MUSCAT : The opening day featured an official press conference attended by leading participating drivers and team managers, who highlighted competitors’ readiness and outlined this year’s rally routes. The launch was followed by a public demonstration stage held near the Sohar Entertainment Center, where drivers delivered a thrilling display of speed and skill, giving spectators a close-up preview ahead of the competitive stages.

The rally is organised by the Oman Automobile Association in conjunction with the Sohar Entertainment Festival, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, and Toyota Oman as the official sponsor. This year’s edition has attracted strong international interest, with more than 20 competitors representing several countries.

Attention is firmly focused on 20-time Middle East champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, who is competing alongside his Spanish navigator Carrera Caneda in a Škoda Fabia. Also drawing local and regional interest is Omani rally champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi, who returns to competition after recovering from injury, partnered with Jordanian navigator Atta Al-Hamoud.

The competitive long stages of the rally will begin on Friday, with the Al-Rasisa stage (15 km) starting at 9:13 am, followed by the Al-Rassa stage (19 km) and the Al-Awaina stage (14 km). Competitors will then repeat the stages after scheduled maintenance.

The rally will conclude on Saturday with the final stages in the Al-Aqiq area, followed by Yanbu and Rahab, before the official prize-giving and crowning ceremony at the Sohar Entertainment Center.

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