AHMED AL KAABI
MUSCAT: In a new achievement added to Oman’s sporting record, the capital Muscat is preparing to host the World Snooker Doubles Championship (Men’s and Teams) from November 15 to 23, 2025. The event will be held under the supervision of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), Sohar International Bank and Active Oman.
It is set to welcome some of the world’s top snooker players. The total prize pool of the championship will reach $60,000, in what is expected to be a global spectacle attracting snooker fans from across the continents.
The announcement of Oman’s successful bid to host the championship was made during a press conference at the Oman Automobile Association. Khalid bin Khalfan al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, affirmed that this achievement reflects international recognition of Oman’s ability to organise world-class sporting events.
Al Subhi stated: "It is an honour to stand before you today to proudly announce a new accomplishment added to Oman’s record of successes: hosting the 2025 Snooker World Cup. This victory goes beyond organising a tournament; it affirms Oman’s global sporting stature and the international community’s trust in our organisational capabilities."
He further noted that several countries had submitted bids to host the tournament, but Oman’s file stood out due to its clear organisational vision and comprehensive logistical plans, proving the Sultanate of Oman’s readiness to stage an event of this scale.
This edition will be among the largest in the history of the sport, with the participation of 35 countries and more than 120 elite players, making Muscat a hub for both high-level competition and cultural exchange that strengthens Oman’s international presence.
As part of the preparations, IBSF President Mubarak al Khayarin paid an official visit to Oman, where he met with officials at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and inspected the competition venues. He expressed his admiration for the organisational readiness and full confidence in Oman’s ability to deliver the championship in a manner befitting its regional and international standing.
Al Subhi added that preparations are not limited to organisational aspects but also extend to strengthening the national snooker team’s readiness. Ahmad al Hadi was appointed as team manager, with captain Abdullah al Raisi and coach Qadeer leading the technical setup. The plan includes comprehensive technical, physical and psychological training to ensure that Oman’s players represent the nation honourably before local and international fans.
He emphasised that the championship will not only be a sporting event but also an opportunity to highlight Oman’s cultural identity and its capacity as a major destination for international events. It is also expected to boost sports tourism and open new horizons for Omani youth to engage with the world’s best players, gaining valuable experience to develop the sport locally.
The 2025 World Snooker Championship will also enjoy wide media coverage through IBSF’s official platforms, in addition to media outlets accompanying the players and delegations. The Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee will provide live coverage across its official social media platforms, ensuring that fans both inside Oman and around the world can follow every detail of the tournament as it unfolds.
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