MC ART AWARDS was officially invited to design and produce the championship trophy for the 26th Gulf Cup. This is also the first time that it has become the first Chinese trophy design partner in the history of the event. This cooperation highlights the global influence of China’s outstanding creativity and perfectly integrates oriental aesthetics with the sports culture of the Gulf region.
Event significance and trophy inheritance
The 26th Gulf Cup was held in Kuwait City from December 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025. In the end, Bahrain defeated Oman 2-1 and won the sixth championship title. As the most prestigious football event in the Arab world, the Gulf Cup trophy symbolizes sports glory and cultural cohesion. MC ART AWARDS stood out in the fiercely competitive global bidding and won the exclusive production rights of the trophy with its advantages of integrating traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technological innovation.
Design Innovation
Cultural Fusion
The smooth outline of the trophy is inspired by the smooth lines of the traditional Arab headdress (Ghitra), and the top is decorated with a golden football symbolizing unity. The base is inscribed with the intricate Arabic calligraphy of “Mawtani” (my motherland), a nod to the cultural heritage of the Gulf region and a celebration of cross-cultural harmony.
Sustainable material innovation
The trophy is made of 95% recycled metal and plated with 18K gold, and its environmentally friendly design meets the sustainable development standards of major global sporting events.
Modular inheritance system
The innovative removable design allows the winning team to keep the golden football module, while the base becomes a permanent exhibit in the Gulf Cup Museum, creating a timeless historical narrative for future events.
Exquisite technology and exquisite craftsmanship
A team of 30 craftsmen took four months to create the trophy:
Precision casting: Digital modeling and mold casting processes achieve seamless accuracy of 0.5 mm.
Advanced coating: Nano-level electroplating technology improves the trophy’s anti-oxidation performance by 60% in desert climate conditions.
Cultural influence and industry recognition
This milestone highlights China’s growing status in international sports culture and design. MC ART AWARDS has previously created trophies for the Red Dot Design Award and Japan’s G-Mark Award, and has consolidated its global influence through this project. Gina, a product designer at MC ART AWARDS, said: “We are committed to connecting Eastern art with global narratives and promoting a deeper dialogue between Chinese innovation and international sports heritage.”
