The 3rd edition of GCC Beach Games, “Muscat 2025,” will officially open on April 5, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. The tournament will take place from April 5 to April 11, with the participation of six GCC nations: The United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the host Oman. Athletes will compete in eight sports: beach football, beach volleyball, beach handball, open-water swimming, sailing, tent pegging, beach athletics, and paragliding.
Beach football matches will be held on the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bosher from April 7 to April 11. Beach volleyball competitions will take place on the shores of Muscat, while beach handball games will also be hosted at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex from April 5 to April 11. The open-water swimming events will occur along Muscat’s beaches from April 9 to April 11, while sailing competitions will be hosted on Muscat’s coastline from April 6 to April 10. Tent pegging events will be held at Al Rahba Farm from April 8 to April 10. Beach athletics will take place from April 8 to April 10 on Muscat’s beaches, and paragliding competitions will be held at Al Hail Beach from April 5 to April 7.
Taha Al Kishry: Oman is an Ideal Destination for Hosting Beach Sports Events
The organizing committee for GCC Beach Games revealed details regarding the tournament’s hosting. Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry, OOC Secretary-General, stated: “Oman’s hosting of this sporting event, which unites GCC athletes, reaffirms its leading position in organizing major sporting events and reinforces its role as a distinguished hub for beach sports. This is thanks to its unique geographical location and extensive coastline, which provide an ideal environment for these competitions. Additionally, this hosting reflects Oman’s commitment to strengthening sports cooperation among GCC countries and supporting efforts to develop beach sports to the highest international standards.”
Promoting Sports Tourism
Al Kishry added, “The significance of this tournament goes beyond competition; it extends to broader aspects, including promoting sports tourism and showcasing Oman’s natural capabilities as a prime destination for hosting beach events. Additionally, it serves as a strategic platform for preparing national teams for regional, continental, and international beach sports championships. Adequate resources have been provided to support the training and preparation programs of our national teams, contributing to their technical development at regional and international levels and enhancing their chances of securing top positions on the podium.”
Regarding OOC assessment of the national teams’ readiness for the competition and expectations for their performance, Al Kishry stated: “OOC, in continuous coordination with relevant sports federations and committees, is keen on implementing effective preparation programs for the teams participating in the tournament. The ministry has been supportive of these plans, recognizing the importance of this sporting event. Consequently, our teams have had the opportunity to undergo intensive training camps both within Oman and abroad, following specific plans developed by their respective technical staff to ensure maximum preparedness before the competitions commence. This support underscores Oman’s dedication to enhancing the competitiveness of its national teams across various beach sports and equipping them to compete with confidence in pursuit of podium finishes.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Selecting Sports
Elaborating further, Al Kishry said: “The selection of sports for the 3rd GCC Beach Games – Muscat 2025 was based on a comprehensive methodology that considered various strategic criteria to ensure the highest level of technical and organizational success. The focus was placed on sports with widespread popularity in GCC countries that reflect the growing development of beach sports. Additionally, Oman’s readiness in terms of infrastructure to host these competitions played a crucial role in the selection process. The suitability of coastal venues and available sports facilities were assessed to ensure an optimal competitive environment that meets the technical requirements of continental and international federations.”
He emphasized that the selection was not random but was aligned with modern sports trends, taking into account disciplines experiencing significant growth and increasing participation rates. This approach ensures broader athlete involvement and contributes to the overall development of beach sports in the region. Moreover, coordination with national sports federations and GCC Olympic committees was conducted to guarantee wider participation of teams, while considering each country’s capability to present competitive teams that enhance the quality of the competitions.
Based on these criteria, the selection for this edition included eight main sports: beach football, beach handball, beach volleyball, beach athletics, water sports, open-water swimming, air sports, and equestrian sports (tent pegging).
Readiness of Facilities and Venues
Regarding the readiness of the tournament’s facilities and venues, Al Kishry stated: “The organizing committee for the 3rd GCC Beach Games – Muscat 2025 has ensured the provision of a comprehensive sports infrastructure that meets the required technical standards to host the competitions in an ideal sporting environment that guarantees technical and organizational success. Competition venues were carefully selected, considering their geographic distribution to facilitate easy access and movement between facilities, ensuring convenience for athletes and participating delegations while enhancing the overall experience for spectators.”
Promotional and Marketing Campaigns
Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry further explained that the tournament’s visual identity holds special significance. The official logo, which will soon be unveiled, embodies the spirit of competition and the values of sports and cultural heritage, reinforcing the event’s status as a sporting celebration that blends competition with the rich traditions of the GCC countries. The logo, once launched, will serve as a central element in the promotional and marketing campaigns associated with the tournament. It will be featured in all advertising materials, digital platforms, and official communications to enhance the tournament’s visual identity and ensure maximum outreach.
As part of a comprehensive media strategy, coordination has been established with various local, GCC, and international media outlets to ensure extensive and high-quality coverage. The tournament’s competitions are expected to be broadcast live via television and digital platforms, complemented by analytical studios and special programs covering the event. Additionally, an integrated digital strategy will be implemented through social media and modern digital platforms to enhance audience engagement and immerse them in the tournament atmosphere through dynamic content, including on-site reports, exclusive interviews, and real-time updates on results.
Tournament Logo
During the press conference, the organizing committee unveiled the official logo for the 3rd GCC Beach Games, “Muscat 2025.” The logo features a modern and minimalist design that reflects the competition’s identity and youthful spirit. It consists of a rectangular shape divided into four interwoven elements. The deep blue section at the bottom symbolizes the sea, representing the coastal location of the events and the significance of the sea in GCC heritage. The connected fortress-like mountains illustrate Oman’s architectural and cultural identity, signifying strength and a rich historical legacy. The golden-yellow segment represents the sandy beaches that define Muscat’s natural landscape and serve as the primary venue for these games. The open blue sky with the year “2025” embedded in negative space symbolizes boundless opportunities, creativity, and progress, emphasizing the youthful and contemporary essence of the competition.”
