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Ironman 70.3 returns to Muscat as Oman boosts sports tourism

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 12:34

Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman will host the Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship in Muscat from February 13 to 14, reinforcing its position as a leading sports tourism destination in the region. The championship is being organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with Middle East Global Events. It […]

Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman will host the Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship in Muscat from February 13 to 14, reinforcing its position as a leading sports tourism destination in the region.

The championship is being organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with Middle East Global Events. It forms part of the Ironman 70.3 World Series and offers qualifying athletes a pathway to compete at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Ironman 70.3 returns to Muscat as Oman boosts sports tourism

The event is held under a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ironman Group, which runs until 2030. The partnership aims to expand the presence of Ironman races in Oman and strengthen the sultanate’s role on the regional and international endurance sports calendar.

Ironman 70.3 returns to Muscat as Oman boosts sports tourism

Haitham bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said hosting the championship in Muscat presents an important opportunity to highlight Oman’s tourism assets and enhance its visibility on the global sports tourism map.

“Oman has natural resources that qualify it to host major international sporting events,” Ghassani said. “Its diverse geography, from long coastlines and mountains to deserts and valleys, alongside open nature trails, provides an ideal setting for world-class competitions.”

He added that the championship will be delivered by a 100% Omani workforce, with organisational standards aligned with international benchmarks. “This reflects the capability of national talent to manage major sporting events at a global level,” he said.

Ghassani noted that the championship generates tangible economic benefits by attracting athletes, visitors and international media, supporting the tourism sector and related industries. “The global media exposure also contributes to promoting Oman’s tourism potential and strengthening its international profile,” he said.

Ironman 70.3 returns to Muscat as Oman boosts sports tourism

The Ironman 70.3 race covers a total distance of 70.3 miles, or around 113km, across three disciplines. It begins with a 1.9km swim in the Sea of Oman off Qurum Beach, followed by a 90km cycling route along coastal roads and scenic landscapes, and concludes with a 21.1km half marathon along beaches and dedicated running tracks.

The championship is expected to attract professional and amateur athletes from several countries. A fan zone, children’s races and recreational activities will be held alongside the main event, positioning the championship as a broader sporting festival promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle within the community.

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