Muscat Gears Up for Middle East Championship “Experience Oman Ironman 70.3”

Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today held a press conference during which it unveiled details of the Sultanate of Oman's hosting the first edition of the Middle East Championship 'Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 - Muscat', which will be held in the Governorate of Muscat from 13 to 14 February 2026. The championship will be held at Qurum Beach, where participants will take up the challenge of the championship, which consists of three main stages: a 1.9-km open water swim, a 90-km cycling race, and a 21.1-km run (half marathon). The event will also feature events aimed at entertaining families and children in an interactive public arena. According to Oman News Agency, the championship will see the participation of 1,049 people representing 82 countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the Sultanate of Oman. Haitham Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that hosting this major championship reflects global confidence in the Sultanate of Oman's ability to adhere to the highest approved standards. Al Ghassani pointed out that the championship plays a basic role in making use of Oman's tourism assets, including sports tourism the ministry is working hard to develop. He added that Oman boasts diverse nature-including extensive coasts, towering mountains, open roads, and moderate climate-that make it an ideal destination for the greatest international tourism and sports events. Al Ghassani explained that 'The implementation of this global championship is in pursuance of cooperation with the Middle East International Events Foundation. The event is efficiently being handled by a 100 percent Omani staff boasting an organizational expertise that keeps pace with the best global standards.' The hosting of the championship in the Sultanate of Oman achieves a tangible economic impact, evidenced by an influx of a large number of participants from different countries of the world. The accompanying internati onal media coverage also contributes to highlighting Oman's tourism assets and enhancing its global presence, said Al Ghassani, noting that the integration of efforts between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and other public and private sector establishments leads to the diversification of tourism products and the consolidation of sustainability, much in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. For his part, Mohammed Al Obaidani, the race director, affirmed the readiness of all regulatory and logistical structure for the championship. Al Obaidani explained that the race routes were carefully designed to provide an integrated sporting experience, with a 1.9-km swimming stage starting in the open waters of Qurum Beach, followed by a 90-km cycling race through open roads along diverse routes that combine smoothness and natural scenery, and concluding in a 21.1 km half marathon amid a picturesque nature and public acclaim. Speaking about accompanying events, Al Obaidani said that they include an integ rated fan zone, fun races dedicated to children, and recreational activities for families. These will turn the event into an integrated sports festival, he observed, noting that the organization of such tournaments contributes to fostering a culture of sports and promoting a healthy lifestyle in society. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launched a digital platform dedicated to booking tourist packages. The digital platform is placed on the promotional website of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism 'Experience Oman'.