Khasab, OMAN

The Musandam International Diving Festival wrapped up on Thursday in Khasab after four days of competitions, exhibitions, and environmental activities aimed at promoting Oman’s northern waters as a global diving destination.

The inaugural event brought together professional and amateur divers, adventure seekers and photographers from multiple countries for activities ranging from kayaking challenges to deep-water exploration at Musandam's most challenging dive sites.  

Conservation meets adventure

Organizers designed the festival to merge eco-tourism with environmental protection. Participants planted coral reefs, conducted Musandam's largest reef-cleaning campaign and attended workshops covering marine medicine and digital tourism tools.

(Participants planted coral reefs)

An underwater photography and video contest judged by internationally recognized experts highlighted the region's marine biodiversity while "promoting conservation awareness among participants."  

Inclusivity and record holders

The festival also highlighted inclusivity in diving. Kuwaiti para-athlete diver Faisal Jawad, a three-time Guinness World Record holder, completed his first dive in Musandam and planted coral.

(Kuwaiti para-athlete diver Faisal Jawad)

“Anyone with a disability can come to dive here,” he said. “I came here and I dived as a normal person.”

The program also featured prominent figures such as Egyptian world record holder Ahmed Gabr and Emirati diver Mohammed Al-Tunaiji, who led exploratory dives.  

Looking ahead

Festival attendance surpassed organizer projections, according to Bader Al Shehi, head of the Musandam Discovery Center.

(Bader Al Shehi, head of the Musandam Discovery Center)

"The festival exceeded our expectations. We had many people from different countries, and we really achieved the goal we were looking for," Al Shehi said.

Organizers plan to expand next year's edition with additional activities, with broader international participation.

"Every diver, every ocean lover should join us for the next one. We are going to add different activities, like breaking records," he added.

The festival positions Musandam as an emerging destination for sustainable diving tourism while supporting marine conservation efforts in the region's waters.