Women's empowerment through adventure

In Oman’s ever-evolving sports scene, where youthful energy meets boundless ambition, Nawah stands out as a pioneering initiative under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. It is dedicated to empowering Omani women runners and expanding their presence in mountain running, a sport that blends physical strength, endurance and the spirit of adventure in nature’s embrace.
The idea behind the platform, as recounted by as explained by Suhaila al Toobi, the team leader of Nawah, was born out of personal experience and shared challenges among women runners in the Sultanate of Oman.

“We noticed a lack of support and few opportunities for knowledge exchange among women in this sport”, Suhaila explains. “Mountain running requires awareness and proper understanding before getting involved in it. From these shared experiences, the idea of Nawah was born, a space that brings women runners together to exchange knowledge and experiences and to train and prepare them to pursue this passion with confidence and awareness”.
Operating under the umbrella of the MoCSY gives Nawah the institutional and legal framework needed to function professionally and systematically.
According to Suhaila, this official status has facilitated event organisation, permits and collaborations, while also enhancing the platform’s credibility among its members, partners and supporters.

Today, Nawah includes more than 150 runners aged between 18 and 30, offering up to eight training programmes per year. These programmes range from foundational workshops — such as choosing the right running shoes to advanced preparation in mountain running. Each programme aims to build strong technical and mental foundations for women stepping into this challenging sport.
One of the platform’s defining moments was winning the Youth Excellence Award, which Suhaila describes as “a turning point that opened wide opportunities for collaboration with sports teams and private organisations, while also providing financial support that helped us develop and elevate the initiative”.

This recognition brought not only pride but also greater responsibility to continue the journey of excellence, expand participation and inspire more women to join this growing and dynamic community of mountain runners.
The award significantly strengthened Nawah’s presence at the local level, granting it official recognition for its impact in empowering Omani women in sports. It also opened doors to cooperation with media and sports institutions, raising public awareness about the platform’s mission and values.
Regionally, Nawah has begun building bridges with similar initiatives in other Gulf countries, aspiring to expand beyond Omani borders through joint events and races that highlight the strength and talent of Omani women on a wider stage.

The journey, however, was not without challenges. The team faced logistical and financial difficulties in organising its first pilot event and year-long training programme. Yet, through teamwork, dedication and the moral support of the Ministry, Nawah turned those obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Nawah now looks towards the future with confidence and ambition. Its upcoming plans include joint training camps, professional-level races and building lasting partnerships with public and private institutions to support and sponsor female runners in Oman. Suhaila concludes: “We believe Nawah’s impact on the future of running for girls in Oman will be deep and lasting not only athletically but also by promoting a healthy lifestyle, self-confidence and belonging to the sports community”.
Today, Nawah represents more than just a sports platform, it embodies a youth-led women’s movement redefining challenge and empowerment through sport. It is a space that combines fitness with awareness, inspiring every runner to believe that one step on the track can be the start of a journey towards change and inspiration.