Oman Sail introduced over 250 school students and visitors to sailing and windsurfing during the five-day Barka Fort Nights festival. Held at Al Muraisi Beach, a total of 266 men and women took the opportunity to learn the first stages of sailing and windsurfing from qualified Oman Sail coaches and connect with Oman’s maritime heritage.

Nawaf Al Ghadani, Oman Sail’s Deputy Head of Sailing Schools, said, “We are very proud to be part of the Barka Fort Nights festival and pass on our expertise to visitors of all ages. The festival aimed to show the historical significance of the Barka area and the potential for the growth of tourism, and through sailing Oman Sail is able to showcase our nation’s rich maritime history as well as its prosperous future as a sports and adventure tourism destination.”

“Oman Sail is committed to making a significant contribution to national objectives for a diverse and thriving tourism sector. By hosting international events, creating opportunities to represent the nation and teaching valuable skills through sport, Oman Sail’s Sailing Schools are actively supporting the development of the next generation of Omani sailors. Being part of festivals such as Barka Fort Nights is the perfect platform for organisations to join hands and support regional communities,” he added.

Organised by the Al Batinah South Governorate, the Barka Fort Nights festival also featured theatre productions, an operetta illustrating the history of the Wilayat of Barka, an innovation hackathon and forums to share more about the culture of the area as well as plans for the development of tourism.