Muscat – Following the paragliding accident earlier this month in Dhofar which claimed the lives of a brother-sister duo, do you think all adventure sports need comprehensive safety regulations and strict enforcement? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said –

Khalid Al Harthy, Outdoor activities instructor

Adventure sports should be encouraged, but these must be organised within a safe environment. Operators should meet clear licensing requirements, use certified equipment and have trained staff who can respond quickly to emergencies. Participants also need to be informed about the risks before taking part. Strict enforcement would help the sector grow in a safer and more professional way.

Arun Raj, IT professional

Adventure sports are becoming more popular, particularly among young people, but excitement should not come at the expense of safety. I believe Oman needs clear and consistent rules for adventure activities, including regular equipment inspections and qualified instructors. There should also be better public awareness so people can make informed decisions before participating.

Maha Al Rawahi, Marketing executive

I enjoy outdoor activities because these allow people to explore Oman in a different way, but adventure should never mean taking unnecessary risks. I support comprehensive regulations, especially for activities such as paragliding, diving and mountain sports. At the same time, participants must take personal responsibility and follow safety instructions. Regulations and public awareness need to go hand in hand.

Anita Menon, Community volunteer

Adventure tourism can create jobs and attract visitors, but safety must grow alongside the industry. People should be able to know whether an operator is officially licensed, whether the equipment has been inspected and whether trained personnel are present. Transparent safety standards would protect participants and also strengthen Oman’s reputation as a tourism destination.

Saeed Al Shanfari, Occupational health and safety specialist

Comprehensive safety regulations are essential for any activity where a mistake or equipment failure can have fatal consequences. The rules should cover operator licensing, equipment inspections, weather monitoring, emergency response and rescue coordination. Most importantly, there should be effective enforcement rather than regulations existing only on paper.

Priya Nair, School teacher

People are attracted to adventure sports because they want new experiences, but many may not fully understand the risks involved. I believe every operator should be properly licensed and every participant should receive basic safety training. Stronger regulations would give families greater confidence while encouraging responsible adventure tourism.

Rajesh Kumar, Engineer

Adventure activities are becoming increasingly popular among residents, including the Indian community. Regulations should ensure that operators use certified equipment and that participants receive proper safety briefings. There should also be clear rules about when an activity must be suspended because of weather or other conditions. Safety should never be compromised for entertainment.

Dr Aisha Al Hinai, University lecturer

Oman has enormous potential for adventure tourism, particularly in places such as Dhofar. However, every activity involving significant risk should have clearly defined safety standards. Participants also need to understand the risks before taking part. Proper regulation, training and monitoring can help prevent avoidable tragedies while allowing people to enjoy these activities safely.

Ahmed Al Balushi, Teacher

Adventure sports can offer visitors and residents an exciting way to experience Oman’s natural beauty, but safety must come first. We need clear regulations covering equipment, weather conditions, operator qualifications, emergency procedures and insurance. A comprehensive framework would not discourage adventure tourism; it would make it more responsible and sustainable.