GCC Beach Games begin in Muscat

Muscat: With a splash of action and a celebration of Gulf unity, the third edition of the GCC Beach Games got underway in Muscat on Saturday, bringing together over 450 athletes from across the region for a week of spirited competition by the sea.

Oman made an impressive start in beach handball, defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match. Bahrain followed suit with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-energy week of sport and camaraderie.

Although events officially began on Saturday morning with handball and paramotoring, the formal opening ceremony was at Qurum Natural Park’s Lake Theatre on Saturday evening.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Melek bin Shihab Al Said, the ceremony brought together Gulf Olympic officials, athletes, and fans for a cultural showcase that highlighted both Omani heritage and the shared identity of the GCC.

Asaad Al Hasani, a key player in Oman’s national beach handball team, proudly carried the national flag.

Khalid Al Oraimi, from the beach soccer squad, delivered the athletes’ oath, representing not just Oman, but the unity and competitive spirit of all participants.

Over the next seven days, athletes from all six GCC nations - Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain - will vie for glory across eight diverse disciplines. From beach soccer and volleyball to tent pegging and open water swimming, the Games offer something for every sports enthusiast.

Events are being held across some of Muscat’s most scenic and accessible venues: Beach soccer and handball matches will be held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

Azaiba Beach will host the beach volleyball and athletics competitions.

The serene waters of Al Mouj Muscat will provide the stage for marathon swimming, while sailing events unfold at Al Hail North Beach.

Al Rahba Farm, known for its equestrian facilities, will welcome the tent pegging events. The skies will come alive with paramotoring displays from April 5 to 7.

The hosting of the GCC Beach Games marks another milestone in Oman’s steady rise as a destination for world-class sports events. With its expansive coastlines, favorable climate, and growing investment in sports infrastructure, Oman is ideally positioned to lead the way in beach and marine sports in the region.

Beyond the medals and matches, the Games are a celebration of youth, athleticism, and regional solidarity.