First Gulf Horse Riders Gathering Kicks Off in Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Al Jabal Al Akhdar: (ONA): The activities of the First Gulf Horse Riders Gathering kicked off in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, organized by A’Dakhiliyah Governorate in cooperation with “Oman from Horse Backs” team. Running until August 21, the event features the participation of 22 male and female riders from the Sultanate of Oman, GCC countries, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United Kingdom.

Sheikh Mahmoud Rashid Al Saadi, Acting Governor of A’Dakhiliyah and chief guest of the occasion, confirmed that hosting the forum comes as part of the governorate’s direction toward organizing qualitative events that invest in the natural and cultural assets of the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar to diversify the tourism product, and link tourism activity with villages, agricultural sites, and local products, thereby supporting economic activity and enhancing benefits for the local community.

He added that including the forum among the activities of Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival enhances the presence of adventure and equestrian tourism within the wilayat’s tourism program, and expands the scope of activities linked to nature, terrain, and agricultural and cultural heritage of Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

The forum focuses on equestrian tourism and associated cultural experiences through a program that combines horseback riding along mountain trails, adventure tourism, camping, and exploring a number of sites and villages in the wilayat.

The forum’s program includes field routes starting from Al Ghaleel Park, passing through juniper and wild olive tree forests, up to a campsite at an altitude of nearly 2,400 meters, alongside visiting a number of villages and agricultural terraces, learning about essential oil production, and the participation of the riders in several activities of Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival.

For his part, Saif Ali Al Rawahi, head of “Oman from Horse Backs” team, stated that the forum brings together male and female riders from the Sultanate of Oman, GCC countries, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United Kingdom, noting that holding it in Al Jabal Al Akhdar comes as an extension of the team’s efforts to highlight the natural assets of the Sultanate of Oman through equestrian tourism and the exchange of expertise among participants.

The organization of the First Gulf Horse Riders Forum comes as part of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2026 program, which features a range of tourism, cultural, and community events, aimed at supporting tourism activity and enhancing the participation of institutions and the local community.