Bar Al Hikman – More than 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival participants from across the Sultanate of Oman and overseas brought the coasts of Bar Al Hikman in the Al Wusta Governorate to life on the first day of the Oman Kite Festival 2025, when they participated in the event's first race series. The Oman Kite Festival, organized by the OMRAN Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, seeks to promote sports tourism through a series of events that highlight Oman's unique coastal destinations as ideal locations for tourism experiences.
On the first day, 30 surfers participated in the first Kite Course race, riding boards capable of reaching speeds of 30 km/h in the ideal conditions for which the area is renowned. Ahmed Mohammad Jamal of Egypt won the race, finishing ahead of Marta Marlowe of Poland and Marcelo Antonios of Brazil in second and third places, respectively.
Leg 1 of the Oman Downwinder also took place, providing a day of thrilling action as the wind drove a fleet of 32 kites across the water on the 40 km course to Masira Island, where participants would enjoy hospitality at Masira Beach Camp.
Nawaf Al Ghadani, race official for the Oman Kite Festival, emphasized the possibilities for high-level events to be held along the Omani coast on the first day, saying: "The conditions are suitable for events such as the Speed Race and Big Air competition to follow, as well as the Downwinder, where participants thrive on strong and consistent winds. " It was a terrific first day, and the caliber of athlete lends the event a worldwide scope, increasing competition across the fleet while demonstrating how Oman can become a top destination for international tourism and sporting events. "
Ahmed Mohammad Jamal, an Egyptian rival on the first day, said, "This is my first time racing in Oman, and it has been one of the greatest race courses I have ever visited. The wind is excellent, allowing us to get the most out of our boards, and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking, adding a genuine element of delight to the event. Everyone involved had a great time racing today, and we can't wait to get back out on the water. "
On the inaugural day, the group reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by conducting a beach cleanup. Participants, representatives from OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Center, as well as people of the local community, worked together to assist, demonstrating the common dedication of Oman's tourist sector to operate responsibly and protect the natural environment.
The multistage "Downwinder" race, which takes place in four phases until July 24. The next race will take place on July 20, from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. The Downwinder will be held in conjunction with a Coastal Race on Masirah Island and a Slalom Race in Ras Al Hadd, beginning with a Big Air Competition on Masirah Island from July 17-19, where participants will amaze spectators by utilizing the wind to perform tricks, turns, and twists. The Oman Kite Festival will also include family-friendly activities and an SME marketplace at Ashkharah Municipal Park, increasing its economic influence in neighboring areas.
The Oman Kite Festival is a platform for exhibiting the Sultanate's magnificent coastal and marine scenery, strengthening its presence on the global tourism map and attracting visitors interested in adventure activities and international sporting events. Building on the success of the 2024 Oman Downwinder, the event aims to promote key coastal destinations as top global kiteboarding locations. It also helps to encourage experienced-driven tourism in unexplored regions, promotes national travel, promotes community development, and raises awareness of Oman as a top destination for adventure and outdoor activities.
The event is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center in collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, as well as other significant groups such as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Royal Oman Police, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the Environment Society of Oman, Salt Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
