Latest news with #Bidiyah
Times of Oman
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Registration for 11th edition of Oman Desert Marathon opens
Muscat: The Organising Committee of the Oman Desert Marathon has announced the opening of registration for its 11th edition, which will be held in the golden sands of Bidiyah, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, from January 10 to 14, 2026. Running champions from around the world have confirmed their participation and desire to attend the upcoming edition of the marathon. The Oman Desert Marathon has received international recognition and is considered one of the most prominent long-distance running events in the world. The announcement follows the prominent coverage the race received in Runner's World Germany, one of the world's leading running magazines. This coverage is a significant step that reinforces Oman's position as the world's leading desert running place and highlights its growing reputation as a premium destination for sports tourism and extreme endurance sports. The Oman Desert Marathon has been accredited by the international organisation SheRACES. This recognition confirms that the marathon meets the highest international standards for inclusiveness in women's participation in long-distance running races. This certification addresses a significant gap in the sport, as women's participation still does not exceed 16 percent, despite their significant superiority in many road and mountain races. The Oman Desert Marathon is the first event in the Middle East to receive this unique accreditation. The international organisation SheRACES works to achieve equality by supporting organisers in providing a fair and inclusive sporting environment. The accreditation affirms the marathon's commitment to providing an experience where everyone feels supported throughout the race.
Times of Oman
03-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman launches its first tourist hot air balloon project in Turkiye
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has launched its first tourist hot air balloon within the "Oman Balloons" project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Turkiye, as part of the promotional phase of the project. This initiative comes within the efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to develop and diversify the tourism product while strengthening Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. The project aims to attract international expertise in hot air balloon tourism and localize it in Oman, contributing to the growth of tourism experiences and providing new options for both domestic and international tourists. It also aligns with the ministry's support for private sector-led tourism initiatives and enhances public-private partnerships to achieve tourism development goals. "Oman Balloon No. 1" will begin its first flights within the Sultanate of Oman from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, offering a unique experience to explore breathtaking landscapes from the sky, showcasing Oman's diverse tourism attractions. The balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and features a design suitable for Omani weather conditions, with a capacity of up to 20 passengers in addition to the technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is one of the qualitative initiatives supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism due to its active role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This contributes to highlighting Oman's natural and cultural richness from an innovative perspective while attracting a broader segment of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
