Bahrain is all set to host the 21st GCC Cup that will be attended by thousands of fans from neighboring Gulf States.

The event kicks off on Saturday at the National Stadium in Riffa with the opening ceremony that will be attending by high level officials.

Among the list of attendees include Fifa Vice-President Prince Ali bin Al Hussain, UEFA president Michel Platini, Olympic Council of Asia president Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah of Kuwait, Jordan Football Association (JFA) deputy president Salah Sabra among other officials.

This will be the fourth time Bahrain is hosting the sporting event, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The Gulf Cup is a tournament not officially recognised by FIFA, but authorities here are taking steps to make the competition official, such as the presence of powerful people in football, such as FIFA president Sepp Blatter and Platini.

Delegations of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, and Iraq started to arrive on Thursday.

Each country has sent a 45-member delegation, comprising 35 players and 10 officials, for the prestigious event.

Bahrain authorities announced that more than 2,500 visiting visas were issued for non-GCC citizens, representing different media sources as well as administrative and technical teams officials travelling along with their GCC teams for the 21st edition cup.

Bahrain police anticipating the increasing rush of fans and teams has issued guidelines for thousands of fans attending the prestigious sporting event.

This includes a list of prohibition items that will not be allowed such as fire crackers and inflammable materials, drinking cans, trumpets and whistles, wooden and metal staff of flags, lasers and any sharp or hard objects.

Officials said that eight referees and 16 linesmen have been named to officiate matches that continues until January 18.

Tournament director Ahmed Al Nuaimi said some of the Gulf region's most famous singers will be performing live at the stadium, including Hussain Al Jasmi of the UAE, Bahrain's Ahmed Al Hermi and Rashid Al Majid of Saudi Arabia.

The event will be covered by TV stations from across the Gulf to broadcast it live in the region.

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