The inaugural edition of the Oman DownWinder, organized by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), recently concluded after eight days and 500km at sea. The event was created to enhance Oman’s adventure and experiences sector, aligning with the tourism diversification goals of Vision 2040. Twelve professional athletes from Oman and overseas participated in the expedition, aiming to showcase Oman’s natural beauty and position the nation as an emerging sports tourism and events destination. The closing ceremony, held in Ras Al Hadd, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, was attended by various dignitaries, marking a significant milestone in promoting Oman as a world-class destination for international sporting events.
Participants in the Oman DownWinder covered more than 500 kilometers over eight days, highlighting key tourist destinations along the Omani coast and showcasing its potential as a leading international venue for kiteboarding. The event offered unique experiences such as exploring the Sugar dunes in Khalouf, Masirah Island, and Ashkara before reaching the Ras Al Jinz Reserve in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. With exceptional weather conditions at this time of year, participants were able to enjoy thrilling windsurfing races along the stunning Omani coast, experiencing the natural allure of the region.
Exhibition races were held at each of the seven legs of the journey, ranging from 52km to 115km, demonstrating the possibility of hosting shorter sprint and longer marathon windsurfing events along the Omani coastline. The conditions during the event were excellent, allowing athletes to reach near-top speeds and challenge themselves with exhilarating waves. At the end of each leg, participants had the opportunity to enjoy stopovers at key destinations, sampling the authentic hospitality offered in Oman and further enhancing their experience during the DownWinder.
Sultan bin Suleiman Al-Khudouri, Assets Manager at the Omran Group, highlighted the Oman DownWinder’s role in unlocking Oman’s tourism potential and promoting the nation as a global sports destination. Marcelo Antunes Ferreira, CEO of Sea & Beach Projects S.P.C., expressed his delight at the positive reception the event received from the local community and emphasized the event’s contribution to Oman’s positioning as a global sports destination. The Oman DownWinder 2024 is expected to attract athletes and enthusiasts from around the world, benefiting sports, tourism, cultural, and economic sectors and further enhancing Oman’s reputation in the field of kiteboarding.
Among the athletes who participated in the Oman DownWinder were amateur kitesurfing enthusiast Barakat Al Kindi, marine photographer and PADI dive instructor Azan Al Senani, Dutch professional kitesurfer Ruben Lenten, British kitesurfing champion Hannah Whiteley, and surfing coach Mitu Monteiro. The event was organized by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) in collaboration with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and the Oman Adventure Center, showcasing Oman’s potential as a premier destination for adventure and sports tourism. In conclusion, the Oman DownWinder served as a platform to highlight Oman’s natural beauty and unique experiences while positioning the nation as a global hotspot for sports events, attracting athletes and enthusiasts from around the world and contributing to the development of the local sports and tourism sectors.
