Friday 24 / January / 2025
Muscat: The 28th edition of the Oman International Rally, the opening round of the 2025 Middle East Rally Championship, has commenced in the Wilayat of Sohar, located in the North Al Batinah Governorate. The event began with a spectacular exhibition stage and was officially inaugurated under the auspices of His Excellency Mohammed bin Suleiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah. Prior to the rally's start, a press conference was held, featuring competitors from various participating nations who shared their thoughts on the Oman Rally, the challenging race routes, and the event's significance within the rallying world.
This year's rally has attracted 24 competitors representing 10 different countries, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Ireland, France, Portugal, and India, highlighting the event's international appeal. Brigadier General Jamal bin Said Al Tai, Vice Chairman of the Oman Automobile Association, emphasized the importance of the Oman International Rally on the global rally calendar, noting that Sohar serves as the starting point for this 28th edition. The rally will traverse diverse terrains across the North Al Batinah Governorate over the course of three days, providing a challenging and exciting competition for the drivers.
The first special exhibition stage, a 2.52 km sprint, began at the Sohar Entertainment Center. Organizer vehicles led the way, marking the start of the race and guiding the route to the service area. This initial stage concluded the first part of the competition, with the second part scheduled to begin on Friday. The second day of the rally will see the first car departing from the closed park to the service area adjacent to the Sohar Entertainment Center. From there, the route will proceed along Al Batinah Club Road, connecting to the expressway towards the Shinas - Al Rasees Truck Rest Area.
The second and fifth special speed stages, stretching 23.56 km (Al Rasees – Dhubain), will then take place. These will be followed by the third and sixth special speed stages, covering 19.45 km (Al Rassah - Al Arja), and the fourth and seventh special speed stages, spanning 13.94 km (Al Owainah - Wadi Al Jizi). The final day of the rally, Saturday, will begin at 8:00 AM, with the first car leaving the closed park for the service area near the Sohar Entertainment Center before heading towards the Wilayat of Liwa. The eighth and eleventh special speed stages, covering 25.20 km (Al Aqaq - Yanbu), will be the first of the day's challenges. The rally will conclude with the ninth and twelfth special speed stages, 13.45 km (Yanbu - Wadi Al Jizi), and the tenth and thirteenth special speed stages, 19.32 km (Musyal Al Sidr - Malihah), culminating in an awards ceremony for the winners later that afternoon.
