Oman Officially Opens 3rd GCC Beach Games in Grand Ceremony
Muscat, April 6, 2025 – Oman marked the official opening of the 3rd GCC Beach Games with a vibrant and festive ceremony that took place in Muscat, welcoming athletes and delegates from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The event, hosted at Al Mouj Beach, drew enthusiastic crowds and dignitaries from the region. The inauguration ceremony reflected Oman’s rich cultural heritage and its growing capability to organize large-scale international sporting events. Attendees were treated to a stunning visual display featuring performances that highlighted the unity and shared traditions of the Gulf nations.
This edition of the GCC Beach Games is notable for its expanded scope, featuring a diverse range of disciplines including beach soccer, beach volleyball, handball, sailing, and open water swimming. The games bring together athletes from all six GCC member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, fostering both competition and camaraderie among young sports talents.
During the ceremony, H.E. Salim bin Nasir al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, welcomed the guests and competitors, expressing Oman’s pride in hosting the event and highlighting the importance of sport in promoting regional collaboration and youth engagement.
The launch of the games comes at a time when Oman is investing heavily in its sports infrastructure as part of its Vision 2040 strategy, which includes an emphasis on youth development, tourism, and international cooperation.
The GCC Beach Games, now in their third edition, are held every four years and aim to promote coastal sports by leveraging the natural geography of the Gulf states. The previous edition was hosted by Kuwait, with this year’s event expected to set new benchmarks in organization, participation, and public engagement.
The games will run through mid-April with competitions scheduled at multiple venues, promising spirited contests and memorable moments for both athletes and spectators.
For more information on schedules and live updates, visit the official games website or follow coverage from local news outlets.
— sportsandgulf.ae Editorial Team
