GCC Beach Games Kick Off in Muscat with Strong Qatari Presence

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April 5, 2025
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5-April-2025

GCC Beach Games Kick Off in Muscat with Strong Qatari Presence

Muscat: The third edition of the GCC Beach Games officially got underway in Muscat, Oman, with more than 300 male and female athletes from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Bahrain — taking part in the multi-sport event.

The opening ceremony, held at the Lake Theatre in Qurum Natural Park, was attended by several dignitaries including HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, QOC Secretary-General, and HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, Director of the QOC’s Sports Affairs Sector. The ceremony also welcomed presidents of Gulf Olympic committees and senior sports officials from across the region.

Qatar’s beach volleyball star Cherif Younousse had the honor of carrying the Qatari flag during the parade of nations. The vibrant opening featured cultural performances that celebrated the heritage of Oman and the wider Gulf region, reflecting the unifying spirit and values of the Games.

The GCC Beach Games include competitions in beach soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, athletics, sailing, open water swimming, air sports (paragliding), and equestrian sports (tent pegging).

Qatar is represented by 18 athletes competing in beach volleyball, athletics, sailing, open water swimming, and tent pegging.

The Qatari sailing team competing in Muscat includes Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, Khalifa Al Yafei, Youssef Al Ibrahim, Tamim Shams, Thani Shams, and Saad Al Ibrahim. The sailing events will take place from April 5 to 11, 2025.

The Games are expected to showcase top Gulf sporting talent while promoting unity, cultural exchange, and athletic excellence across the region.