The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is inviting participants to register for the swimming races set to take place during the ‘Sur Maritime Sports Festival.’ This event is part of the executive programme for Sur, designated as the Arab Tourism Capital 2024, and will be held at ‘Mokha’ Beach in the Wilayat of Sur.
The festival aims to showcase the tourism significance of Sur and Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, drawing upon Sur’s historical role as a hub of civilizational and cultural exchange, rooted in its rich maritime heritage. According to the ministry, the marine races will run from August 18 to 28, with daily marine events from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm.
Prizes for the top three winners in both the men’s and women’s categories are set at RO 300 for first place, RO 200 for second place and RO 100 for third place.
Organised by Oman Sail, the festival will feature the Oman Sailing Championship 2024, with competitions in three categories: Elca 4, Elca 6, and Optimist. The event will also include parasailing races, swimming races and traditional rowing boat races, along with the opportunity for festival-goers to experience sailing aboard ‘Diam 24’ boats, offering thrilling sailing experiences.
The last edition of the Heritage Festival, which was also held in Sur, attracted around 72,267 visitors over eight days, demonstrating the festival’s success in highlighting Sur’s distinguished maritime heritage and cultural significance. The current festival continues this tradition, aiming to promote adventure tourism in Oman and develop sailing skills among the youth.
The festival plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy and positioning Oman as a premier global destination for sailing sports. By featuring international races, the festival seeks to place Oman firmly on the global sailing map, enhancing the country’s reputation as a favoured destination for maritime activities.
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