Doha, February 01 (QNA) - The heads of delegations participating in the 4th Gulf Games (Doha 2026) convened today in Doha to review preparations for the event, scheduled to take place from May 11 to 22.

The Games will feature elite athletes from the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The meeting addressed the latest developments related to organizational preparations, including the readiness of the working committees, logistical coordination plans, and approved procedures at competition and training venues.

Discussions also covered mechanisms for issuing accreditations and identification cards for participants and delegation representatives.

Participants further examined technical aspects such as competition schedules, athlete registration systems, and the allocation of teams across various venues, ensuring smooth operations in line with the highest organizational standards.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on potential challenges and explore solutions to ensure progress remains on schedule.

GCC delegations attending the meeting are set to conduct a site visit tomorrow, Monday, to several sports venues designated to host the Games' competitions.

The tour aims to assess venue readiness and compliance with hosting requirements, as well as to review infrastructure and support services that will be provided to delegations and athletes throughout the Games.

The fourth edition of the Gulf Games will see the participation of more than 2,000 male and female athletes competing in 20 sports, including handball, table tennis, athletics, squash, padel, fencing, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian sports, and bowling.

Competitions will be hosted across 10 sports venues: the Women's Sports Hall, Aspire Dome, Qatar Sports Club, Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Al Arabi Sports Club, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and the Qatar Bowling Federation Hall.

Director General of the Organizing Committee of the 4th Gulf Games Doha 2026, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani said the meeting represents a key milestone in the preparation and organization of the Games.

He added, "We take great pride in the 4th Gulf Games as a sporting platform that brings together the peoples of the GCC states and reflects the spirit of brotherhood, cooperation, and fair competition that unites them."

He also affirmed the Organizing Committee's commitment to delivering the highest organizational and technical standards, maintaining continuous coordination with all participating delegations, and giving due consideration to their feedback and proposals, emphasizing that the success of the Games is the result of collective cooperation and shared commitment.

For his part, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, Mohammed Al Subaie said the meeting represents a fundamental step in the preparation and organizational process, and an important opportunity to exchange views and coordinate efforts to ensure optimal conditions for the success of this edition of the Games.

He added that the Gulf Games are a key pillar in strengthening sports cooperation among GCC countries, reinforcing the values of brotherhood and fair competition, and supporting the development of Gulf youth. (QNA)