The Sheikha Saad Kuwait Open, which will take place in Kuwait City from 23 January to 28 January 2004, will celebrate the life of Sheikha Al Saad Al-Sabah, who died on the 2nd February 2003 at the age of just 38.The tournament will be a sporting memorial to a remarkable woman, who was herself a first class squash player. The popular Sheikha was Managing Director  of  International  Marketing  KPC member of the Kuwaiti royal family, deeply  committed to her country.

The  Sheikha Saad Kuwait Open  is  expected to  attract the

 Sheikha Fadia Al Sabah with Adel Al Ghareeb

world's top men & women players. The women's International Squash Players' Association (WISPA) Open will be a Gold event, offering a $42,500 prize fund, whilst the men's Professional Squash Association (PSA) 5 star event will provide a $65,000 prize fund.

Details of the new event were confirmed at a meeting in Kuwait attended by Gawain Briars, Executive Director of the PSA, and Robert Edwards the PSA World Tour Technical Director. Hosted by the Kuwait Royal family, the gathering included Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah, sister of the late Sheikha Saad Al-Sabah, Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Fahad Jaber Ahmed Al-Sabah, son of the Emir and also Chairman of the Public Authority for Youth and Sport.

Commenting on the exciting new Kuwaiti initiative, Gawain Briars said: "I am delighted that Kuwait is returning to the international calendar with the Sheikha Saad Kuwait Open, hosting a WISPA Gold event and a PSA 5 star event. The hospitality and generous nature of the dignitaries we met leaves me in no doubt that our players will be warmly welcomed back to a country proud of its sporting traditions. Adel Al Ghareeb has achieved a remarkable feat in brokering this festival but I pay special tribute to Sheikha Fadia, Sheikh Salem and Sheikh Fahad for their hospitality and vision in deciding to make our proposals a reality. Their commitment to the Associations will be truly vindicated."

WISPA Director Andrew Shelley added: "Every  new  championship  is  a  real  boost for

the Tour and our members. Although there is sadness at the catalyst for it, we are sure that it will come to be seen as an exciting way to celebrate the life of the Sheikha."

Under the Presidentship of Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah, Robert Edwards will direct the event with the request that it be a festival of music - dance and sport at its ultimate best. Ex-PSA member Adel Al Ghareeb of Kuwait will be the Tournament Director.