The Arab Games (), formerly called the Pan-Arab Games, are a regional multi-sport event held between nations from the Arab world. They are organized by the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees. The first Games took place in 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt. Intended to be held every four years since, political turmoil as well as financial difficulties have made the event an unstable one. Women first competed in 1985.
Complications
Typically the games are to take place every four years. Initially Lebanon was set to host the 2015 XIII Arab Games, but "withdrew because of the crisis in the Middle East". Following Beirut's withdrawal Morocco was then chosen to host the games, but faced financial complications and also withdrew. "Mohamed Ouzzine, Morocco's Minister of Youth and Sports [at the time, wrote to] the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC) telling them that they would be withdrawing."
The same year, Egypt volunteered to host the event. "Sheikh Khalid Al Zubair, chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC)" said, "We will be offering our full support to Egypt and we have also taken a decision to suspend the financial regulations and other requirements due to lack of time." Had the UANOC accepted Egypt's proposition the games would have taken place in December 2015; however, no such event was held.
Editions
* United Arab Republic with Egypt and Syria. ** United Arab Republic with Egypt only. Not held in 2015 and 2019. 2015 Cancelled.
Sports
37 sports were presented in the Arab Games history. Para Sports since 1999. Women since 1985.
All-time medal table
Below is the medal table of the Arab Games tournaments, up until the 13th tournament 2023.
* The United Arab Republic (1958–1971) contains 2 countries Egypt & Syria.
Related Games
Arab University Games
Editions
1970s ? 1998 ? 2004 Amman 2010 ? 2018 Agadir
Arab University Beach Games
Editions
2016 Agadir
Arab Games for the Handicapped
Editions
1999 Amman
2003 Algiers (cancelled)
Arab School Games
Editions
Organized by the Arab Union for Physical Education and School Sports (AUPESS).
Unofficial
1949 Beirut
1951 Cairo
1952 Damascus
1954 Beirut
Official
See also
African Games
Asian Games
GCC Games
All-Africa University Games
Notes
References
Sources
Bell, Daniel (2003). Encyclopedia of International Games. McFarland and Company, Inc. Publishers, Jefferson, North Carolina. .
External links
Athletics medalists
Arab Games 2007 website (archived 20 September 2008) Arab Games 2011 official website (archived 28 January 2011) Arab Games 2011 Exhibition and Timeline (archived 7 October 2011)