'Oman's Adventure Tourism Experience' programme kicks off
The programme aims to showcase Oman's expertise in adventure tourism regulation and facilitate knowledge exchange with Omani companies operating in this field.
This initiative falls within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral tourism cooperation — particularly in adventure tourism, which is witnessing rapid regional and international growth. Both countries boast diverse natural, geographical and geological environments, creating an ideal setting for this tourism segment.
Fakhriya al Ghassani, Director of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, emphasised that the programme aligns with the ministry's efforts to regulate and develop adventure tourism under international standards and frameworks. This supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify and sustain the tourism sector.
She noted that the programme offers a platform to highlight licensed Omani companies' experiences, showcase the ministry's infrastructure and regulatory advancements and strengthen partnerships with the private sector. She underscored the importance of regional collaboration, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to boost mutual tourism and deliver integrated, enriching experiences for visitors.
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation by the ministry on Oman's adventure tourism landscape, alongside interactive showcases by leading Omani companies and adventurers. The first day also included a specialised exhibition where Omani firms displayed cutting-edge adventure equipment, emphasising compliance with international safety standards.
The programme includes field visits to key tourist destinations, such as Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. - ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition
MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 Oman's trailblazing desert marathon race has opened registration for its 2026 edition. The organisers Omania Adventure are gearing up to host the desert race in the golden sands of the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, where endless dunes meet the horizon. The 11th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) is set to take place from January 10 to 14, 2026. Over the years, the ultra-marathon has become far more than just a running competition. Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route. Registration is now open for multiple distances including marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km and kids race. The announcement follows the race's prominent feature in the May issue of Runners World Germany, one of Europe's most prestigious running publications. The extensive coverage in Runners World Germany represents a significant milestone for Oman's flagship ultra-running event, validating ODM's position among the world's most exceptional desert racing experiences. This international recognition highlights Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and ultra-endurance sports. Participants during the additional races. — Yahya al Hajri RACE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the ODM has confirmed details for its 2026 edition. The 2026 edition features multiple challenging desert crossing options: 165 km Classic Ultra: A five-stage self-supported ultra-marathon following ancient caravan routes from historic Al Wasil Fort, culminating at the shores of the Arabian Sea. 100 km Desert Hike: An accessible introduction to desert adventure covering the same legendary route, also finishing at the sea. Additional race distances — including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 2 km kids race — are now open for registration, providing opportunities for runners of all abilities to experience the magic of Oman's desert landscape. The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally. Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan al Khatri, Saleh al Saidi and Ghaith al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra-running circuit. CHAMPIONING FEMALE INCLUSION The 2026 Oman Desert Marathon has earned SheRACES accreditation, providing official recognition that the event meets the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running. This certification addresses a critical need in the sport, where despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16 per cent of race participants. 'As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don't even consider', mentions Rigel Cedeno, project manager and former participant of the Oman Desert Marathon. 'We are proud to make it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength'. With the support of Race Director Said al Hajri, the ODM is now a SheRACES accredited event — the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition. An organiser during the 2025 edition of Oman Desert Marathon. — Ian Corless DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE The race's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted at an exclusive documentary premiere on July 10 in Barcelona, Spain. 'From Snow to the Desert' (Dela Nieve al Desierto), a compelling 25-minute documentary, chronicles the remarkable story of Pol Makuri, a Spanish Paralympic athlete with hemiparesis who became the first person with disabilities to complete the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon. Pol and Albert were the first to test Salomon's revolutionary trail running shoe prototype in the real conditions of the Rimal Al Sharqiya during the Oman Desert Marathon 2024 edition. 'Pol's infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling reminded us exactly why we created ODM — to push boundaries, test limits and emerge stronger', said event organisers. Makuri, competing alongside journalist Albert Jorquera in January 2024, finished third as a team in the demanding self-supporting stage race. Their achievement demonstrates that ODM's 'no runner left behind' philosophy genuinely extends to athletes of all abilities. The premiere at the Teatre Ateneu d'Igualada offered a window into the raw beauty and harshness of the desert and into the profound human connection that arises when challenges are shared. A heartfelt discussion followed with both protagonists, joined by ODM's Said al Hajri along with Rigel Cedeno Gamarra — both of whom travelled from Oman to be present for this meaningful celebration of human perseverance. The documentary can be watched on YouTube under the name 'Dela Nieve al Desierto' with subtitles available in English and Arabic. The documentary was made possible thanks to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology — Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Desert Marathon dedicated team. Pictures by Ian Corless
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Khareef business gets boost with over 600 work permits
SALALAH, AUGUST 1 The Ministry of Labour, through its Dhofar Directorate, has issued more than 600 temporary work permits since the start of the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, as part of efforts to facilitate commercial activity and support entrepreneurs during the peak tourism period in the governorate. According to the Director General of the Ministry's Labour Directorate in Dhofar, the temporary permits — provided free of charge — allow the hiring of expatriate workers for non-Omani-exclusive jobs, particularly roles that citizens are typically reluctant to take. He explained that the initiative helps regulate seasonal employment, meeting the surge in demand from small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in sectors such as food services, logistics and event management. The official added that the service has seen strong demand from owners of small and seasonal enterprises, offering a legal and flexible mechanism to bring in workforce support without breaching labour regulations. Permit holders are also expected to employ and supervise Omani staff, ensuring that nationals remain engaged in seasonal business operations. He stressed that the initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and reducing administrative burdens, by waiving fees and streamlining the application and approval process. It also ensures legal compliance and labour protection across all operational fronts. This effort comes as part of wider government measures to encourage local and seasonal investment in Dhofar Governorate, which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors during the annual monsoon season. The facilitation is expected to boost the quality and scale of tourism and retail services, while maintaining a well-regulated business environment. With tourism activities intensifying across Dhofar's wilayats, demand for temporary permits is expected to grow further in the coming weeks — empowering private sector participation and supporting local economic momentum through legal seasonal employment channels.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum discusses strengthening partnership
SALALAH: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China. The forum was organised under the theme: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." It was an initiative by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the participation of a number of officials, experts and specialists from both sides. The forum was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, who felicitated a number of speakers and participants. Hatim bin Hamad al Tai, Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform to deepen dialogue, enhance mutual trust between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation, in line with the shared potential and aspirations of Oman and China. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech in which he said that the forum is a unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries. He pointed out that Oman Vision 2040 represents a road map for a comprehensive economic and structural transformation. Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, praised the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, which span over 1,200 years. He noted that diplomatic relations, since their establishment in 1978, have witnessed stable and fruitful cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. He clarified that the People's Republic of China is Oman's first trade partner with trade volume between the two countries reaching $36.7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is also the third-largest investor in Oman. The ambassador highlighted prominent joint projects, including the launch of the first Omani satellite, investments in the energy sector and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also mentioned that the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries reached $288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments growing by over 30 per cent in the first half of 2025. He called for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and launching direct flights between the two countries. Dr Khalid bin Salim al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association is a vital link in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasised that its role has gone beyond organising meetings to building cultural bridges, humanitarian understandings, and informal cooperation initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests. The forum included discussions on four main themes: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040," "Cooperation in the Energy Sector," "Partnership in Innovation and Technology," and "Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange." The forum also featured a photo exhibition in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, in addition to direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business representatives from both countries to enhance partnership and investment opportunities. Over 30 business owners and representatives of Omani and Chinese companies participated in the forum, which also included a special exhibition for the participating Chinese companies. The current session of the forum sought to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, leveraging the People's Republic of China's experience in economic and social modernisation. - ONA
