For years, triathletes in the Middle East have been chasing Kona dreams across long-haul flights. That changes in December 2026, when Muscat, Oman became home to the region’s first-ever full-distance Ironman.
The move is part of a sweeping new partnership between Ironman and Experience Oman, the promotional arm of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, that runs through 2030. Beyond the full Ironman debut, Oman will also stage the 2029 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, marking the first time in the brand’s nearly 50-year history that the Middle East will host a world championship.
A New Destination for Endurance
Oman isn’t new to the scene. From hosting its first Olympic-distance 5150 triathlon in 2018 to building momentum with Ironman 70.3 races in Muscat and Salalah, the Sultanate has steadily grown into a serious endurance hub. That momentum continues with upcoming races and milestones:
- 25 October 2025: Ironman 70.3 Salalah
- February 2026: Ironman 70.3 Muscat, now elevated to the Middle East Championship
- 5 December 2026: Debut of the first-ever full-distance Ironman in the Middle East, in Muscat
- 2029: Muscat hosts the Ironman 70.3 World Championship
The new full-distance race will showcase Muscat’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty. Expect a warm sea swim, a rolling bike course past the Royal Opera House and the streets of Muttrah, and a run finishing along the beaches near Al Qurum National Park.
Why It Matters
For GCC athletes, it’s a game-changer:
- Closer to home – no need to fly halfway across the world for a 140.6
- World championship spotlight – Muscat 2029 puts Middle Eastern triathlon firmly on the global map
- Growing pathways – with Ironman 70.3 Salalah and Muscat already thriving, the calendar now offers athletes at every level a reason to race in Oman
Oman’s pitch goes beyond sport. It’s about sports tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure: from diving the Daymaniyat Islands to camping in the Sharqiyah Sands. The Sultanate is showing that “Beauty has an Address; Endurance has a Destination.”
