09-07-2025
Musandam International Diving Festival from August 25 to 28
KHASAB: In a significant step aimed at reinforcing the position of Musandam Governorate as a premier marine tourism destination, officials announced the launch of the first Musandam International Diving Festival, in collaboration with the Musandam Exploration Diving Centre. The details were revealed during a press conference held this morning at the Atana Khasab Hotel.
Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam and Badr bin Mohammed al Shihi, owner of the Musandam Exploration Centre, addressed the media.
Sayyid Ibrahim confirmed that the festival will take place in the Wilayat of Khasab from August 25 to 28, as part of efforts to boost eco-tourism and marine activities during the summer season. The initiative is designed to attract divers, tourists and investors from around the world through a sustainable and immersive experience.
Musandam International Diving Festival from August 25 to 28
He highlighted that Musandam's waters occupy a strategic junction between the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, creating a unique marine ecosystem rich in biodiversity — an ideal environment for divers of all levels.
Diving tourism, he noted, has the potential to become a key driver of the Governorate's tourism economy by attracting a high-value segment of tourists who seek nature-based, immersive experiences.
On his part, Al Shihi noted that the growing trend among underwater photographers to explore new, coral-rich environments makes the festival a timely opportunity to promote Musandam's potential.
He added that while the centre has regularly participated in international exhibitions to promote Musandam as a diving hub, hosting the festival on local soil marks a significant milestone — reducing the need for external promotion and drawing global attention to the region, especially with the attendance of influential figures in the diving world.
