Oman Sail chosen as hosts for the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships
The event will champion the diverse community of sailors with disabilities and provide a unique platform for Para classified athletes to compete alongside other athletes with disabilities who do not classify under the IPC Classification code. Competition is due to be held in RS Venture Connect, RS21, Wingfoil and ILCA (Special Olympic) categories.
Over 200 sailors from around the world are expected for the week-long regatta, as well as coaches and support staff who will be present in Mussanah for the World Sailing Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) to be held over three days prior to the championship. The IDP will connect sailors with coaches and instructors from World Sailing to help develop national Para Inclusive sailing programmes and provide guidance for sailing coaches and the sailors themselves.
The event will also include a tourism day to share Oman's rich cultural heritage with visitors from around the world.
Dr Khamis Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, said, 'It is a great honour to host the first edition of such an important regatta. We are incredibly proud of our achievements in breaking down barriers in sailing, showcasing diversity within the sport, and supporting people with disabilities to live an active and fulfilling life on the water through our SailFree programmeme. Mussanah has proven to be an excellent venue for sailing championships of all sizes, with world class facilities, accommodation and accessibility on-site, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Oman later this year and helping Para Inclusive Sailing to grow.'
Jim Morris, World Sailing Director of Events, said, 'We are delighted to award the inaugural edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships to the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Sail. The bid encapsulates the spirit of inclusive sailing with particular attention to the diversity of the sailing community and accessibility, as well as sustainability and long-term benefits for sailors within the region and across Asia. The Inclusive Development Programmeme, held before the championship begins, will also help to enhance the SailFree programme in Oman, and provide guidance for our members as they seek to develop similar programmes to grow the sport.'
Hannah Stodel, Para World Sailing Manager, added, 'The introduction of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is an invaluable addition to the sailing calendar. As a dedicated Para Inclusive Sailing event we are showing that in this sport we are all in the same boat and can all compete at the highest levels. Mussanah is an excellent host venue with world class facilities and an impressive history of hosting Para Sailing events. We look forward to developing a vitally important regatta for the sailing community and helping Para Inclusive Sailing to grow globally.'
The Oman Sail Sailing School in Mussanah has previously hosted the RS Venture Connect World Championships in 2022 and is home to the region's first sailing programme for people with disabilities, SailFree, run in partnership with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association. The venue has also been designated a Category A High Performance Centre by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, China explore deeper ties at Salalah forum
Salalah – The third Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum was held in Salalah last week focusing on strengthening strategic partnership and expanding avenues of cooperation and investment between Oman and China. Organised under the theme 'Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals', the forum was a joint initiative of Al Roya newspaper, the Chinese Embassy in Oman and the Oman-China Friendship Association. It brought together officials, experts and specialists from both countries. H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, inaugurated the forum and felicitated participants and speakers. H E Dr Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, described the forum as a 'unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries.' H E Lyu Jian, Ambassador of China to Oman, said relations between the two countries have remained strong for over 1,200 years, with diplomatic ties formally established in 1978. 'Our cooperation has been stable and fruitful, built on mutual respect and equality.' He added that China is Oman's top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$36.7bn in 2024. China is also among the top five foreign investors in Oman. 'Our collaboration includes the launch of the first Omani satellite, joint energy investments and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis.' The ambassador noted that trade between China and the GCC reached US$288bn in 2024, with Chinese investments increasing by more than 30% in the first half of 2025. He called for more cultural cooperation and the introduction of direct flights between Oman and China. Dr Khalid Salim al Saidi, Chairman of Oman-China Friendship Association, said it plays a 'vital role in strengthening ties beyond formal meetings'. He added that its work now includes building cultural bridges and informal cooperation initiatives based on mutual values. Naif Hamed Fadhil, Head of the Dhofar branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the forum is 'important for bringing business owners closer and enabling bilateral investment in energy, technology, industry, logistics and tourism'. He called for the development of sustainable and impactful cooperation models. The forum featured discussions on four core themes: Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040, Energy Sector Cooperation, Innovation and Technology Partnerships, and Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange. It also included a photo exhibition in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and B2B meetings between companies from the two countries. More than 30 representatives from Omani and Chinese firms took part, with a dedicated exhibition showcasing Chinese businesses. The forum aimed to reinforce strategic ties and explore new collaboration areas aligned with Oman's development priorities, while drawing from China's experience in economic and social modernisation.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Omani Angle in Oman Investment Authority's foreign investments
