Kuwait's stadium upgrade shines at the Arabian Gulf Cup
The 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, known as Khaleeji Zain 26, took place in Kuwait from 21st December 2024 to 4th January 2025, bringing together the eight members of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation.
To accommodate the high-profile event, Kuwaiti stadiums underwent significant upgrades, with a new permanent broadcast network infrastructure provided by local system integrator Smart Engineering and LEMO Middle East.
The Khaleeji Zain 26 was a tournament filled with memorable moments that went beyond the football pitch, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry and unity of the Gulf nations. Its breathtaking opening ceremony, captivating an audience of 42,500 spectators, featured mesmerising music, special effects, and choreography, including dazzling fireworks and an impressive drone display. The action-packed two-week football competition concluded with Bahrain’s victory over Oman following an emotional rollercoaster of a final.
Tasked with ensuring seamless coverage of all three stadiums hosting the matches and the ceremonies, LEMO faced the formidable challenge of completing the necessary upgrades within a tight four-week timeframe. To accomplish this monumental task, LEMO Middle East teamed up with local system integrator Smart Engineering. They installed and integrated cutting-edge broadcast network infrastructure, which included 3,500 infrastructure connectors, 140,000 metres of SMPTE Hybrid Fibre Optic, LEMO Audio and OPTOKON Multicore Fibre Optic cables, as well as 100 LEMO camera cable assemblies of various lengths.
We have interviewed Mina Adel L Tadrous, co-founder and Executive Manager of Smart Engineering Co. about this special mission and his LEMO experience.
Can you give a short presentation of Smart Engineering?
Mina Adel L Tadrous Smart Engineering Co., established in 2007, is a leading provider of integrated solutions in Kuwait. Our company specialises in offering a broad range of innovative products and services, including infrastructure broadcasting, security systems, lighting solutions, networking, and solar energy systems. With a reputation for excellence, Smart Engineering Co. serves diverse industries, from small commercial offices to large-scale projects such as the Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium. The company proudly employs 8 qualified engineers and 25 skilled technicians.
Can you explain your role as a system integrator for major sports events and what your responsibilities entail?
My role focuses on overseeing and managing the integration of complex systems required for major sports events. This includes coordinating technical teams, ensuring seamless operation of broadcasting, LED screens, security systems, and other essential infrastructure while meeting tight deadlines and adhering to high standards.
How do you manage the complexity of such major events?
Managing complexity requires careful planning, team collaboration, and the use of advanced technologies. By breaking tasks down into smaller milestones, ensuring real-time communication, and proactively identifying risks, we can manage the pressures of large-scale events with precision and efficiency.
What are the key systems and technologies you are responsible for?
We specialize in broadcasting systems, LED screen technology, security frameworks, and networking solutions. These systems are the backbone of ensuring seamless live coverage and event management.
How early do you begin preparing for the technical setup and what is the process leading up to the event?
Preparation begins at least six months in advance. We start by collaborating with event organizers to understand their technical requirements, followed by detailed site surveys, system design, equipment procurement, and testing. As the event approaches, we conduct rehearsals and contingency planning to ensure full readiness.
What were the technical and environmental local challenges you faced while setting up the Kuwaiti stadiums?
Challenges included adapting systems to extreme heat conditions, managing power supply stability, and ensuring compatibility with local infrastructure. Coordination with multiple stakeholders added to the complexity.
How do you prepare for unexpected technical failures, especially when millions are watching?
We prepare by conducting thorough system testing, implementing redundancies in critical systems, and having a team of on-site experts ready to respond instantly. Additionally, we deploy backup equipment and follow strict maintenance protocols.
Can you share any specific anecdote where you had to troubleshoot an issue before or during the event?
During one event, we encountered an unexpected broadcasting server failure just hours before going live. Our team quickly identified the issue and replaced the faulty component, ensuring uninterrupted coverage for the audience.
Another memorable moment was managing to install a complex LED screen system in record time due to last-minute changes from the event organizers. It required exceptional teamwork and technical expertise under immense pressure.
How many cameras are there in each stadium?
Broadcast operators typically set up up to 30 cameras of various types. The exact number may vary depending on the type of football event and the number of operators authorized to broadcast it.
Do you know how many people participated in shooting the images and broadcasting them towards the rest of the world?
Approximately 50–70 skilled professionals, including camera operators, technicians, and broadcasting experts, work together to ensure flawless coverage.
Do you have any statistics about the audience?
Our broadcasts reached millions globally, with significant viewership from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Are there any sustainable initiatives you’ve integrated into the system design? For example, energy saving technologies?
Yes, we’ve integrated energy-efficient LED displays and implemented smart power management systems to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.
Since when have you been working with LEMO?
We have been working with LEMO for just one year, and the experience has been exceptional.
Why did you choose LEMO Group solutions?
LEMO offers high-quality and reliable interconnect solutions that meet the demanding standards of large-scale events.
How about LEMO NORTHWIRE cables?
NORTHWIRE cables have proven to be durable and highly efficient, complementing our systems perfectly.
Did the choice of a complete LEMO interconnect solution also make your work easier?
Yes, absolutely. LEMO’s integrated solution streamlined our operations, reduced installation time, and enhanced system reliability.
Do you work with LEMO for maintenance as well?
Yes, we collaborate with LEMO for maintenance to ensure our systems continue performing at the highest level.
Can you tell us about your LEMO experience?
LEMO has been a reliable partner, offering excellent customer support and world-class products. Their solutions have significantly contributed to the success of our projects.
Do you have other major projects in view? Will you partner with LEMO again?
Yes, we are working on Fahaheel Club and the Asian Handball Event. We look forward to partnering with LEMO again for these exciting ventures.
Interview with Mina Adel L Tadrous, co-founder and Executive Manager of Smart Engineering Co.
LEMO has been a leader in interconnect solutions for the broadcast industry for several decades. It is the creator of the 3K.93C Series, adopted as a global standard for HDTV television. Today, the Group’s solutions equip most TV studios in the world as well as major entertainment and sports infrastructures.
Additionally, the Kuwaiti stadium upgrade is a testament to LEMO Middle East’s commitment to enhancing the sports broadcasting landscape in the region.
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