Latest news with #OmanKiteFestival2025
Muscat Daily
a day 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.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- 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.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival 2025 kicks off from Barr al Hikman
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 was launched on Tuesday on the 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. 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.' 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.
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival 2025 to kick soon
MUSCAT: There are just one week remaining until the Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway in Barr Al Hikman. Set to commence on July 15th and run until July 24th, the festival promises an exhilarating fusion of world-class kitesurfing action, cultural immersion, and family-friendly entertainment, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Oman's pristine coastline. The Oman Kite Festival, an initiative by OMRAN Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, aims to position key coastal destinations as premier international venues for adventure and sports tourism. Building on the resounding success of last year's Oman Downwinder, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration, inviting a larger contingent of international athletes and offering a richer, more diverse experience for all attendees. Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration Abdulhafidh al Harthy, Assets Manager Experiences at Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), expressed his excitement for the event as it draws closer, outlining how the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is a cornerstone of the Group's commitment to showcasing Oman's unique natural assets and diversifying our tourism offerings. At the festival's core is the multi-stage "Downwinder" race, an awe-inspiring journey that will traverse some of Oman's most picturesque coastal regions. Kitesurfers will navigate four challenging phases from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16, Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais on July 20, Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 23. The Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience Beyond the "Downwinder," the festival boasts a dynamic calendar of complementary competitions, including the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman on July 15th, the Big Air Show and Freestyle Show in Masirah Island on July 17 and 18 respectively, the Coastal Race in Masirah Island on July 19, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24 — promising an action-packed experience for both participants and spectators. Off the water, the Oman Kite Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience. Visitors can look forward to a range of family-friendly activities and a vibrant SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, showcasing local businesses and Omani traditions. Oman Kite Festival 2025 inviting a larger contingent of international athletes This truly unique event not only elevates Oman as a world-class destination for international sporting events but also supports the tourism diversification objectives outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2040. The organisers extend a warm invitation to local residents and international visitors to join us in this extraordinary celebration of sport, nature, and culture: Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of kitesurfing and the unparalleled beauty of Oman. The festival is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Centre. Further details, including specific event timings and spectator information, can be found on the official Oman Kite Festival website and across Social Media channels.
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival from July 15
Set to commence from July 15-24 until July 24 in Barr al Hikman, the Oman Kite Festival promises an exhilarating fusion of world-class kitesurfing action, cultural immersion, and family-friendly entertainment, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Oman's pristine coastline. The Oman Kite Festival, an initiative by OMRAN Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, aims to position key coastal destinations as premier international venues for adventure and sports tourism. Building on the resounding success of last year's Oman Downwinder, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration, inviting a larger contingent of international athletes and offering a richer, more diverse experience for all attendees. Abdulhafidh al-Harthi, assets manager, experiences at Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), expressed excitement for the event as it draws closer, outlining how the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is a cornerstone of the Group's commitment to showcasing Oman's unique natural assets and diversifying our assets. Kitesurfers will navigate four challenging phases from Barr al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16, Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais on July 20th, and Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21, and finally from Ras al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 23. The festival boasts a dynamic calendar of complementary competitions, including the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman on July 15, the Big Air Show and Freestyle Show in Masirah Island on July 17 and 18 respectively, the Coastal Race in Masirah Island on July 19, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24. Off the water, the Oman Kite Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience.
