Latest news with #VisitOman
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Kite Festival 2025 wraps up with global participation
Sur – Oman Kite Festival 2025 concluded on July 24 after ten days of international competitions and coastal events held across several locations in the sultanate. Organised by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman and Oman Adventure Centre, the festival drew more than 90 athletes from around the world. The event aimed to promote adventure-based tourism by leveraging Oman's coastal geography and expanding the country's appeal as a destination for niche sports. The closing ceremony took place at The Beachfront in Sur, under the patronage of Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, in the presence of Dr Khamis Salim al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and officials from partner entities and sponsors. The headline event – Oman Downwinder – featured four competitive legs: from Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island, then onward to Ras al Ruwais, followed by a route from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and concluding with a final stretch from Ras al Jinz to Ras al Hadd. Omani competitor Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri took first place in the Downwinder, ahead of Oman's Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini and Egypt's Ahmed Mohamed Gamal. Other races included the Kite Course at Barr al Hikman, the Coastal Race at Masirah Island and the Slalom event in Ras al Hadd. In the Slalom race held in Sur, Majid al Kharousi secured first place. Sultan bin Sulaiman al Khudoori, Assets Manager at Omran Group, congratulated participants and reaffirmed the festival's alignment with Oman's National Tourism Strategy 2040, which promotes sports and experience-led tourism. Shaima Said al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail, noted the importance of such events in supporting local economies and encouraging entrepreneurship. 'Each event has the potential to contribute to the tourism sector in governorates across Oman,' she said. Known for its maritime heritage, Sur provided the backdrop for the festival's finale. A strong public turnout highlighted growing domestic interest in marine sports and the potential of these to boost tourism and related services. Organisers noted that the festival continues to position Oman as a destination for adventure sports, while helping promote the country's natural assets to global sporting communities.
Observer
3 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.
Observer
6 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.'
Muscat Daily
21-07-2025
- 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
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.
