Sports

GCC Beach Games 'Muscat 2025' set to begin on April 5

OOC Secretary-General Taha al Kishry highlighted Oman’s role in major sporting events.
 
OOC Secretary-General Taha al Kishry highlighted Oman’s role in major sporting events.
MUSCAT: Muscat is set to host the third edition of the GCC Beach Games 'Muscat 2025', from April 5 to 11. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), the event will welcome athletes from six GCC nations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Competitors will vie for top honours in eight sports: beach football, beach volleyball, beach handball, open-water swimming, sailing, tent pegging, beach athletics and paragliding.

Beach football will take place at sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex from April 7 to 11, while beach volleyball will be hosted along Muscat’s shores. Beach handball runs from April 5 to 11 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. Open-water swimming along Muscat’s beaches will be held from April 9 to 11, with sailing from April 6 to 10. Tent pegging events will take place at Al Rahba Farm from April 8 to 10, beach athletics from April 8 to 10 on Muscat’s beaches, and paragliding at Al Hail Beach from April 5 to 7.



HOSTING CAPABILITIES

OOC Secretary-General Taha al Kishry highlighted Oman’s role in major sporting events during the press conference: 'Hosting the GCC Beach Games affirms Oman’s leadership in organising international beach sports, thanks to our extensive coastline and advanced infrastructure.'

Beyond competition, the Games enhances sports tourism, showcasing Oman’s natural landscapes. 'This event boosts Oman’s tourism appeal and prepares national teams for upcoming international championships,' Al Kishry noted. He emphasised OOC’s strategic preparations, including intensive training camps for Omani athletes to ensure optimal performance.

The chosen sports align with GCC popularity and Oman’s hosting capabilities. 'Selection was based on strategic criteria, ensuring high competition levels and maximising participation,' Al Kishry explained. Coordination with national federations helped select sports with strong regional representation, ensuring a competitive and engaging tournament.

The organising committee ensured that venues meet international standards. 'Venues were carefully selected to facilitate accessibility for athletes, officials, and spectators, enhancing the event’s overall experience,' Al Kishry stated.



GAMES LOGO

The event’s branding is a key focus. 'The official logo embodies competition, sportsmanship, and GCC heritage and will be central to promotional campaigns across digital and traditional media,' Al Kishry said.

Extensive media partnerships ensure wide coverage, including live broadcasting on television and digital platforms. Social media will provide real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive interviews with athletes and officials.

The organising committee has unveiled the official logo for 'Muscat 2025'. The logo captures the essence of the competition through a meaningful design.

The deep blue colour symbolises the sea, reflecting Oman’s stunning coastal beauty, while the fortress-like mountains represent the nation’s rich heritage and strength. The golden-yellow hue signifies Muscat’s sandy beaches, which will serve as the primary venue for the event. Additionally, the open blue sky, with '2025' cleverly integrated in negative space, embodies progress and the limitless opportunities that the competition aims to inspire.