Muscat Braces for Middle East
Championship “Experience Oman Ironman 70.3” From 13 February

Muscat, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) — 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.

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,
said, “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 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 international 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 a1.9-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 integrated 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”.

— Ends/Bishara