Latest news with #KiteCourseRace
Muscat Daily
16-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Kite Festival 2025 kicks off from the shores of Barr Al Hikman
15 July 2025, Muscat – The Oman Kite Festival 2025 launched today on the scenic shores of Barr Al Hikman in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, welcoming more than 90 athletes from Oman and around the world. The festival is organised by OMRAN Group, in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Centre. It aims to position Oman as a premier destination for sports and adventure tourism, while showcasing the country's rich natural landscapes and pristine coastal environment. Recognised as one of the region's leading events in adventure tourism and water sports, the festival offers an immersive experience for both participants and spectators. The official opening ceremony and race launch took place on the shores of Barr Al Hikman, in the presence of Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group, and Dr. Khamis bin Salem Al Jabri, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Sail, along with the festival participants. On this occasion, Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Assets Manager at OMRAN Group, highlighted the significance of the festival in enriching Oman's tourism offerings. He stated: 'Organising such sporting events contributes to delivering unique experiences that allow visitors to explore the beauty of Oman's coastline and strengthen its position as a leading international tourist destination. The festival also reflects ongoing efforts to harness the Sultanate's unique natural assets in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2040.' He further noted the vital role of SMEs and home-based businesses in offering innovative, sustainable tourism experiences with a strong adventure and eco-focus — helping attract adventure seekers while enhancing local content. Shaima Said Al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail, echoed this position, stating that Oman's unique natural landscapes and coastal assets can drive growth in the sports and adventure tourism sector while highlighting the potential within each governorate to promote diverse and localized tourism offerings. The festival will bring together over 90 athletes competing across a series of dynamic races, most notably the multi-stage 'Oman Downwinder' challenge. This signature race unfolds in four stages: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, from Masirah Island via Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. In addition to the Downwinder, the festival will also feature several specialised kite races, including the Kite Course Race at Barr Al Hikman, the Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd. Complementing the sporting events, the festival will host a range of family-friendly activities and an exhibition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Ashkharah Municipal Park. Oman Kite Festival 2025 is proudly registered as a Clean Regatta with Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, an international standard for sustainable water-based events. Going beyond the wind, the initiative has partnered with the Environment Society of Oman to give back to the nation and promote the importance of marine conservation. Through a series of beach and marina clean-ups, underwater ghost net removals and hands-on sessions with the youth focused on protecting the Sea Turtles, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 aims to empower Oman's coastal communities to be part of the change and continue caring for the environment. The Oman Kite Festival serves as a platform to showcase the Sultanate's exceptional coastal and marine landscapes, reinforcing its presence on the global tourism map and attracting enthusiasts of adventure sports and international sporting events. Building on the success of the 2024 Oman Downwinder, the festival aims to position key coastal destinations as premier global kiteboarding venues. It also contributes to the promotion of experience-driven tourism in underexplored areas, supports domestic travel, fosters community development, and raises awareness of Oman as a leading destination for adventure and outdoor experiences.
Observer
16-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Excitement in the air as Oman Kite Festival kicks off in Bar Al Hikman
The skies above Bar al Hikman came alive on Tuesday with colour and movement as the Oman Kite Festival was officially launched, ushering in a high-energy, coast-to-coast celebration of sport, sustainability, and community. Kicking off the festival, Dr Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, welcomed athletes, spectators, and community members to the opening ceremony, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most dynamic watersport events Oman has hosted. Organised by Oman Sail and proudly supported by Omran Group, the 10-day festival (July 14–24) brings together a diverse lineup of international and local kitesurfers, who will compete in a series of races and freestyle showcases spanning Oman's eastern coastline—from Bar Al Hikman and Al Ashkharah to Masirah Island and Ras Al Hadd. 'There's been a lot of excitement leading up to this,' said Firas Asqul, Project Manager at Oman Sail. 'From studying the market, we felt it was the right time to host a large-scale, public-facing event. We're thrilled to see it finally take off.' The event schedule includes competitive highlights such as the Kite Course Race at Bar Al-Hikman (July 15), the adrenaline-pumping multi-stage Downwinder Race (July 16, 20, 21), Big Air and Freestyle Shows on Masirah Island (July 17–18), a Coastal Race in Ras Masirah (July 19), and the grand finale Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24. For Omani participant Khalfan Al Athubi, a sailing skipper who has been kitesurfing for four years, the challenge goes far beyond competition. 'I've always wanted to try a downwinder. I've never done long distance before—not even in training—so I'm really excited. Hopefully I can go far with it.' In addition to sporting excitement, the festival also showcases Oman's commitment to sustainability, tourism, and youth engagement in line with Oman Vision 2040. Community beach clean-ups, a small business exhibition at Al Ashkharah Park, and artisan markets give the event a cultural and environmental dimension—connecting sport to purpose. Senior leaders from Omran and Oman Sail, including CEO Dr. Khamis Al Jabri of Oman Sail and Johanna Ilic from Omran, were present at the opening to show their support. Their remarks emphasised the national importance of the festival as a platform for showcasing Oman's stunning coastal landscapes, supporting local talent, and drawing international attention to the country's growing watersports scene.
