Dubai With exactly 99 days to go until the start of the 12th Arab Games, taking place in Doha from December 9-23, the Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) has confirmed all preparations are on track to deliver a truly world-class event.

Since being awarded the Games for the first time, organisers in Qatar have vowed to host a sporting and cultural celebration that will benefit all Arab athletes and nations as well as leave a lasting legacy for the local community.

Speaking on the celebration of the 99-day countdown, Abdullah Al Mulla, official spokesman and Media and Broadcasting Director, Arab Games Organising Committee, said: “Our vision is to create the ideal sporting environment to inspire Arab athletes and excite fans from all nations.

The Arab Games Doha 2011 will bring everything together to make that vision a reality. In 99 days the nation will welcome the finest Arab athletes and today marks the start of the official countdown to a spectacular two-week festival of sport and culture.

“Through Arab Games Doha 2011, Qatar is sharing its unrivalled experience as a successful host of major international sporting events to create an Arab Games of Olympic standards and values in every aspect. From venues and infrastructure to transport and security the stage is being set for a spectacular sporting showcase.”

Massive participation

The Arab Games 2011 will feature 30 sports and over 8,000 athletes from 22 countries. Team sports included are football, volleyball and basketball while individual sports include athletics, boxing, golf, karate, rowing, shooting, wrestling and weightlifting.

As part of the AGOC’s commitment to set a new standard for the Arab Games, Doha 2011 will be the first Arab Games to feature a purpose-built Athletes Village. The new village will house all athletes, paralympic athletes and officials, and is conveniently located to event venues and training facilities.

The 99-day milestone was celebrated by Rashid Hamad Al Athbah, prominent Qatari shooting champion, also known as the ‘falcon of shooting’, in the world of Arab sports and beyond. “I am really excited about Arab Games Doha 2011 and I find it a thrilling affair to see a sporting event of this magnitude come to my country,” said Al Athbah.

“As an Arab, and as a host, I am keen to welcome my fellow Arab brothers and competitive sportsmen to participate in what I believe will be one of the most dynamic sporting events held in Qatar thus far,” he said