Oman to Host 5th IHF Beach Handball World Tour on 4–5 Dec 2026
Oman will host the 5th International Handball Federation Beach Handball World Tour on 4–5 December 2026. The competition takes place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher, Muscat, and involves eight national teams – four men’s squads and four women’s squads – as part of preparations for the 2028 World Championship.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Oman will host the 5th IHF Beach Handball World Tour
- Timing
- 4–5 December 2026
- Who is affected
- Men’s and women’s beach handball teams and spectators
The details
- Announced by
- Omani Handball Federation
- Takes effect
- 4–5 December 2026
Event Overview
The 5th IHF Beach Handball World Tour will be staged on 4 and 5 December 2026 at the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher, Muscat. Eight national teams will compete – four men’s squads and four women’s squads – with the teams arriving on 3 December.
- Men’s teams: Oman (host), Germany (world champion), Croatia (Zagreb stage winner), Poland (Zagreb stage runner‑up)
- Women’s teams: Argentina (world champion), Portugal (Zagreb stage winner), Germany (Baku stage winner), one team to be announced later
Host and Significance
The tournament is organised by the Omani Handball Federation in partnership with the International Handball Federation. It forms a key milestone in the collaboration that aims to prepare Oman for hosting the 2028 World Beach Handball Championship in Dhofar, showcasing the country’s capability to stage major handball events.
National Team Preparation
Coach Hamoud bin Salem Al‑Husni and assistant Hussein Al‑Jabri have selected a 13‑player squad for the preparation phase ahead of the World Tour. Daily training sessions are held on the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, focusing on fitness, speed, endurance and tactical skills required for high‑intensity beach handball matches.
- Saeed bin Hamad Al‑Husni
- Saud bin Nasr Al‑Husni
- Al‑Yazan bin Yahya Al‑Busaidi
- Nawaf bin Khalid Al‑Husni (Muscat)
- Ali bin Salem Al‑Jami (Majis)
- Al‑Waleed bin Khalid Al‑Hanaei (Nizwa)
- Mahdi bin Salem Al‑Sulaimani (Al‑Khaboura)
- Asaad bin Saeed Al‑Husni
- Abdullah bin Adel Al‑Balushi
- Yasser bin Saeed Al‑Harithi
- Ghasan bin Najib Al‑Mashri (Al‑Amarat)
- Mohannad bin Saeed Al‑Zarafi
- Abdallah bin Ahmed Al‑Rumi (Al‑Sib)
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel should be arranged to arrive before 3 December if attending as a participant or spectator
- Accommodation in Muscat may fill quickly around the 4–5 December event dates
- No changes to existing travel bookings are announced; adjust only for event timing
- Visitors should monitor traffic conditions near Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex during the tournament
Cost and documents
- No additional fees or special permits are mentioned for attending the tournament
- Standard passport and visa requirements for Oman remain in force
- Travel insurance is recommended but not mandated by the event organizers
- No extra health certificates or documentation are required beyond normal entry rules
What you need to do
- Check the Omani Handball Federation website for ticket sales and entry information
- Secure any required Omani visa well before travel dates
- Book hotels in Muscat early to guarantee proximity to the venue
- Plan arrival at Muscat International Airport at least one day before 4 December
Who this affects
-
Men’s beach handball national teams
Four men’s national squads are scheduled to compete in Oman on 4–5 December 2026
What to do Prepare travel, training and competition logistics for the tournament dates
-
Women’s beach handball national teams
Four women’s national squads will take part in the same event
What to do Arrange entry, accommodation and match preparation for the 4–5 December competition
-
Spectators and fans
The tournament will be open to the public at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex
What to do Monitor ticket availability and plan travel to Muscat for the event
-
Selected Omani players
Thirteen players have been named for the preparation phase and the World Tour
What to do Follow the training schedule and complete travel arrangements with the federation
-
Gulf club teams in the 42nd Gulf Club Championship
Oman Club participates in a regional club competition from 21 to 30 November 2026
What to do Compete in the club tournament before the national team’s World Tour preparations
Frequently asked questions
When is the 5th IHF Beach Handball World Tour taking place in Oman?
The tournament is scheduled for 4 and 5 December 2026, with all participating teams expected to arrive on 3 December at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bousher, Muscat.
Which men's teams are competing in the Oman beach handball tournament?
Four men’s national teams will compete: Oman as the host, Germany as the world champion, Croatia as the Zagreb stage winner, and Poland as the Zagreb stage runner‑up.
Where will the matches be held?
All matches will be played on sand courts within the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in the Bousher district of Muscat, providing a dedicated venue for the beach handball competition.
How were the Omani players selected for the event?
The Omani Handball Federation announced a 13‑player squad chosen by head coach Hamoud bin Salem Al‑Husni and assistant Hussein Al‑Jabri to undergo a preparation phase ahead of the World Tour.
What is the relevance of this tournament for Oman’s 2028 World Championship plans?
Hosting the 2026 World Tour is part of the partnership between the Omani Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation, serving as a preparatory step for the 2028 World Beach Handball Championship that Oman will host in Dhofar.
When does the Gulf Club Championship take place and which Omani club is involved?
The 42nd Gulf Club Championship runs from 21 to 30 November 2026, featuring Oman Club alongside clubs from Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
