Musannah unites sailing, women’s empowerment

MUSCAT, OCT 18
The 15th Musannah Race Week and the 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are highlighting how international sport can contribute to athlete development, greater opportunities for women and environmental responsibility, with more than 100 sailors representing seven countries.
Competitors from Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia and India have gathered in Al Musannah for an event that offers more than a contest for results. It provides sailors with opportunities to test their abilities against different competitors, exchange technical knowledge and gain experience that can support their progress at regional and international level.
The Arab Women’s Sailing Championship is a central part of this effort, featuring the Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 classes. By providing a dedicated competitive platform for female sailors, the championship supports the development of women’s sailing and encourages greater participation across the region. Musannah Race Week also features several classes, including Optimist, ILCA and inclusive sailing.
The value of international competition is reflected in the preparations made by participating teams. Bahrain has brought seven sailors to Al Musannah, including three women competing in the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship and four sailors taking part in Musannah Race Week.
Qasim Abdulrazzaq, technical director of the Bahrain Sailing Team, said the event offered an important opportunity to strengthen technical abilities and gain experience against competitors from different countries. He also highlighted its role in preparing sailors for future competitions.
Kuwait has taken a similarly focused approach, completing a month-long training programme before the event. Dr Mohammed al Awadhi, technical director of the Kuwait National Sailing Team, said the squad was aiming for positive results. He emphasised that international championships help sailors improve their performance, exchange knowledge and develop practical experience beyond what can be gained through training alone.
The event’s wider impact extends into local communities through environmental education and youth engagement. On October 17, coinciding with Omani Women’s Day, the inaugural Community Sustainability Lab was launched for school and college students, particularly girls and young women aged 14 and above in Al Batinah South Governorate, as well as teachers.
The initiative aims to help participants develop practical ideas to address environmental challenges and encourage sustainable practices in their schools and communities.
These ambitions are supported by direct action. A clean-up campaign at Musannah beach brought together 51 sailors, volunteers and local residents, while other environmental measures promote recycling and reducing single-use plastics. The initiatives build on the event’s sustainability efforts, which earned Gold certification under the Clean Regattas programme in 2025.
With sporting competitions running alongside community activities, safety remains a fundamental priority. Rescue boats and dedicated safety teams are in place, with weather and sea conditions monitored in coordination with race committees and medical teams. Races can be postponed or rescheduled when necessary to protect participants.
By combining international competition, athlete development and environmental engagement, Musannah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship demonstrate how sporting events can contribute to broader development goals. The initiatives support opportunities for women and young people, promote sustainability and strengthen Oman’s position as a host of international sporting events, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.