Basra ahead of hosting the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup - in pictures

  • Ibrahim Mohammed poses next to a hoarding in Basra promoting the Gulf Cup, featuring Sinbad the Sailor, the mascot for the tournament. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National
    Ibrahim Mohammed poses next to a hoarding in Basra promoting the Gulf Cup, featuring Sinbad the Sailor, the mascot for the tournament. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National
  • Basra residents are in high spirits as the southern Iraqi city prepares to host the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup this week
    Basra residents are in high spirits as the southern Iraqi city prepares to host the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup this week
  • The tournament will start on Friday, January 6, 2023, and end on January 19
    The tournament will start on Friday, January 6, 2023, and end on January 19
  • Basra residents watch the arrival of the Omani national team on a screen in the city
    Basra residents watch the arrival of the Omani national team on a screen in the city
  • The tournament will feature eight teams
    The tournament will feature eight teams
  • For many Iraqis, hosting the tournament is a sign of their country's recovery after years of conflict and political and economic crises
    For many Iraqis, hosting the tournament is a sign of their country's recovery after years of conflict and political and economic crises
  • Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, who took office last month, has pledged his government will do everything possible to ensure the tournament in Basra is a success
    Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, who took office last month, has pledged his government will do everything possible to ensure the tournament in Basra is a success
  • Iraq won the tournament when it last played host in 1979, as well as in 1984 and 1988
    Iraq won the tournament when it last played host in 1979, as well as in 1984 and 1988
  • Mustafa Mohammed, 30, and his son Ibrahim roam around the Basra Corniche as they enjoy the festive mood before the start of the tournament
    Mustafa Mohammed, 30, and his son Ibrahim roam around the Basra Corniche as they enjoy the festive mood before the start of the tournament
  • A hoarding welcoming Gulf residents on the main road linking Basra International Airport to the city centre
    A hoarding welcoming Gulf residents on the main road linking Basra International Airport to the city centre
  • An electronic board features an advertisement promoting the tournament
    An electronic board features an advertisement promoting the tournament
  • Metal and wooden panels are put up around the city before the start of the tournament
    Metal and wooden panels are put up around the city before the start of the tournament
  • The tournament was initially set to take place in December but was postponed to January as it was scheduled too close to the World Cup
    The tournament was initially set to take place in December but was postponed to January as it was scheduled too close to the World Cup