H.H. Sheikh Mansoor attends opening of GCC Games in Doha

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the 4th GCC Games, taking place in Qatar from May 11 to 22.

The UAE is represented at the event by 164 athletes competing in 17 individual and team sports, with the contingent featuring 115 men and 49 women.

"We reiterate our belief that sport is a bridge that brings the people of the Gulf closer and strengthens unity among Gulf Cooperation Council countries," said Sheikh Mansoor.

"We are proud of the UAE’s participation in this major event, with our athletes typifying the nation’s ambition and reflecting the vision of our leadership in empowering sport and athletes," he added.

I attended the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the GCC Games in Doha this evening, which runs until 22 May. The UAE is represented by a team of 164 male and female athletes competing across 17 individual and team sports, carrying the nation’s ambition for top rankings.… pic.twitter.com/KPhjSL09dx

— Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) May 11, 2026

Gulf heritage celebrated

The opening ceremony was held at Al Shaqab Indoor Arena in Doha and featured an artistic show with several segments reflecting Qatari and Gulf heritage, alongside an operetta titled ‘One Gulf... One Heart.’

The UAE flag was carried during the ceremony by Sheikh Ali Jamal bin Nasser Al Nuaimi, a member of the UAE equestrian team, and Shouq Al Hammadi, a member of the UAE taekwondo team.

The UAE is competing across a wide range of sports, including table tennis, equestrian, swimming, bowling, billiards, boxing, fencing, shooting, 3x3 basketball, taekwondo, athletics, handball, snooker, volleyball, archery, padel tennis, and karate.

Ten venues

Competitions will unfold across ten venues: the Women’s Sports Hall, Aspire Dome, Qatar Sports Club, Khalifa International Tennis, Squash and Badminton Complex, Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, and Duhail Sports Hall.