MoCSY unveils sports development and investment plans

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) highlighted major achievements in Oman’s sports sector and unveiled future plans aimed at strengthening athlete development, sports investment, and infrastructure during its 2026 annual media briefing, attended by media representatives, sports stakeholders, and officials from across the Sultanate of Oman.
The briefing reviewed the ministry’s achievements during 2025, while outlining strategic initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040, with a strong focus on sports development, talent identification, investment opportunities, and the long-term sustainability of the country’s sporting ecosystem.
At the opening of the event, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, emphasised that sports represent a key pillar in national development and human capital building, stressing the ministry’s commitment to empowering athletes, improving sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for youth participation.

The minister noted that the ministry continues to implement programmes aimed at strengthening Oman’s presence in regional and international sports, while creating an environment that supports athletic excellence and encourages broader community engagement in sporting activities.
According to figures presented during the briefing, the ministry implemented 687 programmes and activities in 2025, benefiting more than 105,000 participants across Oman’s governorates. Among these, 298 sports-related activities attracted over 57,000 beneficiaries, reflecting growing participation and increasing public interest in sports nationwide.
The ministry also highlighted progress under the Omani Sports Strategy 2040, which seeks to establish a modern and competitive sports system focused on improving athletic performance, increasing grassroots participation, supporting elite athletes and positioning Oman as a regional destination for sporting events.

Speaking on the ministry’s sports priorities, Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, said Oman is continuing efforts to strengthen sports federations, widen participation at grassroots level, and create sustainable pathways for talented athletes to excel internationally.
A key announcement during the briefing was the launch of the National Programme for Discovering and Developing Talented Athletes, introduced as a comprehensive initiative designed to identify and nurture promising athletes from an early age.
The programme aims to establish an integrated system connecting educational institutions and sports organisations to support talent development and prepare future generations capable of competing successfully at Gulf, Asian and international levels.
The ministry also revealed that Oman has supported and hosted more than 30 regional and international sporting events, alongside initiatives promoting community sports and sports for people with disabilities, reflecting broader efforts to diversify participation and raise sporting standards.

In the area of sports investment, Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, highlighted the transformation of sports in Oman from a purely recreational activity into a sector with increasing economic and investment value.
He explained that sports have evolved into a sector with broader developmental and economic significance, contributing to economic growth through infrastructure projects, investment opportunities and talent development, while also supporting social and community objectives.
Al Busaidy also addressed one of Oman’s most anticipated projects, confirming that work on the Sports City project is ongoing, with further details expected to be announced during the ministry’s next media briefing.
As part of the event, the ministry showcased several success stories of Omani athletes, including international rally driver Abdullah al Rawahi, whose sporting journey was featured in a special video presentation.

Al Rawahi reflected on his motorsport journey, which began nearly 24 years ago, when he first got behind the wheel of a kart at the age of five, admitting that fear marked his earliest experiences in the sport.
By the age of eight, he competed in his first karting race and vividly recalled an early accident that resulted in a hospital visit, a memory he said still returns whenever he visits the same venue.
Reflecting on his professional career, Al Rawahi described one of his toughest moments — a major crash during the Lebanon Rally, which many believed would bring an end to his motorsport ambitions. However, he credited determination and self-belief for helping him recover and return stronger.
Despite considering retirement at one stage, Al Rawahi persevered and later made history by becoming the first Omani and youngest driver to win the Middle East Rally Championship, an achievement he described as deeply meaningful.
Al Rawahi also praised the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for its continued support of Omani athletes and youth, emphasising its important role in helping athletes pursue excellence and proudly represent Oman on the international stage.