Muscat: Oman’s extensive coastline, spanning 3,165 kilometers of pristine marine beauty, has always attracted travelers from around the globe.
The coastal area boasts a variety of captivating beaches, some lively with action while others hidden behind rugged cliffs, providing a special allure that seamlessly integrates with Oman’s breathtaking scenery.
To showcase Oman’s coastline and its adventure tourism offerings, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) introduced the ‘Oman Downwinder’ project on Sunday.
This initiative is part of OMRAN’s continuous endeavors to promote tourism diversification and enhance the adventure and experience sector. The inaugural Oman Downwinder event, where participants will engage in kite surfing along a 500km coastline, will commence from Duqm beaches in Al Wusta Governorate on July 2.
The group of 12 participants, which includes a former world kite surfing champion, a surfer with physical challenges, and five Omani surfers, will travel north along the coast, concluding their journey at Ras Al Jinz Reserve in South Sharqiyah Governorate on July 8.
The launch event, hosted at the W Muscat Hotel, was attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr. Khamis Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and various officials from different organizations.
In his remarks about the initiative, Al Mahrouqi stated, “Oman is blessed with abundant and diverse natural resources, making it a premier destination for offering unique tourism products and experiences.
The organization of such events underscores our belief in the significant role that sports events play in promoting and showcasing our tourism potential globally, contributing to the development of the tourism sector and solidifying Oman’s position on the international tourism stage.”
Al Mahrouqi highlighted that the initiative is in line with OMRAN’s strategic objectives to achieve tourism diversification and enhance the adventure and experiences sector by capitalizing on unique and diverse natural assets.
Marcelo Antunes Ferreira, CEO of Sea and Beach Projects S.P.C, emphasized that the Oman kite surfing races offer a unique opportunity to attract both professional and amateur athletes, contributing to the global growth of this sport.
He also highlighted the event's potential to showcase Oman's tourist attractions through media coverage. Local surfers such as Barakat Al Kindi, Azzan Al Sinani, and Majid Jamal Al Kharusi will be participating, alongside international figures like Ruben Lenten, Hannah Whiteley, Mitu Monteiro, and Fernando Fernandez.
The event, organized in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Center, is expected to boost local content through the involvement of various local institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The participants will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of kite surfing in the stunning setting of Oman's towering cliffs and vibrant waters, creating a perfect backdrop for the event.
Hannah conveyed her excitement for The Downwinder event, highlighting its potential to showcase popular surfing spots in Oman and attract kite surfers from around the world. She mentioned that the current number of participants is promising and emphasized the importance of organizing such events regularly to boost Oman's reputation as a top kite surfing destination.
