Heading: Air sports put Oman on map of adventure tourism

MUSCAT: Air sports are emerging as more than spectacular displays in Oman's skies, with the potential to become a valuable sporting and tourism product capable of promoting the Sultanate of Oman's natural attractions, creating new experiences for visitors and opening opportunities for youth and the wider sports economy. From the mountains and coastlines to the deserts and the distinctive landscapes of Dhofar, Oman possesses a diverse geographical environment that offers favourable conditions for a wide range of air sports. As interest in adventure tourism continues to grow, officials and practitioners believe these sports can play an increasingly important role in positioning Oman as an attractive destination for adventure and sporting tourism.
Dr Ahmed bin Zaher al Alawi, Chairman of the Oman Air Sports Committee, told Oman Observer that air sports witnessed notable development in recent years, supported by Oman's geographical diversity and the growing interest of young people in adventure-based activities. He highlighted the 'Fly in the Dhofar sky' event, held recently in Taqah-Nashib during the 2026 Khareef Dhofar season, as an example of how air sports can combine sports and tourism.
'Air sports bring together passion, adventure, challenge and skill, and this is why they are becoming increasingly attractive to young people, particularly with the growing popularity of adventure tourism and the search for different travel experiences,' Al Alawi said.
The chief Of Oman Air Sports Committee added that Dhofar with its distinctive natural environment during the khareef season, offers considerable potential for the development of air sports. 'One of the important aspects of the 'Fly in Dhofar sky' event is that it is held during the daytime, helping diversify the activities available to visitors and giving tourists the opportunity to experience the beauty of Dhofar from a completely different perspective,' he said.
'Our ambition is for air sports not to remain simply demonstrations watched by the public, but to gradually become a sustainable sporting and tourism product that contributes to promoting Oman as a destination for adventure tourism.'

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
The development of air sports in Oman extended beyond participation, with greater attention being given to organisation, safety, training and international exposure. Al Alawi said the sector now included activities such as paragliding, paramotoring, light sport aircraft, radio-controlled aircraft and other air sports and aeromodelling disciplines.
'The sector has witnessed considerable development in terms of organisation, the number of practitioners, the diversity of disciplines and awareness of safety requirements,' he said.
The committee has also focused on strengthening coordination with relevant authorities, improving training and safety standards, organising teams and practitioners, and creating opportunities for international participation and knowledge exchange.
The participation of pilots and practitioners from Oman and abroad during the Dhofar Khareef activities added an international dimension to the event, while the presence of internationally recognised champions provided an important opportunity for Omani practitioners to observe and learn from elite performers.
Al Alawi said the participation of international stars was valuable not only from a sporting and media perspective but also in terms of technical development. 'The presence of a world champion in front of Omani youth allows them to see advanced levels of performance at close range, learn about training, performance and safety practices and exchange experiences with local practitioners,' he said.
He also stressed the promotional value of air sports, noting that the visual nature of the discipline can showcase Oman's landscapes to international audiences.

DEVELOPING A NEW GENERATION
Developing a sustainable air sports sector will depend heavily on attracting and developing Omani talent. Al Alawi said talent identification and development was among the committee's priorities, with the aim of creating a pathway that begins with introducing young people to air sports, identifying those with the interest and ability to progress, and providing them with appropriate training. 'Our real investment in this sector starts with developing people and preparing them according to proper training and safety standards,' he said.
Schools and sports clubs can also contribute significantly to this process without necessarily involving young people directly in flying activities at an early age. Al Alawi recommended introducing educational programmes and workshops covering aviation sciences, model aircraft, meteorology, aerodynamics and aviation safety.
Sports and youth clubs could also establish specialised teams, organise open days and competitions and create programmes to identify promising talent.

QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS
Certified air sports lecturer, Adil al Hubaishi, said beginners undergo structured courses based on educational programmes delivered by qualified instructors. He explained that young people can be introduced to air sports from an early age, while formal licensing requirements apply when participants reach the required age.
'One of the most important requirements is that the practitioner is medically fit,' Al Hubaishi said, adding that physical fitness is also important because some disciplines require participants to carry equipment weighing up to 26 kilogrammes. He stressed that discipline and mental awareness are essential qualities for pilots.

SAFETY REMAINS PRIORITY
With air sports involving specialised equipment and changing environmental conditions, safety remains at the centre of the development strategy. Al Hubaishi said strict protocols are followed before and after flights, including checks of engines and wings, while pilots are required to use appropriate protective equipment and carry safety equipment such as reserve parachutes and where relevant, self-inflating flotation devices.
'Air sports can be among the safest sporting activities when pilots follow the required protocols and receive their training from certified instructors,' he said.
Participants are also trained to deal with emergency situations through specialised simulation courses following their initial training. Al Alawi similarly emphasised that confidence must never become recklessness. 'A good pilot is not the one who performs the most dangerous manoeuvres, but the one who knows when to fly and when to stop flying,' he said.

INTERNATIONAL AMBITIONS
Al Hubaishi believes Oman has the potential to become a regional and international destination for air sports through the organisation of championships and specialised events. He pointed to the achievements of Omani pilots as evidence of the country's potential, noting that five Omani competitors represented Oman at the first official championship they entered and collectively won gold, silver and bronze medals.
World champion Khafeer Tegaro Lopez from Spain, who participated in the Dhofar event, described the Salalah gathering as one of the leading air sports events in the Middle East. He expressed confidence in the future of Omani pilots, particularly the younger generation, saying continued participation and flying experience would help them develop and compete successfully in future international events. He also called for greater support for air sports in Oman and expressed hope that the event in Salalah would become a permanent annual fixture.

MORE SUPPORT
Despite the progress made, practitioners believe further development will require greater institutional and private-sector support. Al Alawi identified the cost of equipment and training, the availability of suitable sites and the infrastructure required for sustainable operations among the main challenges facing the sector. He said the experience of the 2026 Khareef Dhofar season demonstrated the need for improved site infrastructure, including power supplies, sanitary facilities, prepared take-off and landing areas and visitor services.
'Marketing and media are also very important. No matter how successful a sporting event is, it needs to reach the public and be incorporated into official tourism campaigns and platforms,' he said.
He also called for stronger support for teams and individual practitioners, many of whom currently contribute to the development of the sport with limited resources and significant personal commitment. 'We hope to establish a stronger partnership between government institutions, the private sector and the committee, because developing air sports will have a positive impact simultaneously on sport, tourism and youth,' Al Alawi ended.
The committee also plans to increase Oman's presence in international air sports competitions, attract international championships and pilots, and benefit from global expertise in developing Omani practitioners.