Oman Sports and Activities

Oman Sports and Activities

Watersports: There are many sandy beaches offering good bathing, diving and sailing facilities. Many hotels have pools. There are also three private sports clubs with water-skiing and fishing facilities. The Bander al-Rowdha Marina has a purpose-built watersports complex, with landscaped beach area, swimming pool and restaurants. The Dubai to Muscat President’s Cup Regatta takes place annually. The waters of the Gulf of Oman and the North Indian Ocean are populated by black marlin, swordfish, tuna and sailfish making them ideal for game fishing. A fishing permit is required from the Directorate General of Fisheries, and spearfishing is strictly prohibited. In the southern region, fishing is restricted to between Mughsayl and Taqah. Hunting is completely forbidden.

Caving: This is also popular in Oman. Majlis al-Jhinn is the world’s second-largest cave; its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its 4 million cubic metre expanse.

Other: There are many sports clubs based in Muscat offering facilities for tennis, squash and karting. Hockey, football, volleyball and basketball are popular spectator sports and matches are staged at the Wattayah Stadium. Owing to the nature of the terrain and climate, golf is not a prominent sport in Oman, although there are a number of sand courses operated by local clubs, as well as plans to build a course at A’Suwadi. Horseraces and the more popular camel races are held on Fridays and public holidays at a variety of locations.