Muscat: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has played a key role in localising several advanced global technologies and projects through its Omani Angle philosophy, which guides its international investment strategy. Among its achievements, OIA successfully localised a home energy consumption monitoring technology through Sense Lab, enabled a local company to collaborate with a global partner to produce insulin medications through its partnership with Biogenomics, and launched the Oman Innovation Laboratories Centre in cooperation with Gradiant. Additionally, OIA has taken a pioneering role in introducing technology that reduces flare gas emissions through its investment in Crusoe. Beyond its technological initiatives, OIA has also addressed a range of prevailing public perceptions about its affiliated companies, most notably, concerns about unclear governance frameworks, inflated salaries and benefits, competition with the private sector in commercial activities, and overlapping mandates among subsidiaries. These efforts were highlighted in the 14th issue of Enjaz & Eejaz, OIA's quarterly bulletin. The issue defines the Omani Angle philosophy as the approach whereby OIA's foreign investments lead to attracting foreign investment into the Sultanate of Oman, transferring technology to local companies, or encouraging international firms to establish regional offices in the country. OIA has embodied this philosophy through the investments of the Future Generations Fund (FGF). For instance, the FGF invested in Sense Lab, a leading company in smart energy solutions. This enabled the localisation of a home energy consumption monitoring technology in Oman and laid the groundwork for establishing a research and development center in the Sultanate, an initiative that supports the national economy and creates local job opportunities. Another notable example is Biogenomics, a leading biopharmaceutical and diabetes treatment company. The firm collaborates with a local Omani company to produce insulin medications and is currently planning to establish an insulin production facility within the Sultanate. OIA has also invested in Gradiant, a prominent company in water and wastewater treatment. This investment led to the localisation of water treatment technologies in Oman and a collaboration between Gradiant and Nama Water Services to launch the Oman Lab Innovation Centre, which applies cutting-edge solutions to address water-related challenges in the Sultanate. Additionally, one of Gradiant's subsidiaries is working to enhance the performance of desalination plants in Oman. Moreover, OIA's investment in Crusoe has led to the localisation of technologies that generate energy by capturing flare gas emissions, gases that contribute to global warming. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also positions the Sultanate as a regional leader in bringing this technology to the Middle East. In addition, the bulletin addressed various public perceptions that emerged during the transitional phase when companies were transferred from government ownership to OIA. It highlighted how OIA's actions helped reshape the public image of its subsidiaries. One such perception was the lack of governance frameworks. In response, OIA issued several policies, notably the Code of Governance for OIA Entities, and launched an Electronic Governance Platform to monitor its companies' compliance with governance practices. Another concern was inflated salaries and benefits, which OIA addressed through the 'arsheed Programme, launched in January 2021. This initiative streamlined the compensation system, reducing the number of allowances and benefits from 80 items to just 12, and standardised them across all subsidiaries, creating an integrated salary and benefits structure. Financial underperformance and lack of sustainability among subsidiaries were also common perceptions. OIA tackled this by reducing company debt levels to enhance investment and growth capabilities, and by mandating transparency and publication of financial indicators. As a result, by the end of 2024, companies' debt was reduced by 47%, and many transitioned to profitability. The perception that OIA companies were crowding out the private sector was another issue. To change this, OIA launched a divestment program, exiting 18 assets so far, and established the Future Fund Oman (FFO), which attracted OMR885 million in foreign investments during its first year. Furthermore, it capped subsidiaries' ownership in new projects at 40% to create more room for private sector participation in national development. The issue also addressed concerns about overlapping responsibilities among subsidiaries. OIA resolved this by reviewing and organisational structures, leading to the restructure, dissolution, or merger of several companies in the electricity, transportation, and food sectors. It also launched the Rawabet programme, which generated 41 integration and synergy initiatives and identified 8 shared strategic priorities to align all subsidiaries on a unified path. The issue also featured an interview with Sultan Al-Habsi, Chairman of OIA's Board, in which he discussed OIA's major contributions to the national economy over the past five years. These included injecting over OMR7 billion into the state budget to continue the role initiated by the State General Reserve Fund since 2016. Other contributions include enhancing investor confidence, improving the investment climate in Oman, and reducing companies' debt by 47% by the end of 2024. Al-Habsi also discussed the dual financial and economic impact of the National Development Fund (NDF), which spent over OMR8.8 billion since its establishment. Its financial importance lies in enhancing financial stability, reducing the state's budgetary burden, and stimulating national economic activity. Economically, it is strategically aligned with Oman Vision 2040 as these projects focus on high-impact sectors, helping diversify the productive base, generate local employment, and strengthen supply chains. In the same interview, Al-Habsi clarified the Board's role in steering investment decisions and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The