Observer
15-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival 2025 kicks off from Barr al Hikman
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 was launched on Tuesday on the shores of Barr al Hikman in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, welcoming more than 90 athletes from Oman and around the world. The festival is organised by OMRAN Group, in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Centre. The official opening ceremony and race launch took place on the shores of Barr Al Hikman, in the presence of Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group, and Dr. Khamis bin Salem Al Jabri, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Sail, along with the festival participants. On this occasion, Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Assets Manager at OMRAN Group, highlighted the significance of the festival in enriching Oman's tourism offerings. He stated: 'Organising such sporting events contributes to delivering unique experiences that allow visitors to explore the beauty of Oman's coastline and strengthen its position as a leading international tourist destination. The festival also reflects ongoing efforts to harness the Sultanate's unique natural assets in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2040.' Shaima Said al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail, echoed this position, stating that Oman's unique natural landscapes and coastal assets can drive growth in the sports and adventure tourism sector while highlighting the potential within each governorate to promote diverse and localized tourism offerings. The festival will bring together over 90 athletes competing across a series of dynamic races, most notably the multi-stage 'Oman Downwinder' challenge. This signature race unfolds in four stages: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, from Masirah Island via Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. In addition to the Downwinder, the festival will also feature several specialised kite races, including the Kite Course Race at Barr Al Hikman, the Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd. Complementing the sporting events, the festival will host a range of family-friendly activities and an exhibition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Ashkharah Municipal Park. Oman Kite Festival 2025 is proudly registered as a Clean Regatta with Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, an international standard for sustainable water-based events. Going beyond the wind, the initiative has partnered with the Environment Society of Oman to give back to the nation and promote the importance of marine conservation. Through a series of beach and marina clean-ups, underwater ghost net removals, and hands-on sessions with the youth focused on protecting the Sea Turtles, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 aims to empower Oman's coastal communities to be part of the change and continue caring for the environment.
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Kite Festival starting in Barr al Hikman on July 15
Sur – The much anticipated 2025 edition of Oman Kite Festival will begin in Barr al Hikman on July 15 and run till July 24, with events taking place in several other coastal locations. Organised by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, the festival aims to promote the sultanate as a key international destination for adventure and marine sports tourism. Now in its expanded format, the event builds on the success of last year's festival – called Oman Downwinder – and will feature a series of kitesurfing competitions alongside cultural and recreational activities. A larger number of international athletes are expected this year, with the festival extended in both duration and geographical reach. The main attraction is the multi-stage Downwinder race, which will see participants kitesurf through four coastal legs: Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16, Masirah Island to Ras al Ruwais on July 20, Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21, and Ras al Jinz to Ras al Hadd on July 23. Abdulhafidh al Harthi, Assets Manager – Experiences at Omran Group Additional competitions include Kite Course Race (Barr al Hikman, July 15), Big Air Show (Masirah Island, July 17), Freestyle Show (Masirah Island, July 18), Coastal Race (Masirah Island, July 19) and Slalom Race (Ras al Hadd Lake, July 24). Off the water, the festival will include a family-friendly zone and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, highlighting local businesses and traditional crafts. The festival supports the tourism diversification goals under National Tourism Strategy 2040 by spotlighting Oman's natural assets and positioning it as a hub for sports tourism. Abdulhafidh al Harthi, Assets Manager – Experiences at Omran Group, said the festival is part of the company's ongoing efforts to showcase Oman's coastal appeal and develop tourism-linked experiences aligned with the sultanate's long-term strategy. The festival is supported by Visit Oman and Oman Adventures Centre. Further information on event schedules and public access is available at
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival from July 15
Set to commence from July 15-24 until July 24 in Barr al Hikman, the Oman Kite Festival promises an exhilarating fusion of world-class kitesurfing action, cultural immersion, and family-friendly entertainment, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Oman's pristine coastline. The Oman Kite Festival, an initiative by OMRAN Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, aims to position key coastal destinations as premier international venues for adventure and sports tourism. Building on the resounding success of last year's Oman Downwinder, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration, inviting a larger contingent of international athletes and offering a richer, more diverse experience for all attendees. Abdulhafidh al-Harthi, assets manager, experiences at Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), expressed excitement for the event as it draws closer, outlining how the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is a cornerstone of the Group's commitment to showcasing Oman's unique natural assets and diversifying our assets. Kitesurfers will navigate four challenging phases from Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16, Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais on July 20th, and Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21, and finally from Ras al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 23. The festival boasts a dynamic calendar of complementary competitions, including the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman on July 15, the Big Air Show and Freestyle Show in Masirah Island on July 17 and 18 respectively, the Coastal Race in Masirah Island on July 19, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24. Off the water, the Oman Kite Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience.
