Sports leaders to map Oman's $2.65 trillion opportunity
The 70-minute Tejarah Talks, 'Game On: The Potential of Oman's Sports Economy,' session brings together experts who understand both the country's competitive advantages and emerging trends in the world's ninth-largest industry, valued at $2.65 trillion.
Moderated by Jamal Al Asmi, Executive Producer, Reality CG, the panelists are Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade & International Cooperation Advisor, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); Joe Rafferty, Events Director, Oman Sail; and Ali Al Ajmi, CEO, Sabco Sports.
The discussion will highlight market opportunities, including sports tourism which contributes $583 billion annually to the global economy and the fast-growing eSports sector, now valued at $6.6 billion with over 500 million viewers worldwide.
The sustainable sports market, worth $26.2 billion and projected to grow at 7.9% CAGR through 2032 offers particular promise as Oman pursues its 2050 Net Zero target.
Key topics will include the unique, year-round sports experiences offered by Oman's diversity of landscapes and favourable climate for sports tourism and events, developing infrastructure through public-private partnerships and creating career pathways in sports management.
And with a median age of approximately 29 and internet penetration exceeding 95%, Oman's demographics align well with emerging sports sectors like eSports.
The panel will examine successful international models, including Barcelona's Olympic investments that yielded substantial economic returns and Singapore's innovative Sports Hub PPP structure.
These case studies offer valuable insights for Oman's strategic sports
planning. Beyond economic potential, the session will address the broader societal impact of sports. Research indicates communities with strong sports infrastructure experience enhanced social outcomes while regular physical activity reduces national healthcare costs significantly.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Oman hold Kyrgyzstan in International friendly
MUSCAT: The Oman U-23 Olympic football team earned a 1-1 draw against the hosts Kyrgyzstan in their second match of the underway four-nation international friendly tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The competitive fixture took place at Dostuk Arena in Besh-Kungey on Sunday, with both teams sharing one point after a tough encounter. Kyrgyzstan opened the scoring in the 17th minute through forward Iskandarbekov, who managed to capitalize on a defensive error and fired a low shot into the net. The hosts maintained their lead through much of the match despite Oman creating several opportunities in both halves. The first half ended for the hosts leading by 1-0. In the following half, Oman's persistence paid off in the closing stages, as midfielder Loqman al Hadidi equalised in the final ten minutes at 82nd minute after receiving a well-placed ball inside the box and then Loqman The draw meant Oman reached to four points following their victory over Bahrain by 1-0 in the opener. Kyrgyzstan earned their first point in the tournament as they suffered to a 2-1 defeat against Syria in the opening match. In the other match on Sunday night, Bahrain and Syria also played out a 1-1 draw continuing the trend of closely contested matches in this friendly tournament. Syria took the lead through Hasan Dahan, who curled in a superb free-kick in the 69th minute. But Bahrain equalised deep into stoppage time as substitute Issa Abdullah converting a penalty to earn a dramatic draw. The final round of matches will take place on Wednesday as Oman set to face Syria in a highly anticipated encounter that could decide the top team of the tournament. Bahrain will play Kyrgyzstan in the other match scheduled on the same day. Oman's participation in this event is part of their structured preparation for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, which will be held in September. Oman is placed in Group F alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia, with matches scheduled between September 1 to 9. The tournament in Bishkek served as an crucial test for coach Badar al Maimani and his squad as it will be helping them to build chemistry, test tactics, and gain critical international match exposure ahead of the continental assignment.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
British men collect world relay golds 28 years late
LONDON: Britain's men's 4x400m relay team were presented with their gold medals from the 1997 World Championships at London's Diamond League meeting on Saturday having been elevated from silver after the belated disqualification of the US team. The US were stripped of the title won in Athens when Antonio Pettigrew confessed in 2008 to doping between 1997 and 2003. The US also lost their 2000 Olympic title. A laborious process of investigation, appeal and reallocation followed, culminating in Saturday's presentation by World Athletics President Seb Coe to Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson and Mark Hylton (who ran in the heats). The former athletes were giving a rousing welcome by the 60,000 sellout crowd, who then stood for a very belated national anthem. "We're proud to be able to give these athletes their moment in front of a home crowd. It's a chance to recognise not just their talent, but the values they stood for. This medal means even more because of how long they've waited for it", said Cherry Alexander, UK Athletics' strategic lead for major events. Pettigrew was found dead at the age of 42 in 2010 in his locked car in the United States, with an autopsy report saying he died by suicide after an overdose. Earlier on Saturday, the British government confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, last held in London in 2017 in a regularly sold-out Olympic Stadium. "Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be a moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent", Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. "Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions". The UK will also bid for the 2029 World Para Athletics championships, with a plan to hold events outside London. — Reuters
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Oman U-23 edge Bahrain in Bishkek International friendly opener
MUSCAT, JULY 18 The Oman U-23 Olympic team began their campaign in style at the four-team international friendly in Bishkek city, Kyrgyzstan with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday. The only goal of Oman team scored by Abdulaziz al Shaqsi in the second half of the match sealing a well-deserved win at Dostuk Arena in Besh-Kungey village. The match saw a balanced first half with both sides testing each other's defenses but failing to convert chances. It was in the second half that Oman showed more urgency as Abdulaziz al Shaqsi managed to break the deadlock and score a decisive strike. In another match of the same event, the hosts Kyrgyzstan suffered to a 2-1 defeat against Syria on Thursday at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek city. Oman team will take on the hosts Kyrgyzstan on Sunday and then they will wrap up their fixtures against Syria on Wednesday. The tournament served as a key preparatory stage for Oman's participation in the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers which is scheduled in September. Oman drawn in Group F, alongside Iraq, Pakistan, and hosts Cambodia. Their qualifier campaign will begin on September 3 against Cambodia, followed by matches against Iraq on September 6, and Pakistan on September 9. Only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams will advance to the finals in Saudi Arabia. Under the guidance of head coach Badar al Maimani, the Olympic squad is undergoing intensive preparations to ensure peak performance in the qualifiers. The Bishkek tournament is a pivotal step in that journey, offering the players competitive exposure in an international setting. Following the participation at four-team international friendly in Bishkek city, the team will return to Oman to compete in a high-profile four-team tournament in Salalah starting from July 27 to August 3. This event will feature top-tier competition including reigning Omantel League champions Seeb Club, His Majesty's Cup holders Al Shabab, Omantel League runners-up Al Nahdha, and Salalah based clubs including Al Nasr and Dhofar. The Salalah event is set to provide both national and domestic sides with high-level match readiness ahead of their respective competitions. Coach Badar al Maimani has called up 24 players for the Bishkek assignment, including a mix of young emerging talents who are expected to gain valuable match exposure and international experience through the tournament. This friendly event is more than a warm-up as the players will enter into the mood of actual matches and will enhance their preparations ahead of Oman's road to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. Squad: Jawad al Azi, Osama al Mahrouqi, Nasser al Saqri, Sameer al Hatmi, Said al Ghanbousi, Abdullah al Jabri, Abdulaziz al Shaqsi, Loqman al Jadidi, Mohammed Abdulhakim, Rashad al Dhaeen, Osama Majdi, Ziyad al Rasbi, Turki Abdullah, Nayef Faraj, Sultan al Marzooq, Mohammed al Oraibi, Ahed al Mashakheyi, Abdulaleem al Rawahi, Ali al Balushi, Abdulhadi al Manwari, Ibrahim al Kindi, Masoud al Bahri, Hamed al Naimi and Yassar al Balushi.
