Gulf Beach Games 2025 Kick Off In Muscat With 300 Athletes, 6 Gulf Countries & 8 Sports!

Sun sand, and some seriously skilled athletes.

by Deeplata Garde
Gulf Beach Games 2025 Kick Off In Muscat With 300 Athletes, 6 Gulf Countries & 8 Sports!

Muscat just dropped the mic on boring weekends. The third edition of the Gulf Beach Games has officially hit the shores, and trust us—it’s got more action than you think. From April 6 to 12, over 300 athletes from six Gulf countries flocked to Oman’s capital to do one thing and one thing only: bring the heat.

Muscat Makes Waves: The Gulf Beach Games 2025 Are Back!

And no, we’re not talking about the temperature. We’re talking high-octane beach sports, open-air theatrics, and cultural magic rolled into one adrenaline-packed week. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Bahrain have each sent their strongest squads. Spoiler alert: The competition is fierce, the vibes are immaculate, and the sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Opening Night? A Whole Showstopper

This isn’t your average whistle-blowing, ribbon-cutting, half-hearted clap fest. The opening ceremony went full glam at the Lake Theatre in Qurum Natural Park. Think lights, music, drama and yes, a generous splash of Gulf pride. Omani traditions took centre stage, with artistic and theatrical performances. 

The bigwigs turned up too. Qatar’s Olympic royalty—including Dr. Thani Al Kuwari and Jassim Al Buenain graced the occasion. And in a moment that sent waves through the crowd, Qatar’s beach volleyball champ, Cherif Younousse, carried the national flag like the hero he is.

The Sports Line-up: Not Your Typical Gym Day

Now for the real reason we’re here—sports! And not just any sports. We’re talking eight beachside bangers that’ll make your Fitbit cry. Here’s the roll call:

  • Beach Soccer – Sand flying, skills shining. Expect goals, grit, and a lot of sliding.
  • Beach Handball – Think handball, but everyone’s barefoot and twice as fast.
  • Beach Volleyball – Power serves and acrobatic saves under the sun.
  • Athletics – Short bursts of brilliance and long strides of glory.
  • Sailing – Wind-powered drama, minus the pirates.
  • Open Water Swimming – Just you, the sea, and serious stamina.
  • Air Sports (Paragliding) – Yep, they’re literally flying for medals.
  • Equestrian (Tent Pegging) – Horses + precision = unexpectedly thrilling.

Qatar’s got 18 athletes competing across five of these categories. We’re keeping eyes on the beach volleyball duo (because let’s face it, they always deliver) and the equestrian team—tent pegging may sound niche, but it’s the jousting of the desert.

Also Read: AKS Nights To Celebrate 15th Anniversary With Dubai’s Biggest Bollywood Party At This Beach

Not Just A Game, A Whole Gulf Celebration

The Gulf Beach Games aren’t just about medals and muscle. They’re a shoutout to unity, passion, and good old-fashioned regional rivalry (the friendly kind). From young kids watching in awe to seasoned athletes giving it their all, there’s something undeniably powerful in the air.

So whether you’re a sports nerd, a proud local, or someone who just enjoys a good beach scene, this week in Muscat deserves your attention. Grab your hat, load up on snacks, and tune in to the action.

Where: Muscat, Oman
When: April 6–12, 2025
Cost: Free to attend

Cover Image Courtesy: Oman Olympics/Instagram

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First Published: April 07, 2025 4:53 PM