Latest news with #divingfestival
Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Underwater photography workshop held in Musandam Governorate
Khasab: The Musandam Governor's Office on Wednesday organised a professional underwater photography workshop in Khasab Wilayat. The workshop saw the participation of numerous divers and photographers interested in documenting marine life, reflecting a convergence of art, environment, and tourism. The workshop is part of the governorate's preparations for the upcoming Musandam International Diving Festival, scheduled from 25-28 August. It aims to qualify participants for the photography competition accompanying the festival by equipping them with the latest skills and techniques in underwater photography. This will enhance their ability to capture professional images that reflect the beauty of Oman's marine environment. The workshop was led by Emirati photographer Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary-General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed International Photography Award. He stated that the workshop is a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to support and empower photographers in exploring unique natural environments through their lenses. He highlighted Musandam's astonishing marine diversity and rich waters as an ideal setting for developing specialized photography skills, especially underwater. He added that the workshop aims to deepen participants' understanding of the fundamentals of lighting, composition, and advanced techniques for capturing hidden beauty in the depths. It also seeks to instill an artistic sense that translates the experience into a visual message promoting environmental awareness. It is worth noting that Musandam Governorate is one of Oman's most prominent tourist destinations, where towering mountain terrains blend with Gulf waters rich in coral reefs and marine life, making it an ideal environment for diving and underwater photography. Through these events, the governorate aims to strengthen its position on the global eco-tourism map and support efforts to conserve marine biodiversity.
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Details of inaugural Musandam International Diving Festival unveiled
Khasab: The Musandam Governor's Office unveiled details on Wednesday at a press conference in Khasab for the inaugural Musandam International Diving Festival, set to take place during 25-28 August 2025. The event aims to promote eco-tourism and marine tourism in the governorate through a sustainable gathering that will attract divers, tourists, and investors from various world countries. The festival will feature a range of activities and competitions across Khasab, with additional events in Kumzar and Dibba. They include: Deep-sea cleanup campaign; Free Diving Champion challenge; underwater photography competition; Kayak race (traditional Omani Qadah-Bassah) and best marine life video contest. Accompanying events will include: Exhibition of photos and videos from Musandam's depths; Group diving trips to key sites; Short film screenings on marine life; Maritime souq (market) selling diving gear, local seafood, and handicrafts, as well as diving conference aimed at establishing an Omani Diving Federation. The festival will also host specialised workshops and seminars, such as coral reef conservation session, 'the Future of Diving in the Gulf" symposium, PADI-certified training workshop, introductory sessions on diving tourism investment opportunities and beginner diving lessons. Sayyid Ibrahim Said Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam emphasised that the festival—organised in collaboration with Musandam Exploration Diving Centre—will serve as a global platform for professional divers, enthusiasts, adventure seekers, marine sports athletes, media personalities, diving companies, equipment suppliers, eco-tourists, and local visitors. He noted that the festival aims to position Musandam as a premier diving destination, highlight the governorate's unique marine biodiversity, support local tourism centers and diving projects, besides generating economic opportunities for communities. He highlighted that Musandam's waters—where the Arabian Gulf meets the Indian Ocean—boast a rich marine ecosystem, making it an ideal diving spot for all skill levels. He added that diving tourism will drive economic growth by attracting high-end tourists seeking unique nature experiences, boost infrastructure development, including dive centres, hotels, restaurants, and transport services, as well as generating jobs in diving instruction, boat operations, hospitality, and marine conservation.
