The spirit of unity and shared ambition will take a center stage today as the 4th GCC Games kick off in Doha under the inspiring banner “One Gulf, One Heart.” From May 11 to 22, 2026, Qatar will host one of the region’s most anticipated multi-sport events, bringing together more than 1,000 athletes from all six Gulf nations in a celebration of sport, culture, and brotherhood. The opening ceremony will be held at Al Shaqab Arena.
A Symbol Rooted in Heritage
The Games’ official emblem draws deeply from Gulf identity, inspired by the palm tree, a powerful regional symbol representing resilience, generosity, and endurance. The design features six palm fronds, symbolizing the six GCC nations, flowing together in unity. At its center, the negative space subtly forms number four, marking the fourth edition of the Games.
The 4th GCC Games mascot is “Washeq”, inspired by the desert lynx. A symbol deeply connected to the region’s natural environment, Washeq reflects qualities such as agility, strength, and sharp focus, that mirror the spirit of competition.
A Stage Set Across World-Class Venues
Competitions will be held across 10 state-of-the-art venues in Doha, reflecting Qatar’s global reputation for sports excellence. Key locations include:
- Aspire Dome
- Women’s Sports Hall
- Hamad Aquatic Centre
- Qatar Sports Club (Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium)
- Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
- Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall
- Al Gharafa Sports Club
- Lusail Shooting Range
- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club
- Qatar Bowling Federation Hall
- Al Duhail Sports Hall
These venues have been fully prepared and tested to ensure an exceptional experience for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
A Diverse Sporting Program
Athletes will compete across a wide range of disciplines, highlighting the diversity and dynamism of Gulf sport. The program includes the below 17 sports:
1. Archery
2. Athletics
3. Basketball 3x3
4. Billiards
5. Bowling
6. Boxing
7. Equestrian
8. Fencing
9. Handball
10. Karate
11. Padel
12. Shooting
13. Snooker
14. Swimming
15. Table Tennis
16. Taekwondo
17. Volleyball
This broad program reinforces the Games’ role in nurturing talent and elevating competition across multiple sporting domains.
Competition Schedule Highlights
The action begins on May 11, with events rolling out across the capital in a packed 11-day schedule:
Swimming – May 12 to 15 – Hamad Aquatic Centre
3x3 Basketball – May 12 to 13 – Al Gharafa Sports Club
Taekwondo – To be confirmed – Aspire Dome
Table Tennis – Until May 17 – Aspire Dome
Billiards – Until May 15 – Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall
Bowling – Until May 17 – Qatar Bowling Centre
Equestrian – May 13 to 15 – Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club
Fencing – To be confirmed – Aspire Dome
Boxing – To be confirmed – Aspire Dome
Shooting – Until May 20 – Lusail Shooting Range
Athletics – May 14 to 17 – Qatar Sports Club
Handball – Until May 22 – Duhail Sports Hall
Snooker – May 15 to 19 – Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall
Volleyball – May 16 to 19 – Women’s Sports Hall
Padel – Until May 20 – Aspire Dome
Archery – May 17 to 21 – Lusail Shooting Range
Karate – May 21 – Aspire Dome Spo D
For detailed timings and daily updates, click here.
Qatar’s Journey in the GCC Games
Qatar enters Doha 2026 with a proud yet evolving history in the GCC Games:
- 2011 – Manama, Bahrain:
- Qatar finished 3rd, winning 20 medals (7 gold, 11 silvers, 2 bronze).
- 2015 – Dammam, Saudi Arabia:
- Another 3rd-place finish, with an impressive 59 medals (21 gold, 22 silvers, 16 bronze).
- 2022 – Kuwait:
- Qatar placed 5th, earning 52 medals (16 gold, 21 silvers, 15 bronze).
Hosting the Games presents a significant opportunity for Team Qatar to build on this legacy and aim for a stronger performance on home soil.
Beyond Competition
Doha 2026 is more than just a sporting event, it’s a platform to deepen ties across the Gulf, inspire young athletes, and celebrate shared values. With meticulous preparations underway and a strong commitment to excellence, the Games promise a memorable edition that reflects both Qatar’s organizational capabilities and the enduring unity of the GCC.
