The concept of Gallops of Oman is the brainchild of French based Bady Kebir – organizer of many horseback expeditions around the world and Benoit Perrier – manager of Polo Club Chantilly, in partnership with The Royal Cavalry of Oman. The format for the 5 day equestrian event focuses on the ability of riders, and the endurance abilities of the horses, over 180km of some of most beautiful yet challenging landscapes in Oman. Gallops of Oman is indeed a desert challenge, and is widely considered to be the biggest and the most famous event in the world in terms of the grand gathering of the largest number of horses and participants. This idea has received the approval of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and also encouraged by His Excellency the Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs. It is estimated that 100 riders from around the world, and from within the Sultanate will participate in the grand challenge, crossing the desert for a distance of 180 km starting on Monday 17th February 2014, from Al Rakah in Wilayat of Bediyah, to Gdima in Wilayat Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, culminating in the beach stage on Friday 21st February.

The welcoming ceremony and official opening will take place on 8.00am Monday, 17th February 2014, where a total of 100 horses and riders will be ready on the starting line, set against the stunning golden sand backdrop of Al Rakah area, where the first camp will be located. The welcoming ceremony will be conducted in the presence of a number of honoured guests together with the ambassadors of the participating countries. Traditional Omani music and folk art will set the theme for the assembled group before the riders set forth for the first stage of the Gallops of Oman journey, which will see them cover a distance of 40 km before reaching the second camp, named Tiwi Musallam. Once safely at the camp, the riders will rest and sleep until day 2 of the event.

Tuesday 18th February sees the second stage covering a distance of 41 km for touring and then the riders will rest and sleep in Tiwi Khazeena camp.

Wednesday 19th February, features the third stage of roaming/touring for a distance of 34 km, before being welcomed to Al Htahaam camp where riders will sleep.

Thursday 20th February sees the fourth stage of roaming for a distance of 30 km, where the riders will head to Qudaih camp .

The morning of Friday 21st February starts the fifth and the final stage of roaming/touring for a distance of 26 km and will conclude at the Agdima camp, where the closing ceremony will be held and the winners and participants will receive the awards, in addition to both riders and horses enjoying a well-earned rest and relaxation at the beachside camp.

Saturday 22 February all participants will return to the governorate of Muscat to leave Oman.

Note: In some areas, rotation will be done on the track for a distance of 9 km to be the total distance of 180 km

His Excellency Abbas bin Abdullah Al-Bahrani, Head of Financial Affairs at the Royal Court Affairs and Chairman of “The Gallops of Oman” Main Committee, said: “It is a big achievement to organise this race for the first time in the Sultanate. I am sure we are going to introduce the world to a unique experience of endurance races in the Omani desert. We proudly announce the Gallops of Oman as the Sultanate celebrates the 43rd National Day, and I will take this opportunity to extended warmest greetings to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos on this occasion.”

In a brief comment, Brigadier Abdulrazak Alshahwarzi – Commander of The Royal Cavalry and Vice-Chairman of the main committee and Chief Executive Officer of “THE GALLOPS of OMAN – said: “The Gallops of Oman will be a significant event in the region. A 180-kilometer desert challenge is not an easy task, not even for the most experienced riders. However, we are sure that all the participants are up to the challenge and we wish them all the best in this equestrian race which is organised by the Royal Cavalry for the first time in the Sultanate.”

Commenting on his participation in the race, Bady Kabir said, “I am sure it will be an eventful adventure for all participants, even the most experienced ones. It will be a great opportunity to explore the Sultanate and it’s amazing deserts, which we heard so much about. I would like to thank the Royal Court Affairs and the Royal Cavalry for this opportunity to visit Oman and be part of such a unique race which brings together some of the most experienced horsemen in the world.”