6 days ago
Oman Kite Festival 2025 wraps up with global participation
Sur – Oman Kite Festival 2025 concluded on July 24 after ten days of international competitions and coastal events held across several locations in the sultanate.
Organised by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman and Oman Adventure Centre, the festival drew more than 90 athletes from around the world. The event aimed to promote adventure-based tourism by leveraging Oman's coastal geography and expanding the country's appeal as a destination for niche sports.
The closing ceremony took place at The Beachfront in Sur, under the patronage of Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, in the presence of Dr Khamis Salim al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and officials from partner entities and sponsors.
The headline event – Oman Downwinder – featured four competitive legs: from Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island, then onward to Ras al Ruwais, followed by a route from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and concluding with a final stretch from Ras al Jinz to Ras al Hadd.
Omani competitor Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri took first place in the Downwinder, ahead of Oman's Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini and Egypt's Ahmed Mohamed Gamal.
Other races included the Kite Course at Barr al Hikman, the Coastal Race at Masirah Island and the Slalom event in Ras al Hadd. In the Slalom race held in Sur, Majid al Kharousi secured first place.
Sultan bin Sulaiman al Khudoori, Assets Manager at Omran Group, congratulated participants and reaffirmed the festival's alignment with Oman's National Tourism Strategy 2040, which promotes sports and experience-led tourism.
Shaima Said al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail, noted the importance of such events in supporting local economies and encouraging entrepreneurship. 'Each event has the potential to contribute to the tourism sector in governorates across Oman,' she said.
Known for its maritime heritage, Sur provided the backdrop for the festival's finale. A strong public turnout highlighted growing domestic interest in marine sports and the potential of these to boost tourism and related services.
Organisers noted that the festival continues to position Oman as a destination for adventure sports, while helping promote the country's natural assets to global sporting communities.
