The countdown to the first GCC Youth Games has begun and now it is time for team coordination across the Emirates. There are just two weeks to go until the 40-minute opening ceremony at the Dubai Opera House, which is expected to be attended by 1,500 people.

The UAE will play host to the organising committee from 16 April to 2 May, when 3,500 athletes from across the GCC will compete in 25 individual and team sports under the theme "Our Gulf is One... Our Youth is Promising". Our Youth is Promising."

During the meeting, which was attended by all the heads of the tournament's basic and working committees and various media representatives, the committee reviewed the final preparations and analysed the venues of the various sports facilities where all the tournament events will be held. 

The meeting was held last Thursday in Dubai under the chairmanship of Fares Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the First GCC Youth Games and President of the Organising Committee.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and President of the inaugural GCC Youth Games, was among those thanked by all present for his support of the competition and his determination to make this first edition a reference.

During the meeting, the Organising Committees of the sports featured in the sports programme, as well as the coordinating teams representing each emirate of the host country for the sports competitions, approved the schedule for the Opening Ceremony, which will be held at the Dubai Opera House.

The ceremony will last between 30 and 40 minutes and is expected to be attended by 1,500 people. It will focus on three main themes: unity, youth and sustainability.

The role of the volunteer teams in supporting the work of the participating delegations, both during the competitions and in managing arrivals, departures and accommodation, was reviewed, as well as the tournament schedule and the registration system for athletes and accompanying delegations.

The readiness of the logistical, technical and organisational aspects has been taken into account. One of the key elements is the use of the latest technological methods.

Fares Al-Mutawa affirmed that "the young athletes and the multiple energies and talents they possess are the future of the Gulf Olympic Movement and its main base. They are the promising generations and they have the ambition and passion to achieve new achievements and unprecedented successes for themselves and their countries."

The head of state pointed out that the various aspects highlighted in this first edition of the Games could become a distinguishing feature.

Al Mutawa highlighted HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's "long-term vision", which will have a positive impact in the near future as the results and significance of the event become apparent.

Al-Mutawa explained: "All the main committees working on the tournament are holding regular meetings to ensure that everything is perfectly prepared. The aim is for the athletes to be able to compete in an ideal environment as a result of this availability. He also hopes that the UAE will become a role model in the organising and hosting of major events of different types and levels.

The Secretary General of the NOC, Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the First GCC Youth Games and President of the Organising Committee praised "the cooperation of all the Olympic Committees of the Gulf States since the official announcement of the date of the tournament in October last year". This co-ordination could be the key to the smooth running of a competition involving 3,500 athletes and 25 sports in just two weeks' time.