Sheikh Joaan Declares 4th GCC Games Open at Al Shaqab Arena

Sheikh Joaan Declares 4th GCC Games Open at Al Shaqab Arena

H.E. 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 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, officially declared the Games open this evening at the Longines Arena, Al Shaqab.

The opening ceremony was attended by Their Highnesses and Excellencies, ministers, presidents of GCC Olympic committees, sports leaders, athletes, and delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. The event reflected the unity, brotherhood, and shared destiny that bind the peoples of the Gulf states.

The Games bring together over 1,000 athletes from six GCC nations competing across 17 sports, making it one of the region’s largest multi‑sport gatherings.

The ceremony featured formal addresses, cultural showcases, and the parade of athletes, setting the stage for nearly two weeks of competition that will highlight the Gulf’s sporting talent and organizational excellence.