Latest news with #CoastalRace
Muscat Daily
19 hours ago
- 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.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Excitement in the air as Oman Kite Festival kicks off in Bar Al Hikman
The skies above Bar al Hikman came alive on Tuesday with colour and movement as the Oman Kite Festival was officially launched, ushering in a high-energy, coast-to-coast celebration of sport, sustainability, and community. Kicking off the festival, Dr Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, welcomed athletes, spectators, and community members to the opening ceremony, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most dynamic watersport events Oman has hosted. Organised by Oman Sail and proudly supported by Omran Group, the 10-day festival (July 14–24) brings together a diverse lineup of international and local kitesurfers, who will compete in a series of races and freestyle showcases spanning Oman's eastern coastline—from Bar Al Hikman and Al Ashkharah to Masirah Island and Ras Al Hadd. 'There's been a lot of excitement leading up to this,' said Firas Asqul, Project Manager at Oman Sail. 'From studying the market, we felt it was the right time to host a large-scale, public-facing event. We're thrilled to see it finally take off.' The event schedule includes competitive highlights such as the Kite Course Race at Bar Al-Hikman (July 15), the adrenaline-pumping multi-stage Downwinder Race (July 16, 20, 21), Big Air and Freestyle Shows on Masirah Island (July 17–18), a Coastal Race in Ras Masirah (July 19), and the grand finale Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24. For Omani participant Khalfan Al Athubi, a sailing skipper who has been kitesurfing for four years, the challenge goes far beyond competition. 'I've always wanted to try a downwinder. I've never done long distance before—not even in training—so I'm really excited. Hopefully I can go far with it.' In addition to sporting excitement, the festival also showcases Oman's commitment to sustainability, tourism, and youth engagement in line with Oman Vision 2040. Community beach clean-ups, a small business exhibition at Al Ashkharah Park, and artisan markets give the event a cultural and environmental dimension—connecting sport to purpose. Senior leaders from Omran and Oman Sail, including CEO Dr. Khamis Al Jabri of Oman Sail and Johanna Ilic from Omran, were present at the opening to show their support. Their remarks emphasised the national importance of the festival as a platform for showcasing Oman's stunning coastal landscapes, supporting local talent, and drawing international attention to the country's growing watersports scene.
Muscat Daily
06-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Kite Festival to showcase potential of adventure tourism
Muscat – Oman's growing reputation as a destination for adventure and sports tourism is set for another boost with the launch of the Oman Kite Festival 2025, announced by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail. Scheduled to take place from July 15 to 24, the festival will begin at Barr al Hikman and conclude at Ras al Hadd, covering several of the sultanate's key coastal regions. Sultan Sulaiman al Khudoori, Assets Manager at Omran, said the initiative supports the group's strategy to diversify tourism offerings and capitalise on Oman's natural assets. He added that momentum from last year's downwinder races helped scale up the event. 'The expanded format is expected to attract a larger number of international athletes and deliver a richer tourism offering that reflects the diversity of Oman's coastal environments,' he said. Shaima Said al Asmi, events specialist at Oman Sail, described the festival as a milestone for marine sports development in the country. She noted that Oman's coastline offers ideal conditions for kite surfing, including ecological variety and favourable wind and weather. 'The participation of elite international kitesurfers brings a new dimension to the festival and strengthens Oman's positioning as a top destination for water-based adventure tourism,' she said. The festival will include a multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, beginning from Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island, then proceeding to Ras al Ruwais, followed by a stage from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and ending with a stretch from Ras al Jinz to Ras al Hadd. Additional races include the Kite Course Race at Barr al Hikman, a Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and a Slalom Race at Ras al Hadd. The event will also feature family-oriented activities and an exhibition for small and medium enterprises at Ashkharah Municipal Park.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omran Group launches 2025 Oman Kite Festival
MUSCAT: In a significant step to cement Oman's position on the global map of adventure and sports tourism, Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), in collaboration with Oman Sail, announced the launch of the Oman Kite Festival 2025. The event will take place from July 15 to 24, 2025, starting from Barr Al Hikman and concluding at Ras Al Hadd, traversing some of the most picturesque coastal regions of the Sultanate. Sultan Sulaiman al Khudoori, Assets Manager at Omran Group emphasised that the festival aligns with Omran Group's strategy to diversify tourism experiences and unlock the potential of Oman's exceptional natural assets. He noted that the strong momentum generated by last year's downwinder races served as a driving force for scaling up the event this year, both in geographical scope and event duration. The expanded format is expected to attract a larger number of international athletes and deliver a richer tourism offering that reflects the diversity of Oman's coastal environments. Shaima Said al Asmi, events specialist at Oman Sail stated that the festival marks a major milestone in the development of marine sports in Oman. He highlighted the country's ideal coastal conditions—ranging from ecological variety to favorable wind and weather — and noted that the participation of elite international kitesurfing brings a new dimension to the festival and strengthens Oman's positioning as a top destination for water-based adventure tourism. The festival will feature a series of races, including the multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, which unfolds over four phases: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. Complementing the main event are additional competitions, such as the Kite Course Race at Barr Al Hikman, Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd. On the sidelines, the festival will offer family-friendly activities and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park. Serving as a dynamic platform to showcase Oman's breathtaking coastal and marine landscapes, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 contributes to boosting tourism activity and reinforcing Oman's reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events. The initiative also aims to promote under-explored destinations, support domestic tourism, and expand the reach of adventure and experience-based travel across the Sultanate.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival 2025 from July 15
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), in collaboration with Oman Sail, announced the launch of the Oman Kite Festival 2025. The event will take place from July 15 to 24, 2025, starting from Barr al Hikman and concluding at Ras Al Hadd, traversing some of the most picturesque coastal regions of the Sultanate. Sultan Sulaiman al Khudoori, Assets Manager at OMRAN Group, said that the festival aligns with OMRAN Group's strategy to diversify tourism experiences and unlock the potential of Oman's exceptional natural assets. He noted that the strong momentum generated by last year's downwinder races served as a driving force for scaling up the event this year, both in geographical scope and event duration. The expanded format is expected to attract a larger number of international athletes and deliver a richer tourism experience, offering that reflects the diversity of Oman's coastal environments. Shaima Said Al Asmi, events specialist at Oman Sail, stated that the festival marks a major milestone in the development of marine sports in Oman. He highlighted the country's ideal coastal conditions—ranging from ecological variety to favorable wind and weather—and noted that the participation of elite international kitesurfers brings a new dimension to the festival and strengthens Oman's positioning as a top destination for water-based adventure tourism. The festival will feature a series of races, including the multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, which unfolds over four phases: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. Complementing the main event are additional competitions, such as the Kite Course Race at Barr al Hikman, Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd. On the sidelines, the festival will offer family-friendly activities and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park.
