Manama: One of the region's most prestigious football tournaments, the Arabian Gulf Cup has grown from its inaugural 1970 edition in Bahrain, with just four teams, into a major biennial sporting event eagerly anticipated by Gulf fans, producing football stars and strengthening sporting ties among the peoples of the region over more than five decades.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Kuwait holds the record for the most titles, with 10 championships, followed by Iraq with four. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have each won three titles, while the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain have each claimed the championship twice.

Throughout its history, the tournament has witnessed significant milestones, including Saudi Arabia winning its first title at the 1994 edition in the UAE, Oman securing its first-ever championship in 2009, and Bahrain claiming its maiden title in 2019.

The competition has also helped showcase generations of footballers who contributed to the success of Gulf national teams at the continental and international levels.

As the start of "Khaleeji 27" approaches, Gulf fans are revisiting memories of past tournaments marked by fierce competition and excitement, while participating teams look forward to adding a new title to their historic records.