Meeting of Chef de Mission for the 3rd GCC Beach Games – Muscat 2025
The Chef de Mission for the 3rd GCC Beach Games “Muscat 2025” convened a meeting in Muscat last Thursday. The meeting reviewed the latest developments concerning the GCC Beach Games, which will be hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. The event is scheduled to take place from April 5 to April 11, with the participation of six GCC nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the host Oman.
At the beginning of the meeting, Taha Sulaiman Al-Kishry, OOC Secretary-General and Director-General of the Games, welcomed the delegation directors. He emphasized that Oman’s hosting of this sporting event, which brings together athletes from across the GCC, reaffirms the country’s prominent role in organizing major sports events and solidifies its position as a prime destination for beach sports. He highlighted that Oman’s unique geographical location and extensive coastline provide an ideal setting for such competitions. Additionally, Al-Kishry underscored Oman’s commitment to strengthening sports cooperation among GCC and supporting the development of beach sports according to international standards.
Comprehensive Presentation on the Games
Following this, Rashid Ibrahim Al-Kindi, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Games, delivered an extensive visual presentation. Al-Kindi described the 3rd GCC Beach Games as a prominent regional event that continues to evolve with a diverse range of sports and activities. The Games are officially included in the GCC sports competition calendar, as per a resolution by the heads of the GCC NOCs. The organizing committee aims to deliver an event with the highest administrative and technical standards, contributing to the growth of beach sports in the GCC region.
Al-Kindi further explained that several subcommittees have been established to support the main organizing committee, including the Technical Committee, the Sports Facilities Committee, the Public Relations and Follow-up Committee, the Security Committee, the Medical and Anti-Doping Committee, the Financial Committee, the Information Technology Committee, the Media, Promotion, and Marketing Committee, the Opening and Awards Ceremony Committee, and the Coordination and Secretariat Committee. He also confirmed that the official opening ceremony is set for April 5.
Competition Venues and Schedule
Al-Kindi outlined the competition schedule and venues:
• Beach Football: To be held at the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher from April 7 to April 11.
• Beach Volleyball: Matches will take place at Al-Azaiba Beach from April 8 to April 11.
• Beach Handball: Set to be played at the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex from April 5 to April 11.
• Open Water Swimming: Scheduled at Al Mouj Muscat and Al-Hail North Beach from April 9 to April 11.
• Sailing: Competitions will be held at Al-Hail North Beach from April 6 to April 10.
• Tent Pegging: To take place at Rahba Farm from April 8 to April 10.
• Athletics: Events will be held at Al-Azaiba Beach from April 8 to April 10.
• Paragliding: Competitions will be held at Al-Hail North Beach from April 5 to April 7.
Athletes participating in the Games will compete for 43 medals across 30 different events.
Additionally, Al-Kindi highlighted other key logistical sites, including the Games’ Operations Center, the accreditation center, the opening ceremony venue, the media center, the television broadcast center, accommodations for official delegations and participating teams, as well as transport arrangements for all participants.
Group Draws and Match Schedules
The meeting proceeded with the draw for team sports competitions.
Beach Handball:
• Oman national team will kick off the tournament against Bahrain on Saturday, April 5.
• Other matchups include Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia on the same day.
• The competition continues with further matches on April 6, 7, and 9, leading to the finals on April 10 and 11.
Beach Football:
• The opening matches on Monday, April 7 will feature the UAE against Saudi Arabia, followed by Oman versus Bahrain.
• Additional matches will take place on April 8, 9, and 10, culminating in the finals on April 11.
Beach Volleyball:
• The tournament features four groups:
• Group A: Qatar 1, Kuwait 2, Oman 3.
• Group B: Oman 1, Kuwait 1, UAE 1.
• Group C: Oman 2, Saudi Arabia 2, Bahrain 1.
• Group D: Qatar 2, Saudi Arabia 1, Bahrain 2, Oman 4.
• The competition starts on April 7 with 10 matches and continues through April 10, concluding with the championship match.
Site Visits
After the meeting, the directors of sports delegations conducted site visits to the various competition venues, including the sand courts at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher, Al-Azaiba Beach, Al Mouj Muscat, Al-Hail North Beach, and Rahba Farm. They inspected the facilities and gained insight into the preparations for the upcoming Games.
The 3rd GCC Beach Games “Muscat 2025” promises to be a highly competitive and professionally organized event, showcasing the region’s dedication to advancing beach sports and fostering athletic collaboration among GCC nations.
