Muscat: Blending sport, nature and community engagement, the first edition of the Sifah Ultra Marathon will be held on Friday, giving a strong boost to inbound tourism and adventure sports in the Sultanate of Oman.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in collaboration with Jebel Sifah, the event is the first of its kind to be staged amid the breathtaking coastal and mountainous landscapes of Jebel Sifah. It is expected to enhance Oman’s adventure sports scene and advance the Sultanate’s sports tourism ambitions in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The afternoon event marks a new chapter in endurance sports, bringing together athletes, families and communities in a celebration of competition, wellness and outdoor living. Races will take place against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains, open trails and scenic coastlines.
Organisers said the Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon offers an immersive running experience across five race categories: 50km, 10km, 5km, Fun Run and Kids Race, welcoming elite athletes, amateurs and families alike.
With a prize pool of up to RO 6,000 and a vibrant Race Village featuring entertainment, food and family-friendly activities, the event promises a memorable celebration of sport and community spirit.
Jebel Sifah, developed by Orascom Development and Omran, is a distinctive coastal town located around 40 minutes from Muscat, nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. Its unique natural setting makes it an ideal venue for prestigious international and regional sporting events.
As title sponsor and host destination, Jebel Sifah offers an inspiring backdrop that combines natural beauty with modern lifestyle amenities, including pristine beaches, panoramic ocean views and a dynamic coastal atmosphere.
Featuring a renowned nine-hole golf course, a bustling marina, international dining options and curated retail outlets, Jebel Sifah is set to transform the race into a fully immersive experience where sport, nature and coastal living converge.
The destination also offers bespoke residential properties, including tax-free freehold apartments and villas overlooking scenic vistas, alongside the Sifawy Boutique Hotel, which delivers an authentic Omani hospitality experience.
The Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon reflects a shared national vision to expand high-impact sports initiatives that encourage active lifestyles, position Oman as a leading destination for outdoor endurance events, and support tourism and economic diversification.
Speaking to the Observer, Ashraf Nessim, CEO of Muriya, developer of Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah, said hosting the Ultra Marathon demonstrates how integrated destinations can promote wellness, active living and community engagement — core pillars of Oman Vision 2040.
“As a growing hub for sports tourism, Jebel Sifah is cementing its role as a catalyst for integrated lifestyle destinations that drive sustainable economic growth and contribute to diversifying Oman’s tourism offering,” Nessim said.
Mohammed Ahmed al Amri, General Manager of Sports Activities at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, noted that the Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon strengthens Oman’s presence on the global sporting map.
“Events of this scale promote a culture of wellness among youth, support Vision 2040’s long-term objectives, and showcase Oman’s exceptional natural beauty,” he said, adding that the inaugural edition lays the foundation for the marathon to become a signature annual event.
Ali al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports, also welcomed the initiative, saying, “We are proud to support an event that embodies Oman’s bold vision for sport, tourism and national progress.”
The Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon highlights the power of sport to connect people with Oman’s landscapes, inspire healthier lifestyles and contribute to economic diversification.
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