The first edition of the "Oman DownWinder", an initiative launched by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) to achieve the tourism diversification goals of Vision 2040 and boost Oman's adventure and experiences sector, concluded at the Ras Al Hadd castle after an eight-day, 500km journey at sea.
This event showcases the Group's dedication to enhancing the adventure sector by utilizing the unique natural assets and commitment to creating sustainable and eco-friendly experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
Twelve professional athletes from Oman and abroad participated, and the expedition was documented to showcase Oman's beauty to the world as the nation establishes itself as an emerging sports tourism and events destination.
The closing ceremony took place in Ras Al Hadd, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, under the patronage of Dr. Yahya bin Badr bin Malik Al-Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, and was attended by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, Dr. Khamis bin Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, as well as several sheikhs and officials.
Participants covered over 500 kilometers in eight days, highlighting key tourist destinations along the Omani coast and solidifying its status as a premier international venue for kiteboarding.
Participants also had the opportunity to enjoy unique tourist experiences such as the Sugar dunes in Khalouf, Masirah Island, and Ashkara, before reaching Ras Al Jinz Reserve in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
The Omani coasts were thoroughly explored by all participants, showcasing the exceptional weather conditions that enhance its natural allure during this time of year.
Exhibition races were organized at each of the seven legs of the journey, with distances ranging from 52km to 115km, highlighting the potential for both shorter sprint and longer marathon windsurfing events along the Omani coastline. The athletes were able to reach impressive speeds and challenge themselves with thrilling waves thanks to the excellent conditions throughout the event.
After completing each leg, the participants had the opportunity to enjoy stopovers at key destinations, where they could experience the authentic hospitality that Oman has to offer.
Sultan bin Suleiman Al-Khudouri, Assets Manager at the Omran Group and Acting Executive Director of the Najm Project, underlined the importance of the Oman DownWinder in unlocking the tourism potential of Oman.
Marcelo Antunes Ferreira, CEO of Sea & Beach Projects S.P.C., expressed his delight at the warm reception the event received from the local community, emphasizing that the Oman DownWinder provided a fantastic platform for visitors and community members to witness the races and showcasing Oman as a global sports destination.
Marcelo highlighted the global appeal of the Oman DownWinder 2024 for athletes and emphasized the numerous benefits that hosting this championship in the future would bring to sports, tourism, culture, and the economy. This would not only boost the local kiteboarding scene but also elevate Oman's standing in the global arena.
The event saw the participation of various athletes such as Barakat Al Kindi, Azan Al Senani, Majid Jamal, Ruben Lenten, Hannah Whiteley, Mitu Monteiro, and Fernando Fernandez, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the competition.
The Oman DownWinder was a collaborative effort between the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Center.
