Muscat – Ramadan is a time for reflection, charity and prayer. In Muscat, it is also becoming a season for community sports. After iftar, football pitches and cricket grounds across the capital come alive as residents gather to compete, socialise and stay active during the holy month.

Local clubs and community groups have organised tournaments, drawing participation from both Omani and expatriate residents. From football leagues to cricket tournaments, the events blend sports with the spirit of togetherness associated with the month.

Wadi Adai Football Tournament

One of the most attended competitions this season was the Wadi Adai Football Tournament. The event brought together 16 teams representing neighbourhoods and communities from across Muscat. Played in a seven-a-side format, each match consisted of two halves of 20 minutes.

The event concluded with a final between Team Aseel from Wadi Adai and Team Jibroo from Muttrah on March 13. Nearly 1,000 spectators gathered to watch the decisive match, which ended with Team Jibroo winning the title 3–1.

Participants paid an entry fee of RO60 to take part. Organisers said the event was intended to promote physical activity and community engagement.

Jassim Adam al Balushi, head of Wadi Adai Club which organised the tournament, said the aim was to encourage residents to make productive use of their time during Ramadan. “We want people to stay fit and healthy. We want them to come together, play games and enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said.

Ramadan Cricket Tournament

Cricket also drew strong participation during Ramadan evenings. Pakistan Social Club Oman, in collaboration with Pakistan School Muscat, organised the Ramadan Cricket Tournament, which ended on March 13. The competition featured 32 teams in a knockout format.

The final was played between Asfandyar XI and Meerath Boushar, with the latter securing victory by 67 runs.

Azra Aleem, Director of Media of Pakistan Social Club Oman Interim Committee 2026 and head commentator of the tournament, said the event has long been a fixture in the community calendar. “For several decades, Pakistan Social Club Oman has organised the Ramadan Cricket Tournament at Pakistan School Muscat, bringing the community together through sports and celebration,” she said.

Moustache Rabiya Cup

A different format of football competition was also introduced this year through the Moustache Rabiya Cup, organised by the Omani Moustache Group. The tournament adopted a three-a-side FIFA Street-style format played on a half basketball court, allowing smaller teams and quicker matches.

Held every Friday night during Ramadan, the league-style competition built momentum over several weeks before concluding on March 13 with La McQueen FC lifting the trophy.

Founder Marwan Al Qureshi said the event was designed to be inclusive. “Many competitions are formal and cater to established teams. I wanted to create something accessible where even beginners feel welcome,” he said.

The tournament also carried a personal meaning. Named after Qureshi’s grandmother, who passed away in February, the event will donate funds to charity as sadaqah in her memory. “Ramadan is about giving,” he said. “More than a tournament, it is a tribute that brings together health, faith and charity.”