Doha: In the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the GCC Games ' Doha 2026, the competitions of the GCC Games officially got underway this evening in the Qatari capital, Doha, with a distinguished Opening Ceremony held at Al Shaqab, reflecting the commitment of the GCC nations to supporting sport and hosting major sporting events.
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, Ministers, Presidents of the GCC Olympic committees, and senior sports officials, including HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee; HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; HE Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee; HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, President of the Oman Olympic Committee; and HE Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, alongside a number of GCC sports leaders.
President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Doha 2026 Organizing Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, stated that Doha is proud to host this fourth edition of the GCC Games, bringing together athletes and friends from across the region. He emphasized that in a world facing 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 a strong platform for unity and optimism across the Gulf region, as was evident during the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, where all 45 National Olympic Committees of Asia came together in a celebration of sport and friendship.
HE Sheikh Joaan further expressed Qatar's belief in the power of sport to build healthier, more connected, and more united societies. 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, dating back to the Doha 2006 Asian Games, has provided Qatar with world-class venues and expertise that serve the ambitions of athletes from across the Gulf. Appreciation was extended to the GCC Federations, partners, and organizers for their support of this event, and every athlete competing in Doha 2026 was wished success in showcasing the true spirit of Gulf sport.