Monday 18 / August / 2025
Salalah: The Sultan Qaboos Youth and Cultural Center in Salalah witnessed an extraordinary evening when the KAAS Championship transcended its role as a sporting event to become a panoramic celebration of cars, football, culture, and innovation.
In the presence of more than 1,000 players from 48 academies, Ford Middle East and Arabian Car Marketing (Ford Oman) unveiled their latest fleet of vehicles, transforming the championship grounds into a stage where power, performance, and sportsmanship merged seamlessly.
A Historic Venue for a Unique Celebration
The flags of Ford fluttered proudly across the historic playground, creating a striking scene that reflected the deep connection between industrial innovation and Omani sports. From the moment the new Ford models drove onto both paved and desert tracks, the audience was treated to a powerful story—one where advanced technology and robust performance defined the future of mobility.
This dramatic display, never seen in earlier academy leagues, placed Ford at the heart of an event that united youth, culture, and industry. As the spotlight shown on both the young athletes and the sleek new fleet, the message was clear: “We are here to make a difference.”
An International Audience
The championship was attended by prominent local figures as well as delegations from England, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Armenia, who praised the professionalism of the organisation and the bold concept of linking football with the automotive world.
Festival of Sport and Performance
The KAAS Championship transformed into more than just a tournament. It became a festival of sport, technology, and art, highlighted by:
Global Concert: International bands performed live, synchronised with the entry of Ford’s cars onto both asphalt and sandy tracks, underlining the vehicles’ capability to excel across terrains.
Sports Competitions: Young footballers participated in interactive challenges and quizzes, testing their knowledge of the sport at both local and global levels.
Exclusive Test Drives: Distinguished guests, football stars, and public personalities were invited to experience the new Ford cars firsthand.
They expressed admiration for the vehicles’ advanced technology, bold design, and superior specifications.
In total, the championship featured 175 matches, making it a significant platform for showcasing both sporting talent and Ford’s brand identity.
Ford’s Commitment to Youth and Innovation
At a press conference held during the event, Ford Middle East officials emphasised that the launch was more than a marketing initiative—it was a declaration of the brand’s commitment to youth, sports, and innovation. They described the event as a merger between sportsmanship and technology, highlighting Ford’s belief that young people and society are the true drivers of the future.
Executives present included:
Mr. Amr M. Ibrahim, Regional Manager - Sales Ford Middle East
Mr. Deenadayakaran J, Business Head, Ford Oman
Mr. Ravi Hejmadi, Sales Head
Mr. Sambath Kumar, