Sports leaders to map Oman's $2.65 trillion opportunity
Muscat: Oman's sporting heritage and natural advantages position it to capitalize on the rapidly expanding global sports economy. At 11:00am on Tuesday, 29 April, industry leaders will gather at the Civil Aviation Authority Training Centre to explore strategic opportunities in this dynamic sector.
The 70-minute Tejarah Talks, 'Game On: The Potential of Oman's Sports Economy,' session brings together experts who understand both the country's competitive advantages and emerging trends in the world's ninth-largest industry, valued at $2.65 trillion.
Moderated by Jamal Al Asmi, Executive Producer, Reality CG, the panelists are Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade & International Cooperation Advisor, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); Joe Rafferty, Events Director, Oman Sail; and Ali Al Ajmi, CEO, Sabco Sports.
The discussion will highlight market opportunities, including sports tourism which contributes $583 billion annually to the global economy and the fast-growing eSports sector, now valued at $6.6 billion with over 500 million viewers worldwide.
The sustainable sports market, worth $26.2 billion and projected to grow at 7.9% CAGR through 2032 offers particular promise as Oman pursues its 2050 Net Zero target.
Key topics will include the unique, year-round sports experiences offered by Oman's diversity of landscapes and favourable climate for sports tourism and events, developing infrastructure through public-private partnerships and creating career pathways in sports management.
And with a median age of approximately 29 and internet penetration exceeding 95%, Oman's demographics align well with emerging sports sectors like eSports.
The panel will examine successful international models, including Barcelona's Olympic investments that yielded substantial economic returns and Singapore's innovative Sports Hub PPP structure.
These case studies offer valuable insights for Oman's strategic sports
planning. Beyond economic potential, the session will address the broader societal impact of sports. Research indicates communities with strong sports infrastructure experience enhanced social outcomes while regular physical activity reduces national healthcare costs significantly.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Goalkeeper García joins Barcelona from Espanyol
BERLIN: Barcelona are signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia on a six-year contract until 2031 from crosstown rivals Espanyol, the Spanish champions said on Wednesday. Barca said that 24-year-old Garcia would put pen to paper on Friday after they activated his 25 million ($28.8 million) release clause. The club said that Garcia offers "immediate reliability and an even brighter future." The arrival of 24-year-old Garcia could spell bad news for their current first-choice keeper, German international Marc-André terStegen. Barca's statement came shortly after Garcia had announced his Espanyol exit in a video on Instagram. "The time has come for us to part ways. Today I have to say goodbye to the club that has been my home since I was 15 years old," he said. Garcia joined Espanyol in 2016 and made his first team debut in became first choice in 2023, and according to Barca was the goalkeeper with the most saves in the league at 146 in the past season. He won Olympic gold last year with Spain and the Paris Games, and has one call-up for the senior national team. Garcia's arrival raises questions about the future of Ter Stegen at the club he joined in 2014. The 33-year-old has been linked with other clubs such as Türkiye's Galatasaray, but is said to be willing to fight for his first-choice status at Barca, where he has a contract until 2028.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Invest Oman hosts ‘Advantage Oman' dialogue in Brussels
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 17 As part of its strategic agenda to expand global investment partnerships, Invest Oman , operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, convened the 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). Designed to highlight the Sultanate's evolving investment landscape, the dialogue aimed to foster deeper economic and trade relations between Oman and Belgium. It brought together a distinguished audience of Belgian investors, industry leaders, and senior decision-makers, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and tourism and leisure. The platform facilitated direct engagement between Omani and Belgian stakeholders, enabling exploration of joint investment opportunities and commercial synergies. The Omani delegation presented Oman's strategic megaprojects, regulatory enhancements, and investor-centric reforms—underscoring the Sultanate's commitment to creating a competitive and future-ready business environment. Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated: 'Oman places great emphasis on forging long-term partnerships with Belgium. This dialogue is a strategic step toward elevating our economic cooperation, introducing Oman's competitive advantages, and enabling Belgian enterprises to expand within a high-potential, future-ready market.' Rua bint Issa Al Zadjali, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, remarked: 'This initiative reflects Oman's broader vision to strengthen economic diplomacy and create meaningful engagement with key international markets. It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and highlight Oman's role as a trusted and strategic investment destination.' The 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue is part of Oman's ongoing global outreach to position itself as a regional gateway for investment and trade. Belgium continues to emerge as a key partner across several priority sectors, as Oman actively builds enduring economic bridges with European markets.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman courts Belgian investors to boost trade ties
Muscat – As part of its global investment promotion efforts, Invest Oman – under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) – held the 'Advantage Oman–Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels on Monday. Organised in cooperation with the Embassy of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC), the event was held to strengthen trade and economic relations between Oman and Belgium. The forum brought together senior Belgian investors, business leaders and decision-makers to discuss investment opportunities in Oman, with a focus on sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, tourism and leisure. Omani representatives highlighted the sultanate's recent regulatory reforms, major projects and its supportive environment for investors. The dialogue provided a platform for direct discussions between Omani and Belgian stakeholders to identify areas for cooperation and possible joint ventures. Pankaj Khimji, advisor for foreign trade and international cooperation at MoCIIP, said the dialogue was an important step in building long-term partnerships. 'This dialogue is a strategic step toward strengthening our economic cooperation with Belgium. It introduces Oman's competitive edge and invites Belgian enterprises to grow within a future-ready market,' he said. H E Rua bint Issa al Zadjali, Oman's Ambassador to Belgium, said the initiative supports Oman's efforts to enhance economic diplomacy and build strong international ties. 'It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and reaffirm Oman's position as a strategic investment destination,' she said. The Advantage Oman series is part of the sultanate's wider strategy to attract foreign investment and promote Oman as a gateway to global markets.
