Bidiyah Sands Carnival Returns for a Month of Desert Adventures in Oman, with International Baja Rally Attracting Competitors from 20 Countries

The third edition runs from November 19 to December 19, featuring Oman's first international Baja rally and an expected participation of more than 150 competitors.

The Wilayat of Bidiyah in Oman's North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is preparing to host the third edition of the Bidiyah Sands Carnival 2026, running from November 19 to December 19.

The month-long programme will bring together motorsport competitions, desert adventures, cultural activities and family entertainment, with more than 150 competitors from over 20 countries expected to participate.

Details of the programme were announced during a press conference on November 8, attended by local officials and event organisers, as preparations intensify for Oman's winter tourism season.

The carnival is organised by the Bidiyah Motorsports Club in partnership with the Oman Automobile Association, under the supervision of North Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

Most activities will take place at the Al Yuraissah sand dune area in Bidiyah, primarily on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festival.

The International Baja Oman Rally, scheduled for December 17–19, 2026, will be the flagship event of this year's carnival, marking the first time the Sultanate hosts the international competition.

The rally will feature four-wheel-drive vehicles, Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs), motorcycles and quad bikes competing across desert stages in the Wilayats of Bidiyah and Al Qabil.

The car competitions will be conducted under the regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

The event also holds candidate status for the FIA World Baja Cup and has been included in the 2027 FIA Middle East Baja Cup calendar.

Beyond professional motorsport, the carnival will feature the Bidiyah Sands Challenge, offering a five-kilometre course for adults and a 500-metre course for children.

The activities aim to encourage community participation while introducing visitors to the natural landscape of Oman's desert.

A dedicated festival village will include vehicle displays, areas for small and medium-sized enterprises, restaurants, cafés, exhibitions and children's entertainment, alongside live performances and desert experiences.

Visitors will be able to combine motorsport activities with opportunities to explore local products, traditional culture and the distinctive environment of the Sharqiyah Sands.

Mahmoud bin Yahya Al Dhuhli, Governor of North Al Sharqiyah, said the carnival aims to stimulate tourism and economic activity across the governorate while strengthening Bidiyah's position as a leading desert tourism destination in Oman and the wider Gulf region.

Accommodation providers, desert camps, restaurants, transportation operators and tourism businesses are expected to benefit from visitor activity during the festival.

However, organisers have not announced official projections for total visitor numbers or tourism spending associated with the 2026 edition.

The Bidiyah Sands Carnival offers travellers an opportunity to explore the Sharqiyah Sands during Oman's winter tourism season, combining motorsport events with desert camping and authentic local cultural experiences.

Visitors are advised to check competition schedules and public activity dates before travelling, as the carnival extends over a full month while its main activities take place on selected days.

The festival will conclude with the International Baja Oman Rally from December 17 to 19, providing a major attraction for motorsport enthusiasts and adventure travellers.