12-05-2025
GCC Olympic Council convenes in Kuwait, approves key initiatives
Kuwait bids to host 2nd Gulf Youth Games in 2028
KUWAIT: The Council of Presidents of the National Olympic Committees of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states held its 37th meeting in Kuwait on Sunday, chaired by Chairman of the Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In his opening remarks, Sheikh Fahad praised the ongoing efforts of GCC National Olympic Committees in advancing the Olympic and sporting movement across the region.
He expressed appreciation to Qatar's leadership and people for hosting the 36th session and extended congratulations to Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on his appointment as President of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Sheikh Fahad also congratulated Azzan bin Qais Al Said on assuming the presidency of the Oman Olympic Committee, commending the Sultanate of Oman for the successful organization of the 3rd Gulf Beach Games, which achieved notable success.
During the meeting, the Council reviewed several key topics, including recommendations from the Executive Office and a memorandum by the General Secretariat on enhancing the regional sports framework. Discussions centered on strategies to strengthen the role and capabilities of GCC National Olympic Committees, aiming to foster innovation, excellence, and sustainable development in Gulf sports. The Council encouraged member states to expand specialized training, workshops, and conferences in sports sciences and administration. Olympic committees were requested to submit their 2026 activity schedules, including upcoming events, to the General Secretariat for coordination and dissemination.
The heads of Olympic committees also examined recommendations related to joint Gulf sports cooperation and lauded the contributions of national federations in promoting regional athletic engagement. Among key decisions, the Council approved Kuwait's bid to host the 2nd Gulf Youth Games in 2028 and Qatar's bid to organize the 4th Gulf Games in 2026. The UAE will host the inaugural Sports Law and Management Conference in 2026.
Further, the Council endorsed support for a unified platform for women's sports in the GCC and approved the launch of a recurring Gulf Women's Sports Hackathon under the supervision of the Advisory Committee for Women's Sports. The Council also reviewed a memorandum on the structure of committees and working groups under the Council of Presidents. As part of its institutional strengthening, the Council approved the formation of the Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Committee, composed of qualified representatives from member states. This committee will be responsible for oversight and evaluation of initiatives and reports presented by various subcommittees.
On the topic of international cooperation, the Council discussed recommendations to deepen partnerships with friendly nations and global sports organizations. The Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Committee was tasked with identifying priority areas for future collaboration. In addition, the Council approved the revised regulations for the GCC Sports Games, renaming them the 'Regulations Organizing the Sports Games in the GCC Countries,' to encompass all four combined Gulf tournaments endorsed at the 92nd Executive Office meeting in Bahrain in 2021, as well as future events.
The Council also reviewed the final report on the 3rd Gulf Beach Games, hosted in Muscat last month. The Planning, Coordination and Follow-up Committee was assigned to study the challenges and recommendations outlined in the report and implement appropriate measures. It was agreed that the 38th meeting of the Council of Presidents of the GCC Olympic Committees will be held on May 5, 2026, preceded by a preparatory session of the Executive Office on May 4. The General Secretariat will coordinate with the United Arab Emirates, which will assume the upcoming presidency, to finalize arrangements for the meeting. - KUNA
