SALALAH: Hawana Salalah, by Orascom Development and Omran, in partnership with Sports Makers Oman, is hosting the first-ever Socca Gulf Cup in the Middle East and Asia, marking a significant milestone in the regional sports calendar. This prestigious event being held from September 1 to 4, includes eight teams from across the Gulf region.
Hawana Salalah, Oman’s largest integrated tourism complex and year-round vibrant community, features white sandy beaches, lush green wadis and turquoise waters, which makes it an ideal setting for the Socca games. The destination offers a choice of hotels, vibrant restaurants and cafes, the Hawana Aqua Park, and a range of water and land activities and is located on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, only 20 minutes from the international airport.
It is also recognised as Oman’s premier destination for recreation, leisure, and entertainment, featuring luxurious residential offerings, which makes it the preferred choice for major sports, cultural, and entertainment events throughout the year.
Engineer Wael al Lawati, CEO of Muriya, the developer of the award-winning communities, Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this historic tournament stating, "We are proud to welcome the Socca Gulf Cup to Hawana Salalah, marking a significant first for Oman. This event emphasises Hawana Salalah's growing reputation as a leading destination for regional and international events. It also contributes to Oman’s national economy and further cements the country's position as a top global tourist destination.”
The Socca Gulf Cup marks a significant milestone in the development of six-a-side football in the Gulf region, and the broader Middle East. This tournament offers Gulf teams the chance to qualify for the 2024 Socca World Cup, where they will compete alongside elite teams from around the world. The recent draw for the tournament, held on August 20 at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural and Entertainment Complex, witnessed the participation of guests from Oman and other countries, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
Under the leadership of the Middle East Socca Association and its President and Founder of Sport Makers, Waleed al Obaidani, there is an ambitious vision to advance five-a-side, six-a-side, and seven-a-side football across the region. Highlighting the significance of this event, Al Lawati added, “Hosting the inaugural Socca Gulf Cup at Hawana Salalah is just the beginning of a series of prestigious events that will position the Dhofar Governorate and Oman as hubs for international sports and cultural activities. We eagerly anticipate welcoming players, fans, and guests to our world-class destination, where they can experience the very best that Oman has to offer.”
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