AL Pan-Arab Games

The Pan-Arab Games are a ethno-cultural multi-sport event (including football) held sporadically every 4 or so years for Arab nations (West Asia/Middle East and North/East Africa), organized by the Arab League (AL). The games were established in 1953 by the League of Arab Nations as a means of expressing cultural unity between Arab peoples across national borders. It is founded therefore on a philosophy of ethno-cultural group identity (race and language), rather than on territorial divisions or universalism (Olympic Games). The 1st games were held in 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt. Intended to be held every 4 years since, political turmoil and financial difficulties has made the event an unstable one. Women were 1st allowed to compete in 1985.