Thursday 04 / December / 2025
Mussanah: Barceló Mussanah Resort hosted on Wednesday the official opening ceremony of the 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, marking the start of the inaugural edition of this global event dedicated to sailors with disabilities.
Organised for the first time worldwide by Oman Sail, the championship welcomes 155 sailors from 37 countries, with competitions running until 8 December.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said, President of the Oman Olympic Committee, in the presence of dignitaries and senior guests, including H.E. Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, Chairman of the Oman School Sports Federation, and Vice President of the Oman Olympic Committee; Dr. Khamis bin Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail; as well as representatives of regional and international federations.
The ceremony witnessed the official raising of the championship flag by the esteemed guest of honour, accompanied by Dr. Khamis Al Jabri, marking the official launch of the event.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, then proclaimed the opening of the championship in a forma laddress that signaled the start of the competitions.
This took place amid a vibrant celebratory atmosphere featuring a parade of the participating nations’ flags and a visual presentation that highlighted the values of unity and inclusivity that define this inaugural edition.
During the ceremony, Dr. Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, delivered a welcoming speech, saying: “It is an honour to gather today for an exceptional moment defined by inspiration and determination, as we celebrate the launch of the first-ever World Sailing Inclusion Championships, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This global event reflects the highest values of empowerment and equality, and highlights Oman’s civilisational message of using sport as a bridge for communication, peace, and opportunity for all.”
He added: “Since launching the SailFree programme in 2019, we have believed that the sea is wide enough for everyone, and that the sail of hope carries those who possess the will.
Today, this initiative becomes an Omani success story crowned by hosting this historic championship.”
He stressed that the event goes far beyond sport: “It is a deeply human message affirming that difference is a source of strength, and that determination leads to achievement.
It also embodies Oman Vision 2040, which places human empowerment and the development of capabilities at the heart of building a prosperous and sustainable society.”
Dr. Al Jabri expressed appreciation for the support of governmental and private partners—including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth; the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; the Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah; World Sailing; and key supporting organisations such as Al Amal Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation Centre, the Royal Navy of Oman’s Medical Services, the Royal Oman Police, the Oman School Sports Federation, and the Ministry of Social Development—whose efforts helped transform ambition into an achievement befitting Oman’s stature.
He also praised the Omani Olympic Committee for its role in enabling Oman Sail’s ambitions in sailing, community sport, youth programmes, and para-sport, and in enhancing Oman’s position as a leading regional and international hub for marine and sports tourism.
Dr. Al Jabri concluded by welcoming the athletes: “We salute our inspiring champions who have travelled from across the world, bringing with them remarkable stories of perseverance.
Here on the shores of Mussanah, where waves meet willpower, sport will write a new chapter in the story of humanity.”
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, , stating: “this is the very first edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, and what a wonderful place to host the inaugural one.
In the sunshine, with warm water and a racecourse just outside the marina, the mountains as a backdrop - cultures and rituals that go back centuries; but the most wonderful thing here is the people, the warm, happy generous and very hospitable Oman people, thank you Oman for making us feel so welcome.
This inaugural edition marks the biggest participation ever recorded in a sailing event for persons with disabilities, bringing together 155 sailors from 37 nations.
The unprecedented turnout reflects the rapid global growth of inclusive sailing and reinforces the Sultanate of Oman’s standing as a leading host of major international sporting events.
The championship will feature competitions in four boat classes: the one-person Hansa 303 and two-person RS Venture Connect, plus ILCA 6s for intellectually impaired athletes, and FarEast 28Rs for visually impaired athletes.
Oman will be represented by seven sailors from Oman Sail’s SailFree programme, run in collaboration with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association.
In the RS Venture event, the teams of Hassan Al Lawati & Zaher Al Atbi and Adel Al Siyabi & Al Ghaliya Al Jabri will join 28 other teams in a fleet racing format competition.
In the One-Person Inclusive category, using a fleet of Hansa 303 boats, Omani sailors Ali Al Ghusaini, Sultan Al Wahaibi, and Malik Al Qurtubi will compete alongside 35 athletes from around the world.
The championship brings together a diverse group of nations from across Asia, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, India, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, and host nation Oman.
From Europe, represented by Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, the UK, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Sweden; the Americas, represented by Canada, the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Trinidad & Tobago; and Oceania, represented by Australia, underscoring the event’s role as a global platform uniting athletes under shared values of inclusivity, empowerment, and equality.
Over the past three days, World Sailing organised a dedicated Emerging Nations Programme (30 November – 2 December), designed to enhance coaching capabilities, improve sailors’ technical skills and support countries in developing national inclusive sailing structures.
The programme combined theory and practical workshops, reflecting growing global commitment to advancing Para and inclusive sailing. Alongside the racing, a series of cultural and tourism activities will be offered.
International delegations will enjoy curated excursions showcasing Oman’s natural and heritage treasures across Muscat, the Damaniyat Islands, Rustaq and Nizwa—providing athletes with a rich cultural experience in addition to competition.
A Race Village will also be inaugurated, featuring local businesses, SMEs and homegrown crafts that celebrate Omani heritage.
This initiative supports the local community while strengthening the connection between sports, tourism and the economy in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Haitham Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director-General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, spoke about the role of the championship in enhancing domestic tourism and promoting the Sultanate of Oman globally through sports, saying: “The partnership of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in hosting the ‘World Sailing Inclusion Championships’ reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting sporting events and encouraging sports tourism, which reinforces Oman’s position as a leading destination for hosting international championships.
It also contributes to attracting participants from various countries, as this edition witnesses the widest participation in the history of sailing for persons with disabilities.
Hosting the event will further boost tourism activity and generate economic returns across multiple sectors.
This global event is also an opportunity to introduce participants and visitors to the rich heritage, cultural landmarks, and authentic experiences that the Sultanate of Oman offers, as well as the unique local traditions that reflect the depth and diversity of Omani identity.
The participants’ programme includes tours of several heritage and tourist sites in South Al Batinah Governorate, where the championship is being held, in addition to visits to other sites across various governorates of the Sultanate.”
The championships are powered by Oman Sail and Oman Maritime Sports Committee and supported by World Sailing’s global partners Musto and Kuehne+Nagel; Strategic Partners the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Experience Oman, and the Al Batinah South Governorate; and Bronze Partners Barceló Mussanah Resort, OXY Oman, Visit Oman, Tanuf, and Mazoon Dairy.
Mussanah Sailing School previously hosted the 2022 RS Venture Connect World Championship, the first dedicated Para sailing event in Oman, and is officially accredited as a Category A High- Performance Centre by the Asian Sailing Federation—affirming its readiness to host world-class events.
