- Flagbearers from the six participating nations stand during the athletes’ parade at the opening ceremony of the 4th GCC Games at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena, Doha, May 11, 2026.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 13.05.2026) :: "At a time when the world faces many challenges and uncertainties, these Games reaffirm the important role sport can play in strengthening dialogue, cooperation and understanding between peoples. Sport continues to be one of the strongest platforms for unity and optimism across the Gulf region." With these words, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Doha 2026 Organising Committee, opened the 4th GCC Games on Monday evening at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena in Doha.
The 4th GCC Games bring together 1,400 athletes and officials from across the Gulf region for 11 days of competition across 17 sports: archery, athletics, 3x3 basketball, billiards, boxing, bowling, equestrian, fencing, handball, karate, padel, table tennis, taekwondo, shooting, snooker, swimming and volleyball. The evening followed a structured protocol: the arrival of dignitaries, the playing of the Qatari national anthem, and a parade of athletes from the six participating nations, each delegation entering the arena behind its flag.
A MESSAGE OF UNITY - Sheikh Joaan placed the Games within Qatar's longer trajectory as a host nation. "In Qatar, we strongly believe in the power of sport to build healthier, more connected and more united societies," he said. "Over the past two decades, Qatar has welcomed athletes, fans and delegations from around the world and hosted more than 20 World Championships. This legacy, which dates back to the Doha 2006 Asian Games, has provided us with world-class venues and expertise that today serve the ambitions of athletes from across the Gulf." He drew a link to the recent Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, noting: "We witnessed this clearly during the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, where all 45 National Olympic Committees of Asia came together in a remarkable celebration of sport and friendship." He extended his appreciation to the GCC Federations, partners and organisers, and to every athlete competing in Doha 2026, wishing them "success in showcasing the true spirit of Gulf sport."
“ONE GULF, ONE HEART” - The cultural segment followed the addresses, with an operetta titled "One Gulf, One Heart", written and composed by Faisal Ibrahim Al-Tamimi, running through the arena as a musical celebration of Gulf unity - the very theme that framed the entire evening. The production blended sport, culture and heritage into a vibrant spectacle. The operetta brought the formal segment to a close before competitions begin on Tuesday across Doha's venues.
DOHA’S WORLD-CLASS VENUES - Competitions will be staged across Qatar's state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. The Aspire Dome will host taekwondo, table tennis and karate; the Hamad Aquatic Centre, which staged the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, will hold the swimming events; and further venues include the Women's Sports Hall, Qatar Sports Club, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, and Duhail Arena.
THE DIGNITARIES IN ATTENDANCE - The ceremony drew the presidents of the participating Olympic committees: Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal from Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the UAE, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah from Kuwait, Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said from Oman, and Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa from Bahrain, alongside Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Affairs Sector at the QOC and Director General of the Organising Committee.
A REGION UNITED BY SPORT - As competitions get underway, the GCC Games reaffirm the Gulf's growing capacity to host major sporting events and its commitment to bringing athletes together in a spirit of friendship and fair play. Over the next 11 days, Doha will serve not just as a stage for regional talent but as a reminder that sport remains one of the most effective bridges between nations.
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