Tejarah Talks: Industry leaders to explore opportunities in Oman's sports economy
The 70-minute Tejarah Talks, 'Game On: The Potential of Oman's Sports Economy,' session brings together experts who understand both the country's competitive advantages and emerging trends in the world's ninth-largest industry, valued at $2.65tn.
Moderated by Jamal al Asmi, Executive Producer, RealityCG, the panelists are Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Advisor, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); Joe Rafferty, Events Director, Oman Sail; and Ali al Ajmi, CEO of Sabco Sports.
The discussion will highlight market opportunities, including sports tourism which contributes $583bn annually to the global economy and the fast-growing eSports sector, now valued at $6.6bn with over 500mn viewers worldwide. The sustainable sports market, worth $26.2bn and projected to grow at 7.9% CAGR through 2032 offers particular promise as Oman pursues its 2050 Net Zero target.
Key topics will include the unique, year-round sports experiences offered by Oman's diversity of landscapes and favourable climate for sports tourism and events, developing infrastructure through public-private partnerships and creating career pathways in sports management. And with a median age of approximately 29 and internet penetration exceeding 95%, Oman's demographics align well with emerging sports sectors like eSports.
The panel will examine successful international models, including Barcelona's Olympic investments that yielded substantial economic returns and Singapore's innovative Sports Hub PPP structure. These case studies offer valuable insights for Oman's strategic sports planning.
Beyond economic potential, the session will address the broader societal impact of sports. Research indicates communities with strong sports infrastructure experience enhanced social outcomes while regular physical activity reduces national healthcare costs significantly.
Organised by Oman Business Forum in association with MoCIIP and supported by MHD, Nortal, Invest Oman Lounge and Oman FM, April's Tejarah Talks aims to provide actionable insights for investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders interested in developing Oman's sports sector in alignment with Vision 2040 objectives.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman can leverage AI to boost transparency
SALALAH, AUG 13 Secure and targeted use of artificial intelligence can help Oman's government and private sector enhance transparency, performance, and citizen engagement, according to Jennifer McGinty, founder and director of McGinty Consulting. On her first visit to Oman, McGinty speak at the Labour Forum 2025, organised by the Ministry of Labour, on how AI can be used effectively and safely. She said her aim was to introduce employees to practical tools while stressing the importance of data security. 'I have a lot of experience working with large private companies such as Indeed, Bain & Company, Deloitte, and USAID, which excel in using AI tools. But I've noticed that in the Middle East, North Africa, and even the U.S., government agencies are far behind,' she told the Observer. 'If they are using AI tools, they are often not using them in a safe and secure way. Some are putting proprietary information — private data about citizens and their governments — into public AI platforms that are not securely stored.' McGinty said Oman's Vision 2040 — particularly its focus on youth employment — offers an excellent opportunity to use digital platforms to connect young people with government programmes. 'Oman has a great opportunity to use these AI tools to communicate directly with citizens — through emails, public platforms, or social media,' she said. 'I hope the Ministry of Labour will take some of these tools and use them to improve communication.' For decision-makers, especially in AI departments across ministries and in the private sector, she recommended starting with a needs-based or baseline study. 'You have to understand what employees are spending their time on and where they need help. Without that, you risk buying 20 different AI tools, and people will only use one or two — which is a waste of money,' she explained. Praising Oman as 'one of the most hospitable places' she has visited, McGinty added: 'People here are so respectful, much more than in many other countries I've been to. I'm very impressed.'
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Duplantis breaks pole vault world record at Budapest Grand Prix
BUDAPEST:: Swedish Olympic champion Armand Duplantis set his 13th world record by clearing 6.29 meters in men's pole vault at the Istvan Gyulai Memorial, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event here on Tuesday. Duplantis, the 2023 world champion and 2024 Paris Olympic winner, tied at 6.02m with Greek athlete Emmanouil Karalis on their first attempts. Karalis failed to clear 6.11m after two attempts, while Duplantis succeeded before surpassing his own world record by one centimeter, which he had set in Stockholm in June. The 25-year-old achieved the new mark on his second attempt, making it the first world record at the National Athletic Center. "It was really special. I felt it from the start, even though not all my jumps were perfect. There was something in the air today. I've had a fantastic week in Budapest. I fell in love with the city," Duplantis said after his record-breaking jump at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. Duplantis also praised Hungarian cuisine. "Maybe the Hungarian Goulash is the perfect recipe for the world record. I had some really nice goulash two days ago, and that's probably not a coincidence for jumping so high today. I think it's really nice. I'm probably going to have some goulash tonight too and celebrate with Hungarian beer," he said with a laugh. Hungarian hammer throw world and Olympic medalist Bence Halasz set a meet record with a season-best throw of 83.18m. Jamaican sprinter Bryan Levell won the men's 200m in 19.69 seconds. Kenya's Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony dominated the men's 800m with a personal best of 1:42.96, breaking the meeting record set nine years ago by world record-holder David Rudisha. In the women's events, Australian Georgia Griffith claimed victory in the 1500m with a meet record of 3:58.25, while Tina Sutej from Slovenia renewed the pole vault meet record at 4.73m. Femke Bol of the Netherlands won the women's 400m hurdles in 52.24. "I'm happy with the win and with how consistent I've been in the low 52s. I feel better than before. Tokyo is coming, and I hope to bring an even stronger performance there," said Bol. The World Athletics Championships will be held from Sept. 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Al Nahda clubbed with Al Rayyan, Al Shabab and Hadhramout
MUSCAT, AUG 11 Oman's Al Nahda are clubbed alongside Al Rayyan (Qatar), Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia), and Tadhamon Hadhramout Club (Yemen) in Group B of 2025-26 AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League. The draw was organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) on Monday in Doha, Qatar. Group A comprised Zakho Club (Iraq), Al Ain (UAE), Sitra Club (Bahrain) and Al Qadsia Club (Kuwait). The official group draw will mark the much-anticipated return of the prestigious Gulf club competition following a long absence from the regional football calendar. The championship, which is scheduled to kick off in October 2025 and conclude in April 2026, will feature eight elite clubs nominated by their respective national football associations of the GCC member states. The participating teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Al Nahda, recently crowned champions of the four-team friendly tournament in Salalah, following their win over Oman Olympic team in the final clash by 4-3 in penalties after the regulation time ended at 1-1 draw. They will hope to deliver top performance in the Gulf League and eye a spot in the semifinals despite the expected tough challenge. For the Al Buraimi-based club, this campaign will present a significant opportunity to make an impact against some of the region's most respected clubs. With their strong domestic record and competitive spirit, the Omani side will be aiming to advance deep into the tournament and add a new chapter to the Sultanate's football success story. The AGCFF Gulf Cup Champions League will also serve as an important platform for strengthening football competitiveness among Gulf clubs, fostering technical exchange, and contributing to the professional growth of football in the region. It also offers an opportunity for clubs to showcase their tactical skills, teamwork and football heritage on a prestigious regional stage. Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) has won the title three times, alongside Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli and Al Ittifaq. The last edition saw Iraq's Duhok Club crowned champions after defeating Kuwait's Al Qadsia Club in a thrilling two-legged final, sealing the win with a dramatic 2-1 result in the second leg.
