Muscat: As part of the ongoing momentum witnessed by Oman’s sports scene during the Muscat Nights season, the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee (OBSC) has announced the organisation of two major international tournaments: the Muscat Nights International Snooker Championship and the Muscat Nights International Billiards Championship, scheduled to take place from January 14 to 18.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday in cooperation with the Muscat Nights 2026 organising committee at Active Oman Billiards and Snooker Hall, located at the Oman Automobile Association headquarters. The initiative reflects the growing stature of cue sports in Oman and their increasing ability to attract top-level international players.
Khalid al Subhi, OBSC Chairman, confirmed that this year’s edition carries a strong international dimension, with players representing 18 countries, including Oman, Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Philippines, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Eritrea.
He explained that this diverse international presence reflects the growing status of the Muscat Nights tournaments on both the regional and international competition calendar.
Al Subhi added that the number of participants has reached 124 players, compared to 92 in the previous edition, indicating a clear increase in participation and growing confidence in the tournament’s organisation and technical standards.
TOP PRIZE MONEY
Al Subhi explained that the snooker championship will be a full ball (group system, best of 5). The top 2 will qualify for the round of 16 (no referees). While Round 16 to the finals (knockout best of 7) will be with the referees.
The Billiards Championship will be played in a '10-ball' alternate break system in the preliminary rounds (Race to 9) for the winner and loser sides, and the round of 16 will be a knockout system (Race to 11). The finals will be (Race to 13)
Al Subhi revealed that the total prize pool for both tournaments amounts to RO 6,770, divided as follows: RO 3,420 for the Snooker Championship, RO 3,350 for the Billiards Championship. The prizes represent one of the largest financial packages offered by the committee within the Muscat Nights events.
Al Subhi stressed that the two tournaments add significant value to Oman on both the tourism and economic levels, given the participation of players and officials from more than 18 countries. This contributes to boosting hotel occupancy, transportation, restaurants, and tourism markets, while also promoting Muscat as a leading sports and tourism destination capable of hosting international events to the highest standards. He highlighted the growing role of sports tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
MUSCAT'S INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
Meanwhile, Hussain al Rumhi, Supervisor of the Beach Events Committee at Muscat Nights, said the inclusion of the two tournaments fits perfectly within the festival’s strategy to diversify its cultural, entertainment, and sporting offerings.
He added that hosting international billiards and snooker competitions during Muscat Nights adds a high-quality sporting dimension with clear tourism and economic benefits. Al Rumhi also stressed that the partnership between Muscat Nights and the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee reflects the importance of collaboration between government entities and specialised sports bodies in delivering professionally organised international events.
He concluded by reaffirming Muscat Municipality’s commitment to supporting and expanding such initiatives, strengthening Muscat’s position as a destination for global sporting events, while embedding sports more deeply into the cultural and social fabric of Muscat Nights.
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