Tuesday 08 / July / 2025
Muscat: There is just one week remaining until the Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway in Barr Al Hikman. Set to commence on July 15th and run until July 24th, the festival promises an exhilarating fusion of world-class kitesurfing action, cultural immersion, and family-friendly entertainment, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Oman's pristine coastline.
The Oman Kite Festival, an initiative by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, aims to position key coastal destinations as premier international venues for adventure and sports tourism. Building on the resounding success of last year’s Oman Downwinder, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration, inviting a larger contingent of international athletes and offering a richer, more diverse experience for all attendees.
Abdulhafidh Al-Harthi, Assets Manager Experiences at Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), expressed his excitement for the event as it draws closer, outlining how the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is a cornerstone of the Group’s commitment to showcasing Oman's unique natural assets and diversifying our tourism offerings.
At the festival's core is the multi-stage "Downwinder" race, an awe-inspiring journey that will traverse some of Oman's most picturesque coastal regions. Kitesurfers will navigate four challenging phases from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16th, Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais on July 20th, Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21st, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 23rd.
Beyond the "Downwinder," the festival boasts a dynamic calendar of complementary competitions, including the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman on July 15th, the Big Air Show and Freestyle Show in Masirah Island on July 17th and 18th respectively, the Coastal Race in Masirah Island on July 19th, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24th—promising an action-packed experience for both participants and spectators.
Off the water, the Oman Kite Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience. Visitors can look forward to a range of family-friendly activities and a vibrant SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, showcasing local businesses and Omani traditions.
This truly unique event not only elevates Oman as a world-class destination for international sporting events but also supports the tourism diversification objectives outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2040.
The organisers extend a warm invitation to local residents and international visitors to join us in this extraordinary celebration of sport, nature, and culture: Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of kitesurfing and the unparalleled beauty of Oman. The festival is organised by the Omran Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center.
Further details, including specific event timings and spectator information, can be found on the official Oman Kite Festival website https://omankitefestival.om and across Social Media channels.
