MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) has signed a five-year partnership agreement with the Ironman Group, a global leader in organising world-class sporting events and races in sports tourism. The signing took place on Wednesday morning at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.
The agreement aims to highlight Oman’s unique tourism assets, merge sports challenges with tourism experiences, and solidify Oman’s position on the global sports tourism map. At the launch of the conference, a video presentation was screened showcasing the anticipated partnership between the Ministry and the Ironman Group.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stressed that this partnership marks a milestone in Oman’s tourism journey, affirming that Oman will serve as the global partner and official destination for the Ironman Group. He said this agreement is an extension of the Ministry’s efforts to achieve the targets of Oman Vision 2040, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a world-class destination for sports tourism and adventure, thereby contributing to the diversification of national income sources.
He pointed out that sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, with a market size of around $560 billion in 2023 and projections to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. He emphasised that the partnership will showcase Oman’s breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural and environmental diversity, offering athletes and visitors extraordinary experiences that blend sporting challenges with the charm of Omani tourism, while also creating direct and indirect economic returns by stimulating supporting sectors and providing job opportunities for Omani youth.
IDEAL CHOICE
Scott DeRue, CEO of the Ironman Group, said that Oman, with its rich natural and human resources, was the ideal choice for this partnership, stressing that the spirit of Ironman is about challenge and the belief that anything is possible. "Oman is an inspiring and unique destination. We are proud of this partnership that allows us to welcome thousands of athletes from all over the world, reflecting a shared vision rooted in dedication and commitment."
Haitham al Ghassani, Director-General of Tourism Promotion at the MoHT, revealed that the agreement stipulates Oman will be a major global sponsor for all Ironman races held in 60 countries, covering nearly 150 events annually. He also announced that starting in November 2026, Oman will host the full Ironman Championship for the first time in the Middle East, for five consecutive years, in addition to hosting the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship. He noted that two additional races are under discussion and will be announced on the 12th of this month in Nice, France, during the Ministry’s presence there, marking an ideal opportunity to promote Oman as a global tourism destination.
GROWING GLOBAL PRESENCE
Mohammed al Obaidani, Founder and CEO of Middle East International Events, affirmed that Oman has now become a strategic global partner, with the 'Visit Oman' brand present in more than 170 international events. He added in 2013, we started with just 170 participants.
"Today, we have surpassed 1,100 participants in Muscat and over 460 in Salalah, with the number of participants increasing year after year. The championship now includes athletes from 81 countries worldwide, placing Oman at the heart of the global sports tourism and endurance map, and making it a prominent destination for international events." Al Obaidani said
He also highlighted that more than 15 Omanis are part of the organising team, supported by over 30 specialised international event management leaders and more than 3,000 volunteers, who carried Oman’s message of hospitality and warmth, embodying the bright face of the nation.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion in which the Ministry confirmed that the 'Visit Oman' brand will be present across global platforms through these events. The session also discussed the challenges faced by volunteers and the aspirations to increase the number of Omani athletes participating in the future.
Participants emphasised that this new partnership represents a transformative step that will open wide horizons for sports tourism in Oman and strengthen its position as a leading destination for world-class sporting events.
Photos by: Hussein al Muqbali
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