Abraj Energy Services win World Oil and Gas Cup

MUSCAT, SEPT 9
Abraj Energy Services (B) secured a major Omani sporting achievement after being crowned champions of the 2026 World Oil and Gas Cup football in Almaty, Kazakhstan, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Arzax in the final.
The triumph marked the second consecutive year that an Omani company has claimed the prestigious title, reinforcing the strong presence of Omani teams and employees at international sporting events linked to the oil and gas industry.
The second edition of the World Oil and Gas Cup brought together teams representing major energy companies from different countries, with participation extending across three continents — Asia, Africa and Europe. The tournament is played in an elite seven-a-side football format and provides employees and professionals working in the energy sector with an opportunity to compete in a sporting environment while strengthening communication, teamwork and professional relationships away from the pressures of their daily work.
Abraj Energy Services (B) produced a consistently strong performance throughout the competition. The Omani team began its campaign by topping its group after collecting 10 points from a possible 12, securing first place and advancing confidently to the knockout stages.
The team then maintained its momentum in the Round of 16, overcoming a well-organised opponent to progress to the quarterfinals. Abraj continued its disciplined run in the knockout stages, securing another important victory before producing a hard-fought 1-0 win in the semifinals to book its place in the championship decider.

The final against Kazakhstan’s Arzax, one of the strongest sides in the competition and the host team, proved to be the toughest test of the tournament. The two teams exchanged the lead in a closely fought encounter, with the score repeatedly levelled as both sides battled for control.
With the championship still undecided in the closing stages, Abraj showed composure and determination to score a decisive third goal and secure a dramatic 3-2 victory. The result confirmed the Omani side as champions and brought the trophy back to Oman for the second successive year.
Abraj player Aseel bin Hamad al Busaidi said the title was the result of extensive preparation that began in Oman after the team secured its place in the World Oil and Gas Cup by winning the Oman Oil and Gas competition.
“We prepared as a technical staff and as players through training sessions and friendly matches against national companies in Oman, with the aim of improving our skills, level of play and technical performance,” Al Busaidi said.
He explained that the team continued its preparations after arriving in Almaty, conducting training sessions for two days before the tournament began. The preparations focused on physical and mental readiness, as well as specific technical aspects that the players needed to develop before entering the competition.
TEAM EFFORT
Al Busaidi also praised the administrative and technical staff for their efforts throughout the tournament, saying their careful organisation helped the players settle in quickly and remain focused on their matches.
He expressed his gratitude to Abraj Energy Services’ management for its continued support, as well as the administrative and technical teams and head coach Majid al Harouni. He also praised his teammates for their commitment and performance throughout the competition.
Several players played important roles in Abraj’s successful campaign, including Nasser al Rawahi, Qusay al Rawahi, Hamad al Rawahi and Noufal, while Al Harouni provided the technical and tactical leadership that guided the team throughout the tournament.
The 2026 edition followed the inaugural World Oil and Gas Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2025, when an Omani company also emerged as champion. Abraj’s success in Almaty therefore extended Oman’s winning run in the competition to two consecutive editions.
The achievement represents another positive milestone for Omani companies on the international sporting stage and highlights how sport can bring together employees from the global energy sector, promoting teamwork, friendship and professional connections through healthy competition.
For the Abraj players, however, the significance of the achievement extends beyond the trophy. As Al Busaidi put it, the team returned home proud to have represented Oman, the company and their families on an international stage.