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MHT signs deal to host Ironman races for five years 

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 22:26

Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed a five-year partnership with the Ironman Group to host world championship events and endurance races starting in 2026. The agreement was announced in Muscat under the patronage of H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Under the deal, Oman’s promotional […]

Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed a five-year partnership with the Ironman Group to host world championship events and endurance races starting in 2026.

The agreement was announced in Muscat under the patronage of H E Salem bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Under the deal, Oman’s promotional identity will feature across the group’s global events, website and media platforms.

The partnership will see the sultanate host the Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 Muscat in February 2026. The Muscat event will serve as the official Middle East Championship for 70.3 triathlons, offering athletes a regional title and qualification opportunities for the Ironman World Championship. 

A full-distance Ironman will be held annually in Muscat every November.

The races will include open-water swimming, a world-class cycling route passing by tourist landmarks and a multi-stage running competition. 

H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism

The ministry said hosting these events highlights Oman’s readiness to stage major international competitions and strengthens its position as a hub for adventure and sports tourism.

H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in MHT, said the championships will boost promotion of Oman’s diverse landscapes and support growth in tourism and related sectors. “This partnership represents a major step in positioning Oman as a leading destination for endurance sports. It will also contribute to diversifying tourism patterns and opening new opportunities for investment,” he said.

The undersecretary noted that the Ironman races are expected to attract participants and spectators from across Europe, the Middle East and other global markets, benefiting sectors such as aviation, hospitality and transport. The events are also intended to engage local communities, promote fitness and develop sports culture.

Scott DeRue, CEO of Ironman Group, said the races would showcase Oman’s natural and cultural assets to the global endurance sports community. “Oman is already a recognised adventure destination, and this partnership will highlight its unique beauty and history,” he said.

The ministry confirmed that the long-term agreement is designed to create economic returns, empower local institutions and enhance Oman’s visibility as a tourism destination in line with Vision 2040.

Scott DeRue, CEO of Ironman Group

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