Muscat: Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain will take part in the third edition of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Beach Games.

The opening ceremony, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Malik bin Shihab Al Said, will be held at Al Buhaira Theatre in Al Qurum Natural Park, ushering in a week of fierce competition, regional pride, and cultural celebration.

Oman’s hosting of the Games affirms its growing stature in regional sports and showcases its natural assets—an extensive coastline, ideal weather, and world-class infrastructure. The event also reflects His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision of promoting Omani youth and sports development, backed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and supervised by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said.

The Games will feature a mix of team and individual sports across scenic Muscat venues:

Beach Soccer & Handball: Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (April 5–11)

Beach Volleyball & Athletics: Al Athaiba Beach (April 8–11)

Open Water Swimming: The Wave, Muscat (April 9–11)

Sailing: Al Hail North Beach (April 6–10)

Paragliding: April 5–7

Tent Pegging (Equestrian): Al Rahba Farm (April 8–10)

Organizational Readiness at Full Throttle

Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kashri, Secretary General of the Oman Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, confirmed that preparations are proceeding at a high level with backing from government entities. A dedicated logistics plan, accreditation system, and robust marketing campaign—including live broadcast and digital coverage—have been activated to ensure a smooth and widely visible event.

Omani athletes are aiming high across all events:

Beach Handball: Coach Hamoud Al-Hasani expressed hopes for gold, with a team mixing youthful energy and veteran experience.

Tent Pegging: Rider Hamad bin Nasser Al Riyami leads a confident squad fresh from local and international exposure.

Paragliding: Under coach Rafael Benetti, the national team completed an intensive camp and is ready to soar.

Beach Volleyball: Training at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, the team is focused on both physical and tactical sharpness, with medal dreams in sight.

The opening ceremony will feature cultural and artistic performances celebrating Omani and Gulf heritage, symbolizing unity through sport.