Muscat to host fifth West Asian Para Games

Muscat, Jan 22

The Organising Committee of the Fifth West Asia Para Games announced its readiness to host the upcoming regional event during a press conference held at Intercity Hotel in Al Khuwair, officially confirming that the Sultanate of Oman will stage the Games from February 1 to 8, 2026, in Muscat, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Oman Paralympic Committee and the West Asia Paralympic Federation.

The conference reviewed the key organisational, technical and operational plans, in the presence of Dr Mansour al Touqi, Director of the Games, Saud Ambusaidi, Head of the Public Relations Committee, and Zayana al Yaarubi, Head of the Sports Facilities and Services Committee.

Dr Al Touqi affirmed that hosting the event reflects the growing regional confidence in Oman’s organisational capabilities and advanced sports infrastructure, noting that the Games will serve as an important platform to showcase the abilities of athletes with disabilities while promoting fair competition, social inclusion and equal opportunities.

He added that Muscat was selected due to its strategic location and its integrated tourism and cultural offerings, which will provide participating delegations with a unique experience and further promote Oman as a regional and international sports destination.

Al Touqi explained that competitions will be conducted according to approved international standards, with the participation of 108 national referees and 35 international referees, alongside a fully integrated electronic results management system and specialised training workshops for officials.

11 NATIONS

The Games will feature the participation of 11 countries: Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Athletes will compete in nine main sports: athletics, powerlifting, boccia, table tennis, badminton, cycling, swimming, goalball and wheelchair basketball.

On the medical side, full medical teams and ambulance services will be available throughout the Games, in addition to medical classification supervised by 13 international classifiers for around 100 athletes. Anti-doping regulations will also be implemented in coordination with the Oman Anti-Doping Committee.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 3 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, with comprehensive security and organisational arrangements in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police.

Al Touqi noted that the Games are expected to generate tangible economic and tourism benefits by stimulating the hospitality, transport and services sectors, adding that the event provides an opportunity to showcase Oman’s cultural and civilisational identity to visiting delegations and spectators.

For his part, Saud Ambusaidi stated that a comprehensive accommodation and transportation plan has been prepared, with Intercity Hotel designated as the main headquarters for the Games. Participating delegations will be distributed across several hotels, while dedicated buses and VIP vehicles will ensure smooth mobility throughout the event.

Meanwhile, Zayana al Yaarubi confirmed that all venues and sports facilities are being prepared according to the highest technical standards to meet the needs of athletes. Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex will host most competitions, while goalball will be staged at Al Amal Club, boccia at Oman Club, and cycling events on routes operated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai, Secretary-General of the Oman Paralympic Committee, stressed that hosting the Games represents a significant boost for disability sport in Oman and a valuable opportunity to highlight the technical and competitive capabilities of Omani athletes. He added that national teams have already begun intensive preparations through both local and overseas training camps to ensure peak readiness ahead of the competitions.