Muscat – The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is returning to Oman after more than a decade, with the world’s leading divers set to compete across two of the sultanate’s most distinctive natural and urban settings.

The  2026 season finale will see 24 athletes – 12 men and 12 women – contest the final event of the 17th edition of the series from November 12 to 14. Two King Kahekili trophies will be at stake as champions are crowned in the three-day event.

This will mark the first time the women’s category competes in Oman. The World Series last took place in the sultanate in 2012, when the event was staged in Wadi Shab, before the introduction of the women’s competition.

After a 14-year absence, the series returns with opening rounds set in the limestone canyon of Wadi Hawer, which is downstream of Wadi Bani Khalid. Divers will trek for nearly an hour through the wadi to reach a natural blue pool deep within the canyon.

Athletes will launch from natural rock take-offs into freshwater pools surrounded by steep canyon walls. No constructed platforms or visual reference points will be used at this stage, placing emphasis on precision and control. Water temperatures are expected to be around 20°C.

The competition will then move to Muttrah, at the heart of Muscat’s historic harbour. A purpose-built platform rising 21m and 27m above the Sea of Oman will host the decisive dives.

Set against rugged mountain ridges and the Muttrah corniche, the harbour has served as a trading hub for more than 2,000 years. Spectators are expected to line the waterfront, with the old souq forming part of the backdrop to the final rounds.

Event schedules, as well as visitor and spectator information, will be released closer to the competition date. Organisers stated that the Oman stop remains subject to confirmation due to the current regional situation.