Muscat – Oman will make history on September 5 when it hosts its first World Athletics Grand Prix, a landmark event expected to propel the sultanate onto the global athletics stage and reinforce its ambition of becoming a regional hub for international sporting events.

Speaking to the Muscat Daily, Retd Brig Saeed bin Mohammed Al Hajri, Chairman of Oman Athletics Association, said the event reflects growing international confidence in the sultanate’s ability to organise world-class sporting competitions and supports the objectives of Vision 2040 to develop sport as a contributor to economic growth.

“This is more than a one-day competition. It is an opportunity to showcase Oman as a destination capable of hosting major international sporting events while promoting cultural exchange and sports tourism,” he said.

The one-day competition at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Bausher is expected to attract more than 300 athletes from around 50 countries, competing for valuable World Athletics ranking points.

Al Hajri said securing World Athletics approval followed extensive technical and organisational preparations, including meeting international standards for competition venues, athlete services, medical facilities, anti-doping procedures and electronic timing systems.

He expects fierce competition, with leading athletes from Africa, Europe, East Asia and Latin America set to participate, as the meeting offers valuable ranking points for qualification to future international championships.

The chairman described the Grand Prix as a major opportunity for Omani athletes to compete against world-class performers on home soil, gain international experience and improve their world rankings without the need to travel abroad. He said the exposure would strengthen Oman’s long-term ambitions, including qualification for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Preparations for the event are nearing completion through coordination between Oman Athletics Association, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and other government agencies.

The September 5 programme will feature a wide range of track and field events for both men and women, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m races, as well as long jump, high jump, triple jump, javelin throw and discus throw, with organisers ensuring full gender balance in line with World Athletics regulations.

Al Hajri said the championship is also expected to generate economic and tourism benefits by attracting more than 500 athletes, officials, coaches, media representatives and accompanying delegations, boosting hotel occupancy, transport, retail and other service sectors while showcasing Oman’s tourism and cultural attractions to international audiences.

Alongside the competition, the association will organise workshops and technical courses for Omani officials under the supervision of World Athletics experts, in addition to knowledge-sharing sessions between local and international coaches.

Fan zones, family entertainment activities and outreach programmes involving schools, universities and sports clubs are also planned to maximise public participation and create a festival atmosphere around the event.

Beyond this year’s competition, Al Hajri said Oman Athletics Association intends to make the Grand Prix an annual fixture on the World Athletics calendar before bidding for larger international events, including the World Athletics U20 Championship, Arab and West Asian championships, and eventually a Diamond League meeting and an international half marathon.

“Our ambition is not only to host successful events but to make Oman a recognised destination for international athletics and a trusted partner in the global sporting community,” Al Hajri added.