The Oman Kite Festival 2025 kicked off on Monday on the spectacular beaches of Barr Al Hikman, in South Al Sharqiyah, bringing together more than 90 athletes from Oman and around the world. The event, organized by OMRAN Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Centre, aims to establish Oman as a leading destination for sports and adventure tourism, while highlighting the country’s natural wealth and pristine coastline.

Recognized as one of the region’s leading adventure tourism and water sports festivals, the event offers an immersive experience for both participants and the public. The opening ceremony and the start of the competitions were attended by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Dr. Khamis bin Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, along with the participating athletes.

Sustainable tourism and the local economy

Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Head of Assets at OMRAN Group, highlighted the importance of the festival in enriching Oman’s tourism offering. He emphasized that organizing this type of sporting event allows visitors to discover the beauty of the Omani coastline and reinforces the country’s position as an international destination, in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.

Al Khudoori also highlighted the role of SMEs and local businesses in creating innovative and sustainable tourism experiences, with a strong focus on adventure and ecotourism. In his words, these initiatives help to attract adventure lovers and promote local content.

International competition and diversity of events

Shaima Said Al Asmi, events specialist at Oman Sail, pointed out that Oman’s unique coastal landscapes and resources can drive the growth of sports and adventure tourism, and highlighted the potential of each region to offer diverse and tailored tourism proposals.

The festival brings together more than 90 athletes who will compete in various events, notably the demanding “Oman Downwinder,” a stage race that runs from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, passing through Ras Al Ruwais, the Pink Lagoons, Al Ashkharah, Ras Al Jinz, and Ras Al Hadd.

Specialized events

In addition to the Downwinder, the program includes specialized races such as the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman, the Coastal Race on Masirah Island, and the Slalom Race in Ras Al Hadd. The festival also offers family activities and an exhibition for SMEs in Ashkharah Municipal Park.

The Oman Kite Festival 2025 is registered as a Clean Regatta with ‘Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana’, an international standard for sustainable nautical events. The organization collaborates with the Environment Society of Oman to promote marine conservation through beach and marina cleanups, ghost net removal, and educational workshops on sea turtle protection.