Kuwait City, February 24, 2025 – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) played an active role in the historic 100th Executive Board Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) National Olympic Committee Presidents, recently held in Kuwait. The high-profile gathering saw key sports leaders from across the GCC engage in discussions on the future of regional sports, strategic planning, and upcoming events.
QOC was represented by Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, who participated in discussions that covered various aspects of sporting development, including the organization of major upcoming regional events and strengthening sports cooperation among GCC nations.
Key Discussions and Decisions
One of the primary topics addressed during the meeting was the upcoming Third GCC Beach Games, scheduled to be held in Muscat, Oman, from April 5 to 11, 2025. The Organizing Committee presented a comprehensive report detailing the current state of preparations, highlighting their commitment to delivering a well-organized and successful multi-sport event. The Executive Board commended Oman’s efforts and urged all member nations to continue supporting the Games by ensuring full participation and adherence to set timelines.
In a major development, the Board approved a proposal by the Kuwait Olympic Committee to host the Second Gulf Youth Games in 2028. This decision is expected to boost youth participation in sports across the GCC. The event will feature multiple sporting disciplines, allowing young athletes from the region to compete at a high level. The proposal now awaits final approval from the Council of Heads of GCC Olympic Committees.
Another significant outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of a conference focused on sports law and management. This initiative is in line with the GCC’s strategic vision to enhance regional sports cooperation, a goal initially outlined in the 32nd GCC National Olympic Committees Presidents’ Meeting in 2020. The planned conference aims to serve as a platform for sports administrators, legal experts, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and establish best practices for governance and legal frameworks in sports.
Additional Deliberations
During the meeting, the Executive Board reviewed the official schedule for the GCC Joint Sports Games covering the period from 2023 to 2027. The objective of these discussions was to ensure a well-structured and collaborative approach to upcoming regional sporting events. Proper scheduling and coordination between the member nations were emphasized to maximize athlete participation and elevate the quality of these competitions.
Another critical item on the agenda was the discussion of the draft Unified Statute for GCC Sports Federations. This document, prepared by the Qatari Olympic Committee in collaboration with the Advisory Sports Committee, proposes the establishment of a GCC Sports Federation. The goal of this federation would be to unify the sports efforts of all Gulf nations under a cohesive and structured framework. The draft will be circulated among all National Olympic Committees for review before its final submission to the Supreme Council for approval.
QOC Delegation and Their Contributions
The Qatar Olympic Committee delegation, led by Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, included several key officials who contributed to the discussions. The delegation members were:
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani – Director of the Sports Sector
- Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani – Director of the Marketing and International Cooperation Sector
- Mohammed Issa Al Fadala – Director of the Sports Affairs Department
These officials played an essential role in shaping the discussions and offering insights into Qatar’s contributions to regional sports development. Their expertise ensured that the meeting’s outcomes aligned with the strategic vision of the GCC Olympic Committees.
Regional Participation and Collaborative Efforts
The meeting brought together representatives from various GCC National Olympic Committees, each contributing to the strategic discussions on advancing sports in the region. The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), represented by Secretary-General Taha bin Sulaiman Al Kishry, provided an in-depth presentation on Muscat’s preparations for the Third GCC Beach Games. The Executive Board commended Oman’s commitment and dedication to hosting an event that meets international standards.
In addition to Oman’s contributions, the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) actively participated in the discussions, reflecting the strong spirit of collaboration among GCC nations. The meeting served as an important platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and reinforcing the collective goal of enhancing sports development in the Gulf region.
Future Initiatives and Vision for GCC Sports
A key focus of the Executive Board was on the role of advisory committees in implementing the GCC’s strategic sports development vision. The Board approved plans for the Sports and Athletes Committees for 2025 and emphasized the need for the Advisory Committee for Women’s Sports and the Paralympic Committee to accelerate the formulation of their respective plans for the year. These initiatives aim to promote inclusivity and provide a structured pathway for athletes across all disciplines within the GCC.
The proposed conference on sports law and management was identified as a significant step toward fostering a strong legal and administrative sports environment in the region. The initial plan targets GCC countries, but there is potential for this conference to expand into an international event. This expansion would position the GCC as a leader in sports governance, legal frameworks, and management practices, further strengthening the region’s global standing in the sports sector.
Conclusion
The 100th Executive Board Meeting of the GCC National Olympic Committee Presidents in Kuwait marked a milestone in regional sports governance. It highlighted the commitment of Gulf nations to fostering sports development and strengthening ties among member states. The Qatar Olympic Committee’s active participation underscored its dedication to shaping the future of Gulf sports and ensuring that regional athletes have the best opportunities to excel.
With significant upcoming events like the Third GCC Beach Games and the Second Gulf Youth Games, the decisions made during this meeting are expected to have a lasting impact on sports development in the Gulf. The collaborative efforts of all National Olympic Committees will play a crucial role in elevating the standard of regional competitions and promoting unity through sports. As the GCC continues to move forward with its sports agenda, these strategic initiatives will serve as a foundation for a brighter, more competitive sporting future in the region.
