Ghazi Ramadhan Festival launched in Sur with strong community presence

MUSCAT: The Ghazi Ramadhan Festival was officially launched on Sunday evening in the Wilayat of Sur during a formal ceremony held at Wyndham Garden Hotel, Muscat, under the auspices of Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage. The event was attended by senior officials, representatives of government and private institutions, along with sports figures, media professionals and community stakeholders.
The launch marked the beginning of a new edition of one of Oman’s longest running Ramadhan community events, which has maintained its presence for more than two decades as a platform combining competitive sports, cultural activities and community initiatives, reinforcing the role of sports in social development.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of the new visual identity of the Ghazi Ramadhan Festival, inspired by the maritime and historical character of the city of Sur, in addition to presenting the festival’s overall programme, conducting the draw for the football tournament and honouring sponsors and supporting partners.
Mohammed bin Jumaa al Mukhaini, Director-General of Communications and Community Affairs at Oman LNG, said that the Ghazi Ramadhan Festival represents a successful model of institutional community partnership, noting that the company has supported the tournament since its inception in 2003.
Explained that the festival has witnessed significant development over the years in both organisation and diversity of competitions, expanding from football to include futsal and women’s tournaments, alongside various cultural and social activities, added that the return on investment clearly reflects the success and sustainability of the event.
RENEWED IDENTITY
Said bin Khamis al Araimi, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ghazi Ramadhan Tournament, stated that the current edition comes with a renewed organisational vision and a new visual identity that reflects the uniqueness of the Wilayat of Sur and keeps pace with the continuous development of the festival.
He noted that this season’s football tournament features 24 teams, divided into eight groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages, ensuring strong competition and balanced opportunities.
Meanwhile, Adil bin Khamis al Ghailani, Head of Educational Activities at the Al Sharqiyah South Education Directorate, affirmed that the Ghazi Ramadhan Festival enjoys wide community follow up due to its positive social impact. He stressed that the event goes beyond sports, incorporating initiatives that support productive families and entrepreneurs through the Ghazi Social Caravan, which includes theatrical performances, cultural and artistic activities, and exhibitions for productive families and small business owners.
He added that the festival has achieved success across various disciplines, including chess, volleyball and football, further strengthening its community value.
The Ghazi Ramadhan Festival is regarded as one of the most prominent Ramadhan events in the Sultanate of Oman, distinguished by its sporting, cultural and social dimensions, as well as its strong public engagement and professional organisation, which continue to enhance its standing on the national events calendar.
Football Tournament Groups
The draw for the football tournament resulted in the following groupings:
Group A: Oman LNG, Directorate of Agricultural and Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, Qalhat Healthy Village Initiative.
Group B: Directorate of Education, Oman Charitable Organisation, Vocational College.
Group C: Oman Post, Oman Fertiliser Company (Omifco), Madayn Industrial City.
Group D: Directorate of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Oman Sail, Al Talee’a Club.
Group E: Sur Health City, University of Sur for Technology and Applied Sciences, Sur Hospital.
Group F: Directorate of Labour, Directorate General of Health Services, Sohar International.
Group G: Directorate of Heritage and Tourism, Roads Department, Omantel.
Group H: Al Oruba Club, Sur Club, Directorate of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.