Latest news with #SouthAlSharqiyah
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Oman Kite Festival 2025 concludes after exciting competitions and vibrant events
Muscat: The Oman Kite Festival 2025 came to a close after 10 days of exciting competitions and vibrant events held across several coastal locations in the Sultanate of Oman. The festival, which ran from 15 to 24 July, brought together more than 90 athletes from around the world. Organised 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, sponsoring entities and strategic partners. 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. Ayman bin Abdullah Al Ghafri was awarded first place in the second edition of the Oman Downwinder, finishing ahead of Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim Al Mujaini and Egypt's Ahmed Mohamed Gamal. The event highlighted the rich diversity of Oman's coastline and its capacity to host world-class international competitions. Meanwhile, in the Slalom race held in Sur, Majid Al Kharousi claimed the title after outperforming a competitive field. As one of three featured races during the festival, the Slalom further demonstrated the sport's variety and reinforced Oman's position as a versatile and attractive destination for global sporting events. Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Assets Manager at Omran Group, congratulated all of the participants for playing such an important role in supporting the tourism diversification objectives outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2040 and showing what could be possible as Oman's coastal destinations grow into premier international venues for kiteboarding. Shaima Said Al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail shared her belief that each sporting event held in the Sultanate can build a legacy that contributes to tourism in each governorate across the nation and provides the impetus for SMEs, home-based businesses and local service providers to support current and future while also developing into national success stories. Sur — with its strategic location and deep-rooted maritime heritage — served as an ideal setting for the festival's grand finale. The strong public turnout underscored the growing interest in marine sports and highlighted their vital role in supporting the local economy and enhancing Oman's positioning as a leading destination for unique tourism experiences. The Oman Kite Festival serves as a platform to showcase the Sultanate's exceptional natural and marine assets, reinforcing its position on the global tourism map and capturing the attention of adventure sports enthusiasts and international sporting communities. The event further strengthens Oman's standing as a preferred destination for experiential and adventure-based tourism, while contributing to the vitality of the tourism sector and expanding opportunities to promote the country's diverse destinations.
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.
Times of Oman
18-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Bangladeshi expat murdered in Sur
Muscat: A Bangladeshi national residing in Oman has been found murdered. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed that the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command has arrested a suspect, also a Bangladeshi national, in connection with the murder in the Wilayat of Sur. Legal procedures are being completed against him. In another incident, the Police Command in the Southern Al Batinah Governorate arrested an Indian national in the Wilayat of Barka for possessing quantities of alcoholic beverages and transporting them in his private vehicle with the intent to traffic them. Legal procedures are being initiated against him.
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Oman: Man arrested for murder; legal proceedings underway
Omani police have arrested a Bangladeshi national in connection with the fatal stabbing of a fellow countryman in the Wilayat of Sur, the Royal Oman Police confirmed on Thursday. The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command carried out the arrest following reports of the incident. Authorities said legal proceedings are underway, but did not provide further details on the incident or possible motive.
Times of Oman
03-07-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Funding agreement inked for "Qahwan Pathway" project in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate
Sur: The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate signed a funding agreement for the "Qahwan Pathway" project in the Wilayat of Ja'alan Bani Bu Hassan, in partnership with the Development Foundation of Oman Liquefied Natural Gas Company, with funding amounting to OMR1,995,450. The agreement was signed on behalf of the governorate by Dr. Yahya Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South A'Sharqiyah, and on behalf of the foundation by Dr. Amer Nasser Al Muta'ani, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Foundation. This step reinforces the path toward sustainable local development and activates institutional partnerships between the public and private sectors, aligning with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040—particularly in governorate development and improving quality of life. The project is a qualitative initiative that combines environmental, health, social, and economic dimensions, covering a total area of 466,080.29 square metres. Designed with a built-up area of 1,730 square metres, it will serve as an integrated public facility catering to the needs of the local community and visitors while contributing to tangible added value. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Eng. Abdullah Salim Al Hajri, Director General of South A'Sharqiyah Municipality, explained that the project will enhance economic and social activity in the wilayat, providing diverse opportunities that support local initiatives and community empowerment. He emphasised the project's role in stimulating individual and institutional initiatives, as well as fostering a business-friendly environment, which will reflect positively on quality of life and local prosperity. He also affirmed that the project will create an attractive space for community events and boost domestic tourism, as it is designed to host various activities and festivals. On the health front, he noted that the "Qahwan Pathway" will provide an open and safe public space for physical activities, promoting healthy lifestyles through an inclusive design that accommodates all groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
