The Oman Golf Trophy will get underway this weekend, with the main aim of boosting investment and tourism. This unique golf diplomacy initiative is characterized by a robust public-private partnership to promote investment and tourism opportunities in Oman in line with Oman Vision 2040, with the Sultanate of Oman aiming to leverage golf as an elegant ambassador to highlight the natural beauty of the country for travellers and strengthen diplomatic ties between Oman and Italy.
Organised in partnership with several ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, The Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry & Investment Promotion, the Oman Golf Trophy invites Italians and Europeans to discover Oman’s exclusive tourism experiences and rich business opportunities. It is stewarded by the Oman Golf Association (www.golfoman.com) and is coupled with private sector sponsorship by some of the most well-known groups in the country including Daud Group, Oman Air, OHI, The Zubair Corporation, Al Mouj Muscat and Kempinski Hotel Muscat.
The grand finale of the Oman Golf Trophy takes place on 7th March at the award-winning Al Mouj Golf, Muscat.
Speaking ahead of the event, HE Ibtisam Ahmad Al Faroujia, Undersecretary for Investment Promotion, MoCIIP, said: “Significant investment has been made in the development and promotion of new sports and leisure facilities across Oman. Coupled with an award-winning international airport, world class hotels and resorts and some of the finest beaches in the world, they have contributed to making Oman a tourism hotspot. Sports events and competitions such as the Oman Golf Trophy is a prime example which presents us with exceptional opportunities to showcase not just our country’s natural beauty and tourism attractions but also its outstanding investment environment and the wealth of dynamic possibilities it offers across a range of sectors. It is a pleasure for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion to be associated with the Oman Golf Trophy, I wish all participants every success.”
The Italian leg of the Oman Golf Trophy tournament was played across seven of the most prestigious courses in Italy between September and November 2022, with 14 players from over 800 participants qualifying for the grand finale, which will provide local golfers with the unique experience of playing alongside Italian golfers.
Ali Daud, CEO Daud Group, one of the main architects of this unique initiative said: “I found it exciting working with the different government and private sector entities over the past eighteen months to put together the Oman Golf Trophy in Italy and now, soon, in Oman. His Excellency the Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamed AlBusaidi has certainly blazed a trail; this has been, without a doubt, pioneering work that has laid a solid foundation for how national promotion initiatives should be managed and executed moving forward, as a joint effort and a partnership between the government and the private sector. As expected, the Italian leg from September to November generated massive interest among the golf community in Italy, but also among business and industry professionals. We have prepared a unique and fun program for our guests that focuses on three main themes: tourism, golf, and investment. They will be shown around the country, play some golf with local players and be introduced to some of the business and investment opportunities Oman has to offer. I look forward to welcoming our Italian friends – 40 in total – when they arrive this weekend, and crown the first OGT winners at a special gala dinner on the 7th March at ROHM”
In addition to competitive golf at Al Mouj Golf, the guests, which include leaders of industry along with the 14 Oman Golf Trophy qualifying winners and their companions, will be hosted to a half day investment awareness session at the recently inaugurated INVEST IN OMAN CENTER (https://investoman.om/).
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman Investment Authority, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as well as the Visit Oman platform will provide the Italian guests with a comprehensive overview of the investment climate and opportunities on offer in Oman.
Later in the week the guests will have an opportunity for further B2B engagements in areas that pique their interest in this initial investment awareness session. Participants will also be given the chance to explore many of the key experiences that make Oman one of the region’s top tourist destinations, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat, Old Muscat, and the historic area of Nizwa.
Celebrating the initiative, Ammar Maqbool Al Saleh, Executive Vice Chairman of OHI Group of Companies, added: “OHI is honoured to sponsor this inaugural ‘Golf Diplomacy’ initiative that has brought government agencies, corporates, and people and cultures together through the elite and popular sport of golf. OHI’s belief in the power of partnerships is truly reflected in this initiative, and we look forward to translating the opportunities generated into value for all. As a premier business group in Oman and with a strong presence across key sectors, we are well placed to support the program and also drive growth in line with Oman Vision 2040.”
Welcoming over 16,000 golfers annually, Al Mouj Golf is ranked within the World Top 100 golf courses and has been recognised with a number of international awards. Al Mouj Golf is a key component of Al Mouj Muscat, the Sultanate’s leading leisure and lifestyle destination.
