Latest news with #OmanSail
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Festival highlights Oman's credentials as kiteboarding hub
Al Ashkharah – Oman Kite Festival 2025 is continuing its journey along the sultanate's coastline with the third leg of Oman Downwinder reaching Al Ashkharah, as 90 international and local riders advance through the multi-stage event aimed at highlighting the country's coastal tourism and marine sports potential. Since its launch on July 15, the fleet of kiteboarders has crossed some of Oman's most scenic and wind-rich marine locations, including Bar al Hikman, Masirah Island and Ras Ruwais, en route to Pink Lagoon. Organised by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman and Oman Adventure Centre, the festival is part of a broader effort to position Oman as a global destination for adventure sports and experience-based tourism. The second leg on Sunday, covering a 42km stretch between Masirah Island and Ras al Ruwais, saw 15 riders race along clear waters and an unspoilt coastline. Omani athlete Al Mukhtar Abdul Karim al Mujaini claimed first place, followed by fellow Omani Ayman Abdullah al Ghafri in second and Egypt's Ahmed Mohammed in third. After two stages, Mujaini leads the overall rankings, followed by Mohammed and Ghafri. The Masirah Island leg also hosted the Coastal Race, contested by 33 riders. Germany's Fryderyk Cuba secured the top spot, with Mujaini finishing second and Marta Morlo of Poland in third. A Big Air Show and Freestyle Show were also held, giving participants a platform to demonstrate their technical skills and the dynamic capabilities of modern kiteboarding equipment. With its open beaches and consistent wind, Masirah Island has emerged as a promising venue for future international events, reinforcing Oman's place on the global map of kiteboarding and marine adventure sports. Shaima al Asmi, Project Manager of the festival, said the event's impact is already visible. 'It has brought together international athletes and raised the profile of our coastline. It promotes Oman as a year-round destination for adventure seekers, especially during the summer season,' she said. Shaima al Asmi Mujaini described the second stage as physically demanding. 'It was a tough leg with strong winds and high waves,' he said. 'The level of competition has risen with each stage, but I'm pleased with my performance.' The festival now moves to Al Ashkharah, followed by Ras al Jinz and Ras al Hadd, with the final leg scheduled for July 24. The Oman Kite Festival builds on the momentum of the 2024 Oman Downwinder and aims to unlock new tourism value in lesser-known regions. It supports domestic travel, encourages local participation, and contributes to Oman's broader tourism strategy under Vision 2040 by integrating sports, nature, and community-driven development.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- 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.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Times of Oman
First day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway on the shores Bar Al Hikman
Bar Al Hikman –The first day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 brought the shores of Bar Al Hikman in Al Wusta Governorate to life with over 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes from across the Sultanate of Oman and internationally taking part in the first race series of the event. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival aims to promote sports tourism through a series of events that showcase Oman's distinctive coastal destinations as exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. The opening day saw the first Kite Course race featuring 30 surfers, using boards capable of reaching top speeds of 30 km/h in the exceptional conditions that the region is known for. The race was won by Ahmed Mohammad Jamal from Egypt, finishing ahead of Marta Marlowe from Poland and Marcelo Antonios from Brazil in second and third respectively. Leg 1 of the Oman Downwinder also took place, offering a day of exciting action as the wind propelled the fleet of 32 kites across the water during the 40 km course to Masira Island where the participants would enjoy the hospitality at Masira Beach Camp. Nawaf Al Ghadani, Race Officer at the Oman Kite Festival, commented on the first day, emphasizing the potential for high level races to be held along the Omani coastline, saying: 'The conditions are ideal for events like the Speed Race and Big Air competition to follow, as well as the Downwinder where participants thrive on strong and consistent winds. It has been an excellent first day and the caliber of athlete gives the event a global dimension which boosts competitiveness across the fleet while also showing how Oman can become a leading destination for international tourism and sporting events.' Ahmed Mohammad Jamal, an Egyptian competitor on the first day, added, 'This is my first time racing in Oman, and it has been one of the best race courses I have ever experienced. The wind is excellent and really allows us all to get the most out of our boards, while the surrounding environment is spectacular and adds a real sense of excitement to the event. Everyone taking part really enjoyed racing today and we cannot wait to get back out onto the water.' The opening day also demonstrated OMRAN Group's commitment to environmental conservation with a beach clean-up along the shores. Participants, representatives from OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman and the Oman Adventure Center, as well as members of the local community, joined hands to help, showing the shared determination of Oman's tourism sector to operate responsibly and care for the natural environment. The multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, which unfolds over four stages until July 24. The next race will be on 20 July from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. A Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd will run alongside the Downwinder, starting with a Big Air Competition on Masira Island from 17-19 July where participants will astound the crowds by using the wind to perform tricks, twists and turns. The Oman Kite Festival will also feature family-friendly entertainment and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, enhancing its economic impact on surrounding communities. 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. The event is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center in collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, as well as other key entities including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Royal Oman Police, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the Environment Society of Oman, Salt Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
Observer
6 days ago
- 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.
