Latest news with #ActiveOman


Times of Oman
05-08-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Over 400 participants attend Oman REFCO Esports Championship
Muscat: The Oman REFCO Esports Championship concluded on August 1, drawing more than 400 participants from governorates across the country and marking the largest event of its kind in Oman. Organised by Oman REFCO and Omani Gaming & Esports Committee in partnership with Active Oman, E-sports Arena and Oman Automobile Association, the two-day event represented a key step in empowering youth and advancing digital talent nationwide. Held at Active Oman Centre, the championship aimed to empower Omani youth in digital media and competitive gaming, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to build a digital society and knowledge-based economy. Saba Al Busaidi, Head of the Omani Gaming & Esports Committee, said: 'Public-private partnerships are vital to nurturing young talent and developing their skills across diverse sectors. This collaboration serves as a strong model for how we can support young Omanis. Through the Oman REFCO Esports Championship, we are offering youth a meaningful opportunity to hone their skills within the esports ecosystem. Our joint effort directly supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and our shared ambition of building an advanced digital society.' Suleiman bin Abdullah Al Salmi, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services at Oman REFCO, said: 'At Oman REFCO, we believe investing in youth is investing in the future of Oman. Our support for this championship reflects our commitment to transforming the gaming sector from a recreational space into a viable economic and professional driver that contributes to the country's economic diversification.' He added: 'Through this event, we aim to create a dynamic environment for youth, enabling them to strengthen their digital capabilities and explore new avenues in the world of digital innovation. We remain in close coordination with the Omani Gaming & Esports Committee to expand and strengthen this momentum moving forward.' Participants competed in three main categories – FIFA 25, Tekken, and Assetto Corsa – with high energy, attractive cash prizes, and motivational workshops featured throughout the competition. The championship was generously sponsored by Brigadier Jamal Al Tai, Chairman of the Oman Automobile Association and Active Oman, who praised the event's role in inspiring Omani youth and channeling their energy into emerging tech-driven fields. He said: 'The Oman Automobile Association and Active Oman is proud to support this initiative and collaborate with organizations working to build a capable digital generation that can represent the Sultanate on global platforms.' The association and Active Oman also supported event promotion and provided logistical and technical support during the championship. The Oman REFCO Esports Championship is the largest of its kind in the Sultanate, aiming to identify emerging Omani talent and prepare them for inclusion in the national esports team. Oman REFCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the esports sector and positioning it as a strategic economic pillar of Oman's digital future.


Observer
04-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Over 400 join Oman REFCO Esports Championship, fuelling digital ambitions
MUSCAT: The Oman REFCO Esports Championship concluded on August 1, bringing together over 400 participants in the largest esports event of its kind in Oman. Organised by Oman REFCO and the Omani Gaming & Esports Committee, in partnership with Active Oman, E-sports Arena, and the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), the championship marked a milestone in advancing youth engagement and digital innovation. The event served as a vibrant platform to foster digital skills, inspire innovation and fuel the aspirations of a new generation of tech-savvy Omanis. The championship underscored Oman's growing commitment to creating a knowledge-based economy by nurturing digital competencies and fostering high-potential sectors such as esports and gaming. 'Public-private partnerships are vital to nurturing young talent and developing their skills across diverse sectors,' said Saba al Busaidy, Head of the Omani Gaming & Esports Committee. 'This collaboration stands as a model for empowering Omani youth. Through the Oman REFCO Esports Championship, we are creating meaningful opportunities for young individuals to sharpen their competitive edge while contributing to the larger vision of building a resilient, digitally empowered society.' The championship featured competitions in FIFA 25, Tekken and Assetto Corsa, with each category drawing large crowds, fierce competition and enthusiastic support. Beyond the games, the participants engaged in motivational workshops designed to deepen their understanding of the global esports industry, potential career paths and digital entrepreneurship. Suleiman bin Abdullah al Salmi, Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services at Oman REFCO, commented: 'At Oman REFCO, we see youth as the cornerstone of Oman's future. Supporting this championship is part of our broader mission to elevate the gaming sector from a recreational pastime into a viable professional and economic contributor. Through sustained collaboration with the Omani Gaming & Esports Committee, we're building momentum towards a dynamic digital ecosystem where youth can thrive and lead.' The event was sponsored by Brig Jamal bin Said al Tai, Chairman, OAA and Active Oman. A long-time advocate for youth engagement, Brig Al Tai praised the initiative for channelling youthful energy into positive, forward-looking pursuits. 'The OAA and Active Oman are proud to back an event that promotes digital readiness among our youth. As esports continues to grow globally, it is vital that Omani youth are equipped to participate, compete and represent our country on international platforms,' he said. In addition to sponsoring the event, the OAA and Active Oman played a key role in ensuring seamless event execution by supporting logistics, promotions and technical infrastructure. The Oman REFCO Esports Championship was a launchpad for emerging local talent, many of whom are now being considered for inclusion in Oman's national esports team. As the esports sector continues to evolve globally, Oman REFCO reaffirmed its commitment to investing in youth and positioning digital innovation as a central pillar of the country's future.