Doha has officially opened the 4th GCC Games, bringing together more than 1,000 athletes from across the Gulf for 12 days of competition under the slogan “One Gulf, One Heart”.
The fourth edition of the GCC Games officially begins in Doha, bringing together more than 1,000 athletes from across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries for one of the region’s most prominent multi-sport events.
The opening ceremony took place at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena, featuring an artistic programme that reflects Qatari and Gulf heritage, alongside an operetta titled “One Gulf… One Heart”, celebrating unity, solidarity, and shared identity across the region.
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, attended the opening ceremony alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, as well as senior officials and participating delegations.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee for the 4th GCC Games, emphasised that the 4th GCC Games aim to strengthen unity, enhance sporting cooperation and promote excellence across the Gulf region.
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani then officially announced the start of the GCC Games, wishing all athletes success and a strong spirit of competition throughout the event.
In a post on X, Sheikh Joaan said: “Doha renews its pledge to organisational creativity in a ceremony that reflects the depth of heritage and identity, and an event that transcends the boundaries of the field to cement the unity of purpose and destiny among the people of the Gulf, opening new horizons of sporting excellence.
“Today, we celebrate the spirit of brotherhood that brings athletes together in Doha under the slogan One Gulf, One Heart,” he added.
This year’s completion is running from 11 to 22 May, with athletes competing across 17 sports, including athletics, swimming, handball, padel, fencing, boxing and equestrian.
Events take place across 10 venues in Doha, including Aspire Dome, the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Lusail Shooting Range and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, highlighting the country’s advanced sporting infrastructure.
Competitions begin on 12 May with swimming events at the Hamad Aquatic Centre and 3×3 basketball at Al Gharafa Sports Club, while taekwondo and table tennis events take place at Aspire Dome.
Over the following days, equestrian, fencing, boxing and shooting competitions unfold across multiple venues, followed by athletics at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium and handball at Duhail Sports Hall, which continues until the final day.
Further events include snooker, volleyball and padel competitions, with archery scheduled to run from 17 to 21 May at Lusail Shooting Range, and karate taking place for one day on 21 May at Aspire Dome.
The Games will also witness strong participation from women athletes across several disciplines, reflecting the growing presence of women in Gulf sport.
The Doha edition aims to build on this legacy by strengthening regional sporting cooperation while showcasing Qatar’s organisational capabilities and world-class venues.