MUSCAT, NOV 9
The Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026 will turn the dunes of Al Sharqiyah North into a hub of motorsport, entertainment and culture from November 19 to December 19, with the Oman Baja Desert Rally heading its programme.
Running weekly from Thursday to Saturday, the carnival aims to showcase the natural, tourism and cultural assets of Al Sharqiyah North.
Sulaiman al Rawahi, Director-General of the Oman Automobile Association, said the Oman Baja Rally is an important opportunity to attract elite international drivers and prominent motorsport champions, strengthening Oman's presence on the global motorsport map and its position as a destination for international sporting events.
Bidiyah's varied terrain and distinctive desert environment, he added, make it well suited to this type of rally, offering the right conditions for competitions that combine challenge and excitement.
Sumaiya al Busaidi, Director of Heritage and Tourism in Al Sharqiyah North, said the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is keen to support such sporting and tourism events, given their importance in boosting tourism and attracting visitors from inside and outside Oman.
The rally, she said, is an opportunity to promote the tourism assets and natural diversity of Al Sharqiyah North, while strengthening public-private partnership to develop the tourism sector.
Alongside the rally, the dunes of Bidiyah will host motorsport championships and challenges, while visitors can enjoy drone shows, live performances, concerts and fireworks. Families will find children's areas, games and a cinema dome, and heritage events include an endurance horse race and cultural and literary performances.
Beyond sport and entertainment, the carnival aims to support small and medium enterprises, home-based businesses and local projects, boost tourism and hospitality, and create new opportunities for the local community.
Organisers hope it will become an annual winter destination, attracting visitors from across Oman and abroad.
A panel discussion on the carnival's tourism, sporting and economic dimensions brought together the Governor, Sulaiman al Rawahi, Faisal al Hajri, Chairman of Bidiyah Motor Racing Club, Issa al Salti, Director of Culture, Sports and Youth in Al Sharqiyah North, and Sumaiya al Busaidi.
A sponsorship agreement was signed between the Oman Automobile Association, represented by Bidiyah Motor Racing Club, and Al Daham Real Estate Group to support the carnival's sporting events. It was signed by Faisal al Hajri and Shaikh Khalid al Wahaibi on behalf of the group.
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