attractions: sports oman 2012
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WATERSPORTS Surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, Oman is a haven for watersports, from deep-sea fish- ing to diving, sailing and cruising. Dolphin watching at daybreak, deep-sea fishing and beach sport tournaments are some of the options available as well as snorkelling and sunset cruises on a traditional dhow boat. Oman also offers a wealth of marine life, including marlin, yellow fin tuna, barracuda and Dorado, and deep-sea fishing excursions are fixtures on the activities agenda for keen anglers as well as fishing novices. Musandam, Oman's northern most peninsula overlooking the busy Strait of Hormuz, is the set- ting for the country's equivalent of Norway's fjords. Musandam cruise operators typically offer guests the chance to indulge in a traditional lunch on board followed by the opportunity to snorkel, dive or even spot a pod of dolphins. Another popular option for
visitors to Muscat is a dolphin- watching cruise departing from the Marina Bandar Al Rawda, which typically lasts two to three hours and takes in the various coves and inlets that line the capital's coastline. The vast majority of Oman's coastal hotels also offer their guests a range of water-based activities, from kayaking and snorkelling to jet-skiing.
THE WAVE GOLF COURSE Oman's first PGA Links golf course, designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg 'The Shark' Norman, is set to open within The Wave devel- opment in late-2011. The 18-hole championship course is expected to fully open in 2012.
Offering impressive ocean views, the challenging course will also include several holes adjacent to the sea.
In line with The Wave, Muscat's principles of sustainable develop- ment and responsible tourism, the golf course will feature an environmentally friendly design, applying sustainable techniques
for recycling water. It also adopts a minimalist and least disturbance approach to avoid damage to the natural landscape and wildlife. The club will also feature a floodlit 9-hole par-3 academy course, a driving range and short game practice facility, an Academy offering tuition, pro-shop and a restaurant along with a dedicated club house catering to the needs of golfers across all levels.
+968 24534444
www.thewavemuscat.com Course: 7,000 yard, par 72 Golf academy, driving range, practice facility, clubhouse
CUTTING-EDGE LEISURE FACILITIES One of Muscat's newest sporting and leisure facilities is Al Musan- nah Sports City. Built at a cost of US$70 million, the facility was the main venue for the 2010 Asian Beach Games.
Located 125 kilometres north of Muscat on the coast of the Wilayat of Al Musannah, the Sports City site also boasts a four-star hotel, apartments and residences, as well as a 400- berth marina. Other facilities include an events plaza, retail and restaurant facilities. Construction of the US$2 bil- lion Orascom Leisure Complex in Salalah is also ongoing, with a tentative completion date of Feb- ruary 2015. Developed by Orascom Hotels & Development (OHD) and Muriya Tourism Development Company, the 9.5 million square metre development is aimed at tourists, with five five-star hotels, 550 villas and 600 apartments, an 18-hole golf course and a 200-berth marina.
Oman's first paintball field opened in February 2009 at Shatti Al Qurum. The facility hosts various events throughout the year, including corporate promotions such as a Paintball Knock-out Tournament.
Xtreme Sports and MM
promotionspaintball@xtremes-
portsoman.com
Top tip
Masirah Island, 15km from the mainland, is home to flamingo colonies and a large population of loggerhead turtles. Here the 20-room Masira Island Resort provides an ideal base from which to explore the off-
shore marine life by diving or snorkelling. For visitors to Muscat, the Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa boasts a diving centre and also operates daily dolphin-watching cruises.
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WWW.NOBOUNDARIESOMAN.COM
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