Salalah -Dhofar will host the Middle East’s first Ironman 70.3 relay championship on October 24, opening the endurance event to teams as Oman seeks to strengthen its position in the sports tourism market.

The Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 Middle East Relay Championship will be held alongside the individual Ironman 70.3 Dhofar race, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism announced at a press conference in Salalah on Tuesday.

Organised with the Ironman Group and Middle East Global Events, in partnership with Hawana Salalah, the race consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycling stage and 21.1km run.

Individual competitors will complete all three disciplines, while relay teams may divide the stages among their members.

Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the ministry, said the event marked a new step in Oman’s efforts to attract international sporting competitions and diversify its tourism offering.

He said such events could increase visitor numbers, support tourism-related businesses and generate wider economic returns in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Talal bin Hamid Al Khasibi, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said hosting the championship would help position the governorate as a year-round destination by expanding its calendar beyond traditional tourism seasons.

The event will also provide an opportunity to promote Dhofar’s natural and cultural attractions while increasing demand for hotels, transport and other visitor services, he added.

Mohammed bin Khalfan Al Obaidani, CEO of Middle East Global Events, said the relay format would make the Ironman experience accessible to athletes who may not be ready to complete all three disciplines individually.

Government and private institutions, universities and sports clubs will be able to enter teams, he said.

The championship will also allow amateur participants to compete alongside international triathletes while promoting teamwork and physical fitness.