Khasab – Musandam will host its first international diving festival from August 25 to 28, with events centred in Khasab and extended to the coastal villages of Kumzar and Dibba. The announcement was made by the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, positioning the event as a step towards sustainable tourism and marine conservation in Oman’s northernmost […]
Khasab – Musandam will host its first international diving festival from August 25 to 28, with events centred in Khasab and extended to the coastal villages of Kumzar and Dibba. The announcement was made by the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, positioning the event as a step towards sustainable tourism and marine conservation in Oman’s northernmost governorate.
The festival’s programme includes a range of competitions and public activities. Highlights are a seabed clean-up campaign, freediving championship, underwater photography contest, kayak race, and a video competition focusing on marine life.
Other events include an exhibition of underwater photographs from Musandam, group diving trips, short film screenings, and a marine-themed market featuring local crafts, traditional food and diving equipment. A conference on diving and discussions on forming Oman Diving Federation are also planned.
Workshops and seminars will cover coral reef conservation, future trends in diving in the Gulf region and investment in diving tourism. A certified course by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and beginner diving sessions will also be offered.
Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, said the festival is being organised in collaboration with Musandam Exploration Diving Centre and aims to attract professional and amateur divers, marine tourism operators, influencers, equipment suppliers and eco-tourists from around the world.
He noted that the waters of Musandam – where the Arabian Gulf meets the Indian Ocean – support a unique marine ecosystem. With warm, clear waters and high visibility year-round, the area is suited to divers of all experience levels.
Busaidi highlighted the potential of diving to serve as a driver of economic development and tourism in Musandam. He emphasised the need for investment in diving infrastructure, including training centres, hotels and transport services to support growing demand.
He said the diving sector can also generate employment for local communities in roles such as guides, instructors and boat operators.
According to the governor, promoting Musandam internationally will require a coordinated effort including the use of underwater photography and videos to showcase its marine biodiversity.
Busaidi stressed the importance of responsible tourism practices to protect marine habitats. He called on diving centres to adopt sustainable practices and engage with local communities, including training fishermen and the youth to become guides and raising awareness on marine conservation.
He described the upcoming festival as a milestone in Musandam’s tourism development.
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