
Dhofar International Arabian Horse Cup from Aug 20 in Mirbat
Regarded as one of the sultanate's leading equestrian events, the competition is also a highlight of khareef festivities in Dhofar, famed for its verdant landscapes, temperate climate and spectacular waterfalls that draw visitors from across Oman and abroad.
Mirbat was selected to host the championship owing to its historic role in breeding purebred Arabian horses, underscoring the sultanate's dedication to preserving this legacy. The event adds an international cultural dimension and reinforces Oman's standing on the global equestrian stage. It provides equestrian enthusiasts from around the world a unique opportunity to compete in a setting that combines heritage, history and the natural beauty of the khareef season.
Visitor experience app
Dhofar Municipality has launched an app – Dhofar Seasons – to enhance the visitor experience during khareef. The application offers details on attractions, an events calendar, real-time updates, tickets and booking options for accommodation, alongside guides to restaurants, leisure activities and lodging. Its user-friendly design requires only a simple registration and is updated regularly to showcase Dhofar's tourist attractions.
According to preliminary data from National Centre for Statistics and Information, visitor numbers to Dhofar during khareef 2025 (21 June to July 31) reached 442,100 – an increase of 7% compared with 413,122 visitors in the same period of 2024.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Al Safanat takes second place at French La Teste racecourse
Muscat: The Royal Cavalry of Oman's distinguished mare Al Safnat continued its impressive run, finishing second place in the third race for Purebred Arabian horses over 1,800 metres at the La Teste Racecourse in France. Ridden by jockey Michael Forest and trained by Elisabeth Bernard, Al Safnat showcased remarkable competitiveness throughout the race, maintaining a strong pace until the final stretch and reaffirming its position among the leading Arabian horses competing in Europe. Victory in the race went to Catherine de Ghazal, owned by Hilal al Alawi, guided by jockey Cristian Demuro and also trained by Elisabeth Bernard. Third place was claimed by the mare Bahour, owned by YAS Horse Racing Management, ridden by Thomas Demeaulte. Renowned for consistency and strength, Al Safnat had previously delivered notable performances in international races, earning podium finishes that have enhanced the reputation of Omani horses abroad. The latest result adds yet another achievement to its growing record of success. With this strong performance, the Royal Cavalry continues to build on its impressive track record in European racing, highlighting Oman's rich equestrian heritage and reaffirming its presence among the elite of Arabian horse racing worldwide.


Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Second Consumer Protection Forum kicks off in Salalah
Salalah: The deliberations of the second Consumer Protection Forum commenced on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. Organized by the Directorate General of Consumer Protection in Dhofar Governorate under the title "Pillars and Rights of the Tourist and Resident," the forum will continue for two days. Representatives of regulatory and service units in the governorate are participating in the forum, including Dhofar Municipality and the Consumer Protection Authority, alongside representatives of civil society and interested individuals. The forum's programme included a visual presentation on the efforts of consumer protection and the services it provides, in addition to a dialogue session featuring specialists from regulatory and service entities. The session addressed issues of oversight, consumer awareness, and means of protecting consumer rights, aiming to enhance awareness of these rights and the integration of institutional and community efforts in this field.


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Dhofar International Arabian Horse Beauty Cup from today
MUSCAT: The Dhofar International Arabian Horse Beauty Cup 2025 will commence on Wednesday in the Wilayat of Mirbat, Dhofar Governorate, and will run until August 22. The event is jointly organised by the Office of the Governor of Dhofar and Dhofar Tourism Company, as part of efforts to enhance the governorate's position as a distinguished destination for hosting international sporting events. This year's championship marks its first international edition, following the remarkable success of the Dhofar National Arabian Horse Beauty Championship 2024. The event will feature the participation of more than 50 elite purebred Arabian horses, reflecting Dhofar's growing prominence on the regional and global equestrian calendar. As the Dhofar International Arabian Horse Beauty Cup 2025 kicks off in Mirbat, Omani trainer Tariq al Hashmi emphasised that the championship represents an important opportunity to showcase the quality of Omani Arabian horses and strengthen the Sultanate's presence on the global equestrian stage. Al Hashmi noted that the key qualities of a winning horse include body balance, a refined head and neck, graceful movement and confident presence in the show ring. He pointed out that preparing horses for such competitions is a challenge, as it requires balancing fitness with beauty, demanding both time and expertise. Al Hashmi expressed his aspiration to see Omani horses achieving top results internationally. He further highlighted that Arabian horse beauty competitions play a vital role in preserving Arab heritage and reinforcing cultural identity. Looking ahead, Al Hashmi expressed his aspiration to see Omani horses achieving top results internationally, while also contributing to the development of a new generation of skilled Omani trainers and breeders. The competition, accredited by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO), places Dhofar on the global map of specialised Arabian horse beauty contests, while supporting the governorate's aspirations to become a hub that brings together owners, breeders, investors and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world. The Dhofar International Arabian Horse Beauty Cup showcases Omani heritage, elevates the region's global equestrian status, and combines cultural pride with the breathtaking beauty of Khareef Dhofar.