Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in partnership with Sports Makers Company, officially launched its 2026-2027 Sports Season on July 8, with activities scheduled from August 2026 through February 2027. The ceremony took place at the Oman Across Ages Museum and was held under the patronage of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.
The season aims to leverage sports as a catalyst for sustainable development, enhance quality of life, boost sports tourism, and stimulate economic activity across the governorate’s wilayats by showcasing its natural and cultural heritage. The programme is aligned with the national development goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Shaikh Mahmoud bin Rashid al Saadi, speaking from the office of the Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasized that the initiative builds upon the governorate’s strategy to utilize its unique regional advantages through comprehensive sports programming. He highlighted the role of these activities in expanding community engagement, supporting economic sectors, and promoting tourism.
The upcoming season will feature a variety of events and competitions, including the Al Dakhiliyah Electronic Games Festival, Government Employees Sports Games, multiple running races such as the Empire Race, the Nizwa Urban Games Festival, mountain hikes, the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Football League, the Gulf Equestrian Gathering, the Classic Car Exhibition, Salout Marathon, Adam Legends Sports, as well as open sports days, fitness programmes, and sports caravans.
In addition to the season’s main lineup, the region will host the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Festival from mid-July to the end of August. This festival combines tourism, culture, entertainment, and sports and features events such as the Gulf Equestrian Gathering, which attracts riders from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to experience the scenic landscapes of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. The festival also includes the Fig and Olive Festival.
Ahmed bin Salim al Toubi, Director-General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, explained that the planning for the sports season involved a coordinated operational framework addressing technical, organisational, and logistical preparations. This coordination extended to government agencies and implementation partners to ensure readiness of venues and smooth event execution. He noted the strategic distribution of activities across different wilayats to complement their distinct natural, touristic, and heritage qualities, aiming to enhance participant and visitor experiences while supporting small and medium enterprises.
Zayed bin Khalifa al Rashdi, Director of Public Relations at Sports Makers Company, stated that the organisation is committed to delivering events that meet high standards of safety and quality to provide a comprehensive and integrated sports experience.
The launch event also recognized the achievements of notable Omani athletes, including sprinter Barakat al Harthy, tennis champion Fatma al Nabhani, and free diving champion Omar al Ghilani, showcasing their contributions to the promotion of sports excellence in Oman.
Al Rawas highlighted the season’s role in offering valuable opportunities for community participation in sports, emphasizing the collaboration between government bodies and the private sector to ensure the delivery of distinguished services during this extensive programme.