Board is tasked with approving OIA's vision and strategy, overseeing major investment decisions, asset allocation, policy approval, and its companies' governance, ensuring, as he described, that OIA remains 'a trusted custodian of Oman's wealth, investing for present and future generations in alignment with Oman's national interests.' Recognising its national responsibility to contribute to development and achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040, OIA highlighted its National Agenda, a set of development-oriented commitments including attracting foreign investment, reducing its companies' debt, developing human capital, maximising local content, and supporting the national digital transformation journey. OIA has made tangible progress toward these goals. In 2024 alone, the NDF and FFO attracted more than OMR3.3 billion in foreign investments, while the divestment programme drew over OMR1.5 billion. OIA also cut debt by more than OMR2.5 billion by the end of 2024. It prioritised human capital development through initiatives like the Nomou and Mu'tamad programmes, positioning people as drivers of growth. It also focused on maximising local content, issuing policies and guiding its companies to adopt and enhance local content practices. Programmes like the Vendor Development Programme helped develop 58 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) between 2023 and 2024, in addition to initiatives such as the Mandatory list, Ring Fencing, and the Qimam Hackathon. These efforts led to an increase in SME spending to OMR265.5 million in 2024. On the digital transformation front, OIA aligned its internal digital strategy with the national plan under Oman Vision 2040. This included upgrading its digital infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and deploying advanced technologies for decision-making and performance improvement, marking substantial progress in the Authority's digital journey. The issue then explored OIA's central role in supporting Oman Vision 2040 through its investments and strategic direction. It has diversified income sources by investing across multiple futuristic sectors and reinforced Oman's international relationships through key strategic partnerships, such as Al Hosn Investment Company with Qatar, Brunei-Oman Investment Company, and the Spain Oman Private Equity Fund, among others. Reducing public debt remains a top priority to ensure financial sustainability, a cornerstone of Vision 2040. Measures taken include contributing annually to the state budget, reducing companies' debt, minimising government loan guarantees, and prepaying part of its companies' debt. Furthermore, OIA has invested in developing national talent, launching programmes for graduates and increasing Omanisation rates within the Authority and its companies to 77.7% by the end of 2024 after creating 1,393 direct and replacement jobs for Omanis during the year. Finally, the issue highlighted flagship projects across various sectors, such as the opening of Duqm Refinery in the energy sector, the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar projects in public services, and the Mazoon Copper Project in mining. It also celebrated OIA personnel who marked a decade of national service, tracing their journey from the former State General Reserve Fund through its transition into today's Oman Investment Authority.
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Ministry striking a balance between resource utilisation and sustainability
Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals is seeking to maintain a stable level of oil and gas production and reserves in the Sultanate of Oman, thereby achieving a balance between optimal utilisation of resources and also ensuring long-term sustainability. Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Anbouri, Director General of Exploration and Production at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said that all companies operating in concession areas are balancing production with reserve compensation programmes throughout the year. In a statement to the Oman News Agency, he added that the Sultanate of Oman's average production of crude oil and condensates in 2024 amounted to approximately 993,000 barrels per day, while natural gas production amounted to approximately 149 million cubic metres per day, reflecting stable supplies over the past years. He pointed out that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is working to market several open concession areas and attract new investments to intensify exploration in the coming period, based on market demand and in parallel with Opec+ efforts to maintain global balance. He said that the ministry is currently focusing on marketing offshore areas, which is expected to open up promising prospects that will support maintaining production and reserve levels in the future by introducing advanced technologies in these areas. He explained that the investment environment in the oil and gas sectors in the Sultanate of Oman is promising and has successfully been able to attract many international and local companies. He noted that the Ministry signed three petroleum agreements in 2024 in areas 38, 74, and 15. Saleh bin Ali Al Anbouri added that, given the importance of exploration operations in supporting oil and gas reserves, these efforts have continued at a steady pace. Seventy-three exploratory and appraisal wells were drilled last year, including 54 oil wells and 19 gas wells. These include those carried out by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) which drilled 24 oil and 9 gas wells as part of its annual plan. He further pointed out that crude oil and condensate reserves by the end of 2024 amounted to approximately 4.825 billion barrels while gas reserves rose to 23.3 trillion cubic feet, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts and to achieve long-term resource sustainability. He affirmed that the Ministry is continuing its approach aimed at achieving a reserve replacement rate of 100 percent by enhancing exploration activities, expanding recovery rates through the application of enhanced steam and polymer injection recovery technologies, and creating an attractive investment environment, ensuring a stable future for the energy sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
