Bidiyah – The wilayat of Bidiyah in North Sharqiyah is preparing to host the Hill Climb Challenge, one of the region’s prominent desert motorsport events, from November 24 to 27, as part of the extensive programme of the Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026.

This year’s carnival will be bigger and more diverse, running from November 19 to December 19.

The carnival will feature a wide range of events and championships, headlined by the Oman International Baja rally, which will be hosted in the sultanate for the first time, alongside various sport competitions, challenges and accompanying activities aimed at consolidating Bidiyah’s position as a destination for motorsport and adventure tourism.

The Hill Climb Challenge will be one of the main highlights of the carnival, following the success and significant public turnout achieved in previous editions. The challenge has gained widespread popularity and attracts strong participation from competitors from both within the sultanate and abroad.

Sheikh Faisal Al Hajri, President of Bidiyah Automobile Endurance Racing Club, said, “The Hill Climb Challenge has become one of the most prominent events associated with Bidiyah. Over the years, it has attracted strong public interest and participation from within and outside Oman. In 2025, the event welcomed approximately 600,000 visitors, reflecting its growing popularity and strong appeal among motorsport and desert adventure enthusiasts.”

He added, “This year, we look forward to delivering an even bigger and more distinguished edition as part of the Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026, which will run for five weeks and feature a diverse programme of sport, entertainment and community activities, providing an integrated experience for visitors, families and motorsport enthusiasts.”

Oman Baja to debut in Bidiyah in December

The Oman International Baja will make its debut on December 17-19, forming part of the Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026. Initially planned in March, the event will be an official FIA candidate for the 2027 FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups.

Based in the Sharqiyah dunes, the baja will feature a prologue followed by two desert stages across the Bidiyah and Al Qabil areas. It will be open to FIA cars as well as motorcycles and quads competing under the FIM section.

The event will operate from Jawharat Bidiyah Resort, with the service park and ceremonial start at Bidiyah Green Homes Park and the finish at Bidiyah 4×4 Club.

The baja will be part of a wider carnival featuring motorsport, sport, entertainment and cultural activities, with an integrated event village, spectator areas and live broadcast screens.