The deal represents one of Oman’s biggest sports tourism investments and establishes the country as a major adventure destination through 2030
Ironman has signed a global partnership with Experience Oman, the promotional arm of the country’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, that will bring the 2029 Ironman 70.3 World Championship to Muscat, marking the first time a world championship event under the Ironman brand will be staged in the Middle East.
As part of the deal, Experience Oman becomes the “Official Global Destination” and global premier partner of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Global Series through 2030. Beginning in 2026, it will also be the naming partner of the Ironman Pro Series and all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races held in Oman.
The naming rights give Oman visibility across one of Ironman’s most valuable properties. The Pro Series, now in its second year, spans 18 events across 17 locations in 2025 and distributes more than $4.2 million in prize money, including a $1.7 million year-end bonus pool and $2.5 million across individual races.
The agreement includes two milestones for the region: Muscat will debut the first full-distance Ironman race in the Middle East in December 2026 and host the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2029.
“The Ironman 70.3 World Championship triathlon is the pinnacle event of middle-distance triathlon, and continues to captivate athletes and fans of the sport around the world,” said Ironman Group CEO Scott DeRue, who’s now also an Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism dignitary. “Each year, we receive tremendous interest from host cities across the globe, all looking for the opportunity to bring this prestigious event and celebration of the human spirit to their communities. We are confident that Muscat will deliver an incredible race experience that inspires our global community of 6,000-plus World Championship athletes to perform at their very best.”
Oman entered the international triathlon scene in 2018 when it hosted a 5150 triathlon in Muscat, followed by the launch of Ironman 70.3 Muscat in 2019. The Ironman 70.3 Salalah race debuted in 2022 and is now held annually, with the next event set for October 25. The Muscat 70.3 will become the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship beginning in 2026.
The Ironman 70.3 World Championship is one of the sport’s most competitive events, drawing 6,000-plus athletes. Past hosts have included Nice, France, St George, Utah, and Taupō, New Zealand.
