After its previous victories in GCC Beach Games with 5 medals (1 gold, 4 bronze) at Bahrain in 2010.
And also with 10 medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze) at Qatar in 2015, the UAE teams are heading to the 3rd GCC Beach Games.
The UAE teams include 77 athletes competing in Football, Handball, Volleyball and Athletics.
As well as Tent Pegging, Sailing, Swimming and Paragliding.
Opening Ceremony & UAE’s Events
The opening ceremony of the 3rd GCC Beach Games will take place on Saturday at 8 PM (UAE time) at the Lake Theater in Qurum Natural Park.
The UAE paragliding team will kick off the country’s participation, with five athletes competing over six rounds across two days:
- Rashid Ibrahim Al Samahi
- Mohammed Jaber Al Mazmi
- Tariq Mohammed Al Obaidli
- Abdullah Nasser Mustafa
- Mohammed Abdullah Al Jasmi
Handball team starts against Oman, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia (Sunday) and Bahrain (Monday).
While beach volleyball team faces Kuwait and Oman on Monday.
Adding that Football matches schedule will be as below:
- April 7: UAE vs Saudi Arabia
- April 10: UAE vs Oman
- April 11: UAE vs Kuwait
Preparations for GCC Beach Games 2025
The UAE delegation arrived early to check on accommodations, logistics, and competition venues.
The handball team held four training camps in March to prepare for the event.
Nasser Salem Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the UAE Handball Federation and Member of the Gulf Championships Technical Committee, emphasized that the handball team’s participation aligns with the Gulf Olympic Movement’s vision and serves as an opportunity to train and develop Emirati technical and administrative staff.
Tariq Ibrahim Al Balushi, a former player, was appointed head coach as part of the UAE Handball Federation’s strategy to empower local coaching talent.
He transitioned from player to coach, earning his international coaching license.
While serving as assistant coach for the UAE national teams at various age levels.
As always, the UAE participates in World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2nd each year. The day aims to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and highlight the importance of supporting people with autism, as part of the principle of equality for all and the goal… pic.twitter.com/XeqnDYKJhr
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) April 2, 2025
Expected Competition Level
Al Hammadi noted that beach handball has unique rules.
He added that the tournament will be played in a round-robin format (home & away matches).
Making competition intense and closely contested among the four participating teams.
The tent pegging team has been preparing through an intensive training camp at Boudheib Equestrian Academy in Abu Dhabi since March 10.
In order to ensure that all riders are in peak condition before traveling to Muscat tomorrow.
The UAE aims to enhance its medal tally and solidify its presence in GCC Beach Games.
Reflecting the country’s commitment to athletic excellence and regional sports development.
