MUSCAT: As temperature drops across Oman, the golden dunes of Bidiyah come alive — not just with the hum of four-wheel drives or the rhythm of camel caravans, but with something far more youthful and dynamic: sandboarding.
Once a quiet desert escape, Bidiyah has evolved into one of the Sultanate’s most exciting winter destinations. Every weekend, the rolling dunes of the Rimal Al Sharqiya transform into a natural arena where young Omanis gather to surf — not on water, but on sand.
Balancing on sleek boards, riders climb to the peaks of the dunes before launching themselves down, gliding effortlessly over the soft curves of golden sand. The sensation, they say, is like “surfing a moving mountain.”
“It’s freedom in motion,” says 23-year-old Hamad al Maamari, who travels from Muscat almost every weekend to join his friends for desert rides. “There’s something magical about the quiet of the dunes — then suddenly, you’re flying down at full speed, and all you hear is the wind.”
Sandboarding has quickly grown from a niche hobby into a defining winter sport for Oman’s youth. It blends physical challenge with artistry and adventure, attracting not only adrenaline-seekers but also photographers, tourists, and influencers who are captivated by the dramatic beauty of the desert.
In recent years, adventure tourism operators have tapped into the sport’s rising popularity by offering guided experiences, professional boards, and safety training. This has helped make sandboarding accessible to beginners and tourists alike, turning Bidiyah into a hub for both sport and sustainable tourism.
Long celebrated for its cultural heritage — camel races, desert camping, and Bedouin hospitality — Bidiyah is now adding a new layer to its identity. Its vast dunes are becoming the meeting point of tradition and innovation, where young Omanis reinterpret their connection with the land in modern, adventurous ways.
“It’s more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle,” says Salim al Saawi, a university student who discovered sandboarding through social media. “You learn patience, balance, and courage — and you build friendships that last beyond the desert.”
Oman’s winter months have always been ideal for outdoor exploration, but the growing enthusiasm for sports like sandboarding, hiking, rock climbing and paragliding reflects a broader cultural shift. The new generation isn’t just admiring Oman’s natural landscapes — they’re interacting with them.
As the sun dips behind the dunes and the last riders carve their trails into the sand, the message is clear: Winter in Oman isn’t about slowing down — it’s about riding the golden waves and redefining what adventure means.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
