Muscat: Hussain bin Saeed Al-Rumhi, supervisor of sports events at Muscat Nights 2026, said the organising committee has curated a comprehensive mix of individual and team sports, alongside open community activities, catering to all age groups and interests while attracting strong local and international participation.

Among the highlights is the 12th International Shotokan Center Karate Championship, scheduled for January 30 and 31 at the Ahli Sidab Club. One of the oldest combat sports championships associated with Muscat Nights, the event will see wide participation from athletes representing various karate schools.

Building on the success of its debut edition, the Muscat Nights International Open Bowling Championship returns for its second edition from January 8 to 19 at the Seeb Bowling Center, following strong attendance and international turnout last year.

Team sports will also feature prominently, with the Muscat International 3×3 Basketball Tournament for men and women taking place at Al Araimi Boulevard from January 22 to 24. The local tournament will be held on January 22, followed by international competitions on January 23 and 24.

Mind sports will take centre stage at the Muscat International Chess Nights Championship, running from January 15 to 23 at Al Amal Club. The second edition will host three tournaments, Open A, Open B and Blitz, with 266 players from 37 countries expected to compete, offering a key platform for talent discovery and skill development.

Cue sports are also set for a major upgrade, with the Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship scheduled from January 14 to 18 at Arena Club – Active Oman. After welcoming 124 players from 15 countries in the previous edition, participation in 2026 is expected to rise to 250 players from across the globe, including Malaysia, South Korea, India and Thailand, alongside strong representation from GCC countries and Arab nations such as Egypt and Jordan.

Water sports and community fitness events form another key pillar of the programme. The Open Water Swimming Championship will be held on January 9 and 10 at Sur Al Hadid Beach, followed by the Muscat Nights Fun Run, a 5km community race, on January 23 at the same venue, promoting healthy lifestyles and mass participation.

Traditional and heritage-based sports will also feature strongly. The Muscat Nights Traditional Shooting Championship will take place from January 29 to 31 at the traditional shooting range in Al Amerat, while a horse show event is scheduled behind Al Amerat Park on January 16.

In Qurayyat, traditional games such as Al-Hawalis, Al-Qari’a and Daq Al-Hasa will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the festival, alongside football, volleyball, teqball and tug-of-war, reinforcing Omani cultural identity and community engagement.

Al-Rumhi stressed that the expanded sports programme reflects Muscat Nights’ vision of becoming a comprehensive platform that blends sports, heritage and entertainment.