Fourteen sports ranging from beach volleyball soccer and handball to the intriguingly-named "tent pegging" will be contested over a nine-day period culminating in the Closing Ceremony on December 16.

The Games were officially opened by His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said, deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, Sultanate of Oman.

Rising star of world tennis Fatma al Nabhani provided a lasting image when she lit the cauldron.

Fireworks, music and dance then thrilled the crowd as the opening ceremony showcased Oman's history and heritage.

Part of the show featured a character who played Ahmed bin Majid, a famous Arab seafarer from the 15th century.

He told the story of three of the region's animals - the tahr, houbra and green turtle, which feature as mascots of the Games.

The 500 performers included around 200 Omanis, including musician Salha al Busaidy and the royal orchestra.

Pop star Massari and singer Tata Young were among those who added an international flavour.

His Excellency Eng. Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy said the Games were "an ambitious step, setting a benchmark for organising and hosting future continental and international sports activities.

"We are grateful for every single effort made to realise the objectives of these games."

Hundreds of international dignitaries, including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah attended the ceremony.

It is believed the sport of tent pegging originated as a military manoeuvre used during wartime, and has a long history in Asia.

In this fast-paced sport, a lance or sword is used to pick pegs off the ground while riding a horse at full gallop and winning is based on time and accuracy.