Oman to host 2028 Beach Handball World Cup

MUSCAT: Oman has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 Beach Handball World Cup, marking a major milestone for the country’s sports sector and strengthening its position as an emerging international destination for major sporting events.
The decision by the International Handball Federation (IHF) follows a competitive bidding process involving several European countries. The tournament is expected to bring together 32 national teams, with 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams, making it one of the largest beach handball events ever staged in Oman.
The championship will be held in Dhofar during the Khareef Dhofar Season, providing the tournament with an important tourism dimension while showcasing the governorate’s unique natural and cultural attractions to teams, officials and visitors from around the world.
This will be Oman’s second time hosting the Beach Handball World Cup. The country successfully staged the fifth edition in 2012 at the Al Musannah Sports City, where 24 men’s and women’s teams competed. Oman finished eighth in that edition, while the tournament earned widespread recognition for its strong organisation and helped establish the Sultanate of Oman as a capable host for international beach sports events.
Oman’s successful bid has been supported by the rapid development of beach handball in recent years. In 2025, the national team won the third Gulf Beach Games title in April before securing the Asian Beach Handball Championship crown in May. The team also made its ninth World Cup appearance in Croatia in 2026.
These achievements, combined with Oman’s successful hosting of the 2025 Asian championship, strengthened international confidence in the country’s organisational capabilities. IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa attended part of the Asian championship in Muscat, while IHF representatives monitored the event and assessed the country’s facilities and organisational preparations.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT
Moosa bin Khamis al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Handball Association, welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant achievement for Omani sport.
“We are extremely happy to win the hosting rights. Hosting the World Cup was one of the key objectives set by the OHA board from the beginning of its current mandate,” Al Balushi said.
He expressed his appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their continued support, stressing that the successful bid was the result of long-term planning and sustained efforts to develop beach handball in Oman.
Al Balushi said preparations would begin with a comprehensive plan covering facilities, playing venues, services and the national team’s preparations. He added that hosting the tournament in Dhofar during the Khareef Dhofar Season would create a valuable opportunity to promote sports tourism and showcase Oman internationally.
The OHA also aims to use the event to inspire young Omani athletes and strengthen cooperation with government institutions, private-sector partners, clubs and sports organisations.
“We will work to write a new chapter in the history of Omani sport and make our beaches a global platform for excellence and creativity,” Al Balushi said.
With Oman’s strong record of international participation and growing expertise in hosting major beach sports events, the 2028 World Cup is expected to provide another landmark opportunity to elevate the country’s sporting profile while generating wider tourism and economic benefits for Dhofar.