Muscat: On Wednesday, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism entered into a partnership agreement with the IRONMAN Group, a prominent organizer of global sports events and races, to support Ironman championships for a duration of five years, commencing in 2026.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Muscat, presided over by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The Ministry confirmed that this support will encompass the inclusion of Oman’s promotional identity in all global championships, on the group’s official website, and in all promotional content and communications related to Ironman events.
Additionally, the partnership will serve to promote heritage and tourist attractions in all advertising and promotional materials.
Through this agreement, the Ministry aims to showcase Oman’s diverse tourism offerings and enhance their visibility through global Ironman championships. This initiative is expected to boost sports and cultural tourism, draw in more international visitors from various global markets, and reinforce Oman’s status as a distinguished tourist destination on the international stage.
Furthermore, the Ministry aspires to position Oman as a premier global destination for adventure tourism. The country’s unique natural trails, diverse terrain, geological variety, and extensive range of activities make it ideal for hosting multi-level and multi-stage sports challenges, all while adhering to safety and security standards. Oman is also equipped with licensed and specialized institutions to deliver adventure tourism experiences.
The Ministry will also strive to maximize the advantages of these championships, positioning Oman as a significant international center in the Middle East for global sports tourism events.
This initiative will aid in boosting local content, invigorating the job market, empowering local enterprises, and producing direct economic benefits.
As part of this collaboration, the inaugural full-distance Ironman race will take place annually in Muscat each November, featuring challenges such as ocean swimming, a premier cycling race through key tourist attractions, and a multi-stage running event.
The Ministry, through its promotional platform "Experience Oman," has also secured the naming rights for all Ironman events to be hosted in Oman.
This encompasses the "Experience Oman Ironman 70.3" in Muscat, set for February 2026, which will be recognized as the official Middle East championship for 70.3-mile triathlons.
This event will provide professional athletes with a regional title and further chances to qualify for the annual World Championship. The partnership also includes the "Experience Oman Ironman 70.3" in Salalah, scheduled for 25 October 2025.
Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasized that the Ministry highly values global Ironman championships as part of its continuous strategies and efforts to showcase Oman’s distinctive offerings.
He remarked that hosting such prestigious global championships demonstrates Oman’s capability to host international events and plays a role in enhancing its reputation on the global sports and tourism landscape.
Moreover, it plays a crucial role in diversifying the types of tourism and expanding new opportunities for sports tourism, which is gaining increasing global attention. He further stated that this collaboration marks a significant advancement in bolstering Oman’s status as a premier destination for adventure and endurance sports.
Al Busaidi also pointed out that the five-year collaboration with the IRONMAN Group enables the Ministry to utilize this official partnership to enhance the tourism sector and reach unprecedented levels of sustainability.
This underscores the Ministry’s dedication to establishing Oman as a global tourist hotspot that appeals to visitors with a wide range of interests and preferences.
He emphasized that the championship features a variety of races, including swimming, cycling, and running, and that Oman’s landscape—which combines geological and natural diversity with genuine Arab culture and contemporary life—serves as the ideal venue for hosting Ironman events.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism remarked that this championship presents a valuable opportunity to showcase the tourist products, services, and experiences available in Oman. It will also aid in attracting more tourists, particularly from European markets, and promote investment prospects in the tourism sector, facilitating the establishment of partnerships and agreements in tourism-related areas. This, in turn, will invigorate other sectors associated with tourism, such as transportation, aviation, hospitality, and dining.
He explained that these events motivate the local community to get involved and engage with the agenda, thereby helping to foster and advance a sports culture while promoting public health.
Scott DeRue, the CEO of the IRONMAN Group, mentioned that by entering into a partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the group will be positioned to provide world-class racing experiences and series to the region, highlighting Oman’s distinctive beauty, culture, and rich history. He further noted that Oman is already recognized as a premier adventure destination that resonates with the global endurance sports community.
