Latest news with #OMRANGroup
Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival 2025 concludes in Sur
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 came to a close after ten days of competitions and vibrant events held across several coastal locations in the Sultanate of Oman. The festival, which ran from July 15 to 24, brought together more than 90 athletes from around the world. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Centre, the festival aimed to promote adventure and experience-driven tourism by showcasing the Sultanate's diverse coastal landscapes and supporting the growth of unique tourism offerings across the country. The closing ceremony was held at The Beachfront in Sur, South al Sharqiyah, under the patronage of Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, and in the presence of Dr. Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, as well as senior representatives from OMRAN Group and sponsoring entities. The festival welcomed the participation of 90 athletes from around the world, who competed in a series of thrilling races. The highlight was the multi-stage 'Oman Downwinder' race, which unfolded over four legs: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, followed by a route from Masirah through 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 featured the 'Kite Course' race along the shores of Barr Al Hikman, the 'Coastal Race' in Masirah Island, and the 'Slalom' event in Ras Al Hadd.
Tourism Breaking News
5 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
OMRAN Group and Ministry of Education Celebrate the Closing of the First 'Summer Camp' for School Students
Post Views: 43 Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Directorate of Career Guidance and Student Counselling, celebrated the successful conclusion of the first edition of the 'Summer Camp' — a unique initiative aimed at introducing school students to real-world career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Held over 10 days, the program welcomed 50 students from grades 10 and 11, who participated in a series of immersive activities, including site visits to various OMRAN Group-affiliated entities across sectors such as hospitality, tourism experiences, and visitor services. In addition, the students took part in interactive workshops and career guidance sessions, providing them with valuable exposure to professional work environments and deepening their understanding of the tourism industry. The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Professor Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, and attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, along with a number of officials from both sides. Maha Al Farsi, HR Business Partner at OMRAN Group, said: 'We're pleased with the success of the first edition of the summer camp, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Vocational Guidance Centre. We were truly impressed by the students' enthusiasm and commitment throughout the program. The camp offered a practical learning experience that introduced participants to the key pillars and diverse fields of the tourism sector. We believe initiatives like this play a vital role in building early career awareness and inspiring youth to explore the sector's promising opportunities.' Mr. Zahran bin Nasser Al-Maghadri, Assistant Director of Studies and Entrepreneurship at the Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Centre, Ministry of Education, stated: 'The summer camp bridged the gap between education and the job market by offering students hands-on experience in the tourism sector. It raised their career awareness and strengthened key skills. This initiative supports our goal of preparing a capable generation that values national opportunities like tourism. We're proud to partner with OMRAN Group in this model of effective public-private collaboration.' Students also shared their reflections on the experience. Aya Sultan Al-Wahaibi, a student participant, said: 'It was an inspiring and useful experience. I learned a lot from the workshops and visits and discovered new areas within tourism that I had never considered before. The camp helped me explore my interests and made me more excited to learn about the sector.' Mohammed Ali Al Maamari, another student, shared: 'The program gave me the chance to see new sides of tourism and learn about the different roles behind the scenes. It was different from school – I felt like I was learning in a fun and practical way.' The Summer Camp is one of several initiatives under the broader #IAmTourism strategy led by OMRAN Group, which focuses on building a strong national talent pipeline for Oman's tourism sector. The strategy is built on four pillars: increasing awareness of tourism careers, attracting local talent, supporting retention, and fostering institutional partnerships. Through such efforts, OMRAN continues to position tourism as a valuable and accessible career path for Omani youth.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Oman Kite Festival 2025 concludes in Sur
Sur: Oman Kite Festival 2025 concluded on Thursday in the Wilayat of Sur in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. More than 90 athletes from around the world took part in the 10-day event. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Dr. Yahya Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah. The festival was organized by Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in cooperation with Oman Sail, Visit Oman and Oman Adventure Centre, as part of efforts to support adventure tourism and enhance the Sultanate of Oman's presence on the global sports and tourism map. At the conclusion of the event, Ayman Abdullah Al Ghafri was crowned winner of Oman Downwinder Race champion. Al Mukhtar Abdul-Karim Al Mujaini occupied second place, while 3rd place went to Egyptian athlete Ahmed Mohammed Jamal. Majid Al Kharousi won the Slalom race, which was held in the Wilayat of Sur.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival shares the beauty of Al Ashkhara
MUSCAT: The penultimate leg of the Oman Downwinder, part of the Oman Kite Festival 2025 set off from the Pink Lagoon headed for Al Ashkharah, demonstrating the untapped natural beauty in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. Organised by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to develop sports tourism and capitalise on Oman's unique coastline as a world-class tourism experience. Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri won the leg, ahead of Al Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini in second and Ahmed Mohammed from Egypt in third. These results puts Al Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini on top, with Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri second and Ahmed Mohammed in third. With just one more leg remaining, from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 24, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has successfully showcased the potential of the Omani coastline to attract domestic and international tourists as well as reinforced the Sultanate of Oman's position on the international map of adventure and marine sports events. A slalom competition will also take place on July 24 at Ras Al Hadd, showing the complexity of kite surfing and the visual appeal from a spectator perspective with 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes all taking part. This will be followed by the closing ceremony at Sur Waterfront where the prizes will be presented. In attendance will be the Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Dr Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr Khamis bin Salim al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, Senior management from both organisations, and representatives from event sponsors and partners. Abdullah al Farsi, Operation Manager, said, 'The Oman Kite Festival is a key part of OMRAN Group's ongoing efforts to promote adventure tourism and harness Oman's natural assets — especially in coastal destinations like Bar Al Hikman, Ras Al Hadd, Masirah Island, and Al Ashkharah. To be able to do this with such a high calibre of athlete and of competition highlights the potential for Oman's distinctive coastal destinations to become exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. 'The geographic and thematic expansion of this year's festival activities, building on the success of last year's Oman Downwinder, reflects the Group's vision to develop high - quality events that drive tourism movement.'
Times of Oman
23-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Kite Festival shares the beauty of Al Ashkharah with athletes from around the world
Muscat – The penultimate leg of the Oman Downwinder, part of the Oman Kite Festival 2025 set off from the Pink Lagoon headed for Al Ashkharah, demonstrating the untapped natural beauty in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to develop sports tourism and capitalize on Oman's unique coastline as a world-class tourism experience. Ayman Abdullah Al Ghafri won the leg, ahead of Al Mukhtar Abdul Karim Al Mujainiin second and Ahmed Mohammed from Egypt in third. These results puts Al Mukhtar Abdul Karim Al Mujainion top, with Ayman Abdullah Al Ghafrisecond and Ahmed Mohammed in third. With just one more leg remaining, from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on 24 July, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has successfully showcased the potential of the Omani coastline to attract domestic and international tourists as well as reinforced the Sultanate's position on the international map of adventure and marine sports events. A slalom competition will also take place on 24 July at Ras Al Hadd, showing the complexity of kite surfing and the visual appeal from a spectator perspective with 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes all taking part. This will be followed by the closing ceremony at Sur Waterfront where the prizes will be presented. In attendance will be the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, H.E Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Ma'awali, Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr. Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, Senior management from both organizations, and representatives from event sponsors and partners. Abdullah Al Farsi, Operation Manager, said, 'The Oman Kite Festival is a key part of OMRAN Group's ongoing efforts to promote adventure tourism and harness Oman's natural assets — especially in coastal destinations like Bar Al Hakman, Ras Al Hadd, Masirah, and Al Ashkharah. To be able to do this with such a high caliber of athlete and of competition highlights the potential for Oman's distinctive coastal destinations to become exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. 'The geographic and thematic expansion of this year's festival activities, building on the success of last year's Oman Downwinder, reflects the Group's vision to develop high-quality events that drive tourism movement. This has been an excellent example of institutional collaboration, through a partnership between OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, and the national travel operator, in cooperation with South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates, alongside other entities and government authorities — all of whom deserve our sincere appreciation.' 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. Theevent is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Centerin collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, Salty Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
