The IV Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Games Doha 2026 opened in Doha, Qatar, on May 11. The competition will run from May 11 to 22. The opening ceremony took place at the Al Shaqab venue under the patronage of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Games.

The event was attended by the presidents of the Olympic committees of the GCC member states, high-ranking sports officials and officials.

More than a thousand athletes from six Gulf countries will compete for medals in 17 sports: handball, athletics, swimming, volleyball, taekwondo, karate, boxing, fencing, shooting, 3x3 basketball, padel tennis, table tennis, billiards, snooker, archery, equestrian sports, and bowling.

The swimming competitions kicked off on May 12 at the Hamad Aquatics Centre and will last four days. That same day, 3x3 basketball matches began at the “Al Gharafa” Club. Equestrian competitions opened at the Royal Qatar Equestrian and Racing Club, fencing and boxing at the Aspire Dome, and shooting at the Lusail shooting range. Track and field competitions will be held at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, and handball at the “Duhail” Sports Hall.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani emphasized that sport remains one of the most important platforms for strengthening dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among the peoples of the region. He also recalled that over the past two decades, Qatar has hosted more than 20 World Cups, building world-class infrastructure and expertise.

The IV GCC Games are being held in Doha for the first time. The previous edition of the tournament was hosted by Kuwait from May 16 to 31, 2022. Anti-doping control during the competition will be provided by a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar.