Bidiyah Sands Carnival to Bring Motorsport, Tourism and Entertainment to Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah

Bidiyah in Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing for a month-long desert carnival that will combine motorsport, tourism, entertainment and cultural activities. The Bidiyah Sands Carnival will run from 19 November to 19 December 2026, using the wilayat’s dunes and open desert as its setting.

Organisers want the event to become an annual fixture and strengthen Bidiyah’s position as one of Oman’s leading destinations for desert tourism and adventure. They also expect it to stimulate economic activity and support small and medium enterprises, hotels, desert camps, hospitality providers and other tourism-related services.

The centrepiece will be the Oman International Baja, described as the first championship of its kind in Oman. It will operate under the umbrella of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, with internationally recognised organisational, technical and safety standards. Organisers say the championship could help strengthen Oman’s position on the global motorsport map and open the way for a future round of the FIA Baja World Cup.

The Baja will take competitors across sand dunes, open desert tracks, wadis and natural routes. Four-wheel-drive cars, motorcycles, quad bikes and SSVs will compete in several categories. The wider programme will include the Bidiyah Sands Challenge, an obstacle race with a 5-kilometre course for adults and a 500-metre race for children. Adult categories will include professional athletes, amateurs and corporate teams.

A fully integrated Event Village will provide spectator areas, sponsor activation zones, live broadcast screens, a dedicated space for small and medium enterprises, interactive zones and desert experiences. The organisers say the carnival will extend beyond the sporting competitions to include entertainment, shopping and community engagement.