Padel meets peaks: International players compete in Jabal Akhdar tournament as dusitD2 Naseem champions sports tourism
More than just a sporting event, the tournament served as a dynamic initiative to blend tourism with athletic excellence, drawing both sports enthusiasts and inhouse guests to the mountainside venue.
The event is part of a broader vision set by the resort to transform itself into a leading integrated tourism destination in Oman.
'Our vision is to evolve into a truly integrated resort,' said Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem.
'Initially, we were known as a family resort. But with the growth in corporate retreats, school group visits, and now competitive sporting events, we are repositioning ourselves as a destination that offers it all.'
According to Thakral, the resort's integrated complex is built on five core pillars.
'First is adventure. We've developed the Sultanate's only full-fledged adventure park. Adding to it we have mountain biking trails, and scooters to bring adrenaline to the mountains,' he said.
The resort's top official added: 'The second is sport. Our padel and volleyball courts are unmatched in the area, giving us an edge in hosting tournaments and sports events.'
Thakral then pointed out to the third pillar- culture.
'The resort offers an immersive Arabic experience through traditional cuisine such as Zarb, live Arabic music featuring the oud, and upcoming Tanoura dance performances to captivate guests,' he said.
The general manager said that 'sustainability and nature' is the fourth pillar. 'As part of its green initiative, the resort has planted 400–500 rose bushes, 200 olive trees, and other flora to create a vibrant natural landscape,' he added.
And the last pillar is 'shopping and lifestyle'.
Thakral said that 'plans are underway to establish a local-style souq (market), bringing authentic shopping experiences directly to visitors.'
'The first padel tournament is a direct extension of this vision. No other mountain destination in Oman offers such a holistic experience under one roof,' he said.
Looking ahead, dusitD2 Naseem is set to launch a series of high-adrenaline adventure events, including the Mountain Man Challenge, the Celebrity Challenge, and the Jabal Akhdar Challenge, among others.
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