthen community connections. By creating opportunities for dialogue, learning and inspiration, Starbucks remains committed to making a positive contribution to the communities it serves and supporting the future of sport in Kuwait.
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