Sandboarding Red-Hot Craze in Bidiyah: What This Adventure Boom Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT – As temperatures drop across Oman, the golden dunes of Bidiyah come alive with more than just the hum of four-wheel drives and the steady pace of camel caravans. They now host a vibrant and youthful activity: sandboarding.
Once a quiet desert retreat, Bidiyah has transformed into one of the Sultanate’s premier winter destinations. Each weekend, the rolling dunes of Rimal Al Sharqiya become a natural playground where young Omanis gather to surf on sand rather than water.
Riders balance on sleek boards, climbing the peaks of the dunes before launching down, gliding smoothly over the soft sand. Many describe the experience as akin to “surfing a moving mountain.”
“This is freedom in motion,” says 23-year-old Hamad al Maamari, who travels from Muscat almost every weekend to join friends for desert rides. “There’s something magical about the quiet of the dunes—then suddenly, you’re flying down at full speed, and all you hear is the wind.”
Sandboarding has rapidly evolved from a niche pastime into a defining winter sport for Oman’s youth. It combines physical challenge, artistry, and adventure, attracting adrenaline enthusiasts as well as photographers, tourists, and social media influencers drawn to the desert’s striking beauty.
Adventure tourism operators have capitalized on the sport’s surge in popularity by providing guided tours, professional boards, and safety training. These efforts have made sandboarding accessible to beginners and tourists alike, establishing Bidiyah as a hub for both sport and sustainable tourism.
While Bidiyah has long been celebrated for its cultural heritage, including camel races, desert camping, and Bedouin hospitality, it is now adding a fresh dimension to its identity. The vast dunes have become a meeting point where tradition and innovation merge, allowing young Omanis to forge new, adventurous connections with their land.
“It’s more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle,” says university student Salim al Saawi, who discovered sandboarding through social media. “You learn patience, balance, and courage—and you build friendships that last beyond the desert.”
Oman’s winter months have always been ideal for outdoor activities, but the growing passion for sports such as sandboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and paragliding signals a wider cultural shift. The younger generation is no longer just admiring Oman’s natural landscapes—they are actively engaging with them.
As the sun sets behind the dunes and the final riders leave their trails in the sand, one message is clear: winter in Oman is not a time to slow down, but to ride the golden waves and redefine the meaning of adventure.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The rise of sandboarding as a popular winter sport in Bidiyah signals a transformative opportunity for Oman’s adventure tourism sector, blending tradition with youthful innovation. Businesses should capitalize on this growing market by developing infrastructure, equipment rentals, and guided experiences that cater to both locals and tourists. Smart investors and entrepreneurs must consider embracing sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term growth while tapping into the dynamic, experience-driven preferences of Oman’s new generation.
