Oman Kite Festival 2025 Launches at Barr al Hikman: What It Means for Tourism and Business Growth in Oman
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday along the shores of Barr al Hikman in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, attracting over 90 athletes from Oman and across the globe. The event is organised by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Centre.
The opening ceremony and race launch were held at Barr Al Hikman, attended by 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, alongside the festival participants.
Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Assets Manager at OMRAN Group, emphasized the festival’s role in enhancing Oman’s tourism sector. He remarked, “Hosting such sporting events provides unique experiences that showcase the beauty of Oman’s coastline and bolster the country’s reputation as a premier international tourist destination. The festival exemplifies our commitment to leveraging the Sultanate’s distinctive natural assets in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.”
Echoing this, Shaima Said al Asmi, Events Specialist at Oman Sail, highlighted Oman’s distinctive natural landscapes and coastal resources as key drivers for growth in sports and adventure tourism. She noted the capacity of each governorate to promote varied and localized tourism offerings.
The festival features more than 90 athletes competing in various high-energy races, with the centerpiece being the multi-stage “Oman Downwinder” challenge. This flagship race includes four stages: from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island; Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais; from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah; and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd.
In addition to the Downwinder, several specialised kite races are scheduled, including the Kite Course Race at Barr Al Hikman, the Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd.
Beyond competition, the festival offers family-friendly activities and an exhibition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at Ashkharah Municipal Park.
Significantly, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is officially registered as a Clean Regatta with Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, aligning with international standards for sustainable water-based events. In collaboration with the Environment Society of Oman, the festival engages in environmental initiatives such as beach and marina clean-ups, underwater ghost net removals, and educational sessions with youth focused on sea turtle conservation. These efforts aim to empower coastal communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship and the protection of marine life.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 marks a strategic opportunity for Oman to elevate its sports and adventure tourism sector, leveraging its unique coastal assets to attract international visitors and athletes. For businesses, this event creates growth potential in hospitality, local SMEs, and eco-tourism, while reinforcing Oman’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider capitalizing on niche tourism experiences and green initiatives, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy 2040 to meet rising global demand for environmentally conscious travel.
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