Muscat – 2026
The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is gearing up to host one of the Sultanate of Oman’s premier summer sports and entertainment events, the “Sports Flame 2026” (Shu’lat Al-Riyada), scheduled to run from Tuesday, July 14, to August 15, 2026.
As part of the final preparations, teams from Sohar International and the OCEC conducted an inspection visit to the event site yesterday evening. The visit aimed to review the progress of construction and final preparations and was attended by Abdulqader Al-Sumali, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Sohar International, and Eng. Said Al-Shanfari, CEO of the OCEC, alongside members of the respective working teams.
During the visit, the attendees were briefed on the latest updates regarding construction and final preparations. This year, the event spans three exhibition halls at the centre—a significant expansion compared to previous editions, which occupied only two halls—reflecting the event’s growing scale and the high level of interest from visitors and participants.
Organized by the OCEC for the fourth time in partnership with Sohar International—the event’s presenting partner—”Sports Flame” aims to deliver a comprehensive sports and entertainment experience. It combines athletic activities, interactive experiences, and community events designed for the whole family. The event kicks off on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, featuring a screening of the World Cup semi-final match in a dedicated fan zone. It will also host a range of distinctive activities throughout the event period—such as the Spark Martial Arts Championship, the Muscat Night Run, and a children’s summer camp—alongside various other experiences and activities catering to all age groups.
Mr. Abdulqader Al-Sumali, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Sohar International, said: “We are proud to partner with the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) to present the fourth edition of the ‘Sports Flame’ event. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports and healthy lifestyles within the community. The event’s expansion this year to span three halls is a testament to its success and evolution, and we look forward to delivering an exceptional experience that blends sports and entertainment for all visitors.”
For his part, Eng. Said Al-Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, stated: “We are delighted to organize the fourth edition of the ‘Sports Flame’ event, which has become one of the most prominent community events hosted by the Centre.
The expansion of the event from two to three halls reflects its continued growth and increasing popularity; our teams, in collaboration with Sohar International, have ensured that all necessary resources are in place to deliver a comprehensive and outstanding experience.” During the visit, both parties emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination among the working teams to ensure the site’s readiness and the completion of all preparations to the highest quality standards. These efforts aim to deliver a successful event that reinforces the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre’s status as a premier destination for hosting sports and entertainment events in the Sultanate.
The working teams are currently continuing their efforts to finalize preparations for welcoming visitors and participants to the “Sports Spark” event.
Tickets for attending or participating in the “Sports Spark” activities and events can be booked via the official event website: www.sportsparkoman.com