SALALAH: Oman Automobile Association (OAA) under its ‘Khareef Dhofar’ programme organised a bike show and Digital Motorsport Championship recently in Salalah.
A selection of the finest modern and classic motorbikes from across the Gulf, were showcased in Salalah Grand Mall on August 19 and 29 for the public to admire and marvel at.
The motorcycles were driven by the clubs, Nizwa Bikers and Oman Riders, from Muscat to Dhofar on separate days. The Nizwa Bikers, who arrived at the mall on August 19, consisted of both Omanis and other Gulf nationals, whereas the Oman Riders, who arrived on August 29, consisted of only locals.
Dr Mustafa al Hashmi, Board Member of the Oman Riders Club, said: “We faced many challenges during the trip, such as the presence of sand storms in some areas, and the strong winds after leaving Duqm posed a big obstacle for novice riders, but the presence of experienced members in the team helped a lot in overcoming the difficulties we faced on the journey.”
He added: “We are very happy to be in the Governorate of Dhofar and in Salalah, the land of originality, and riding on motorcycles gave us double the pleasure of discovering its natural beauty, which God Almighty has endowed with many elements of tourist attractions within the Arab region.”
Since 2010, the journey from Muscat to Salalah has become an annual ride for the Oman riders, with this year being their twelfth expedition.
At the digital corner in the mall, simulations continued to hold the Khareef Digital Motorsport Championship since July 15 in which the winning champions will be chosen to compete in the MENA Digital Final in Jordan.
The game, Gran Turismo, held an increasing interest among both males and females, as the centre kept busy each day at the mall.
Digital Motorsport Manager, Masoud al Hinai said: “The main idea was to have this event for drivers all over Oman, from Muscat to Dhofar, to compete in the last stage, the MENA final, and from among these participants we chose the best three drivers to represent Salalah in the next stage, the Oman MENA Digital Motorsport Qualifier.”
According to Masoud, there were a fair number of ladies coming back to the centre to practice and get better at the game.
He said: “We did our best to get them out of their comfort zone and try something new, breaking that barrier of shyness.”
The winner of this championship series, Jamal Hamad Ramadhad Rihan, held the highest score of the Salalah championship.
The 19-year-old said: “I really enjoyed trying this new activation of playing online against other contestants and getting the opportunity to compete in the MENA final.”
He added: “The game was challenging but I somehow managed to beat the record at the mall and earn first place and since it was at a difficult level, I am very happy with my achievement. I hope to do my very best and play till I reach the competition finals in Jordan as we will be competing against players from all over the Middle East.”
The Khareef Dhofar series has been partnered with and sponsored by the following organisations: Sohar International, Oman Airports, Redbull Mobile, Motul Oman, Mohsin Haider Darwish, Salam Air, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Salalah Municipality, Tulip Inn, Gang Plank, Salalah Grand Mall, View Park and Khareef Dhofar.
The reception at the OAA facility is open from 9 am to 9 pm every day. Karting facilities at Muscat Speedway are open from 3.30 pm to 11 pm, from Monday to Saturday.
