The Gulf Beach Games' 3rd edition commenced in a grand style on the evening of April 5, at Al Buhaira Theater in Qurum Natural Park, Muscat, Oman. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sayyid Malik bin Shihab Al Said, the event gathered prominent personalities from the Gulf sports community, including representatives from Olympic committees, sports ministries, and youth and sports organizations across GCC nations, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and special guests.
Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain at the opening ceremony was His Excellency Mr. Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, joined by Board Member Fajr Jassim Hassan, Mission Director Maryam Mardana, and members of the administrative and media teams.
Bahrain showcased its pride by marching second in the athletes’ parade, led by national beach football star Hussein Al Dosari, who carried the national flag. Since joining the national team in 2007, Al Dosari has been a key player, contributing significantly to Bahrain's silver medal achievement at the 2009 Asian Championship and their later qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
The Bahraini contingent in the parade was a true reflection of the country's diverse athletic prowess, including members of the beach football, volleyball, and sailing teams.
The opening ceremony was a celebration of culture and sport, commencing with the Omani national anthem, followed by a musical interlude and a lively Gulf Tale operetta. The athletes’ march was succeeded by a welcoming speech from the Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair. The official opening was proclaimed with the raising of the tournament flag, the athletes’ and referees’ oath, and a concluding artistic performance titled “Al-Azi Art,” which honored the region’s heritage.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is participating with a strong delegation of nearly 100 individuals, including athletes, coaches, administrators, medical staff, and media representatives. The nation will compete in seven sports: beach volleyball, beach handball, beach soccer, sailing, long-distance swimming, athletics, and peg-picking.
Bahrain is recognized as the birthplace of the Gulf Beach Games, hosting the first edition in 2010. The second edition took place in Qatar in 2015, and now the event returns for its third iteration, reinforcing Bahrain’s legacy in Gulf beach sports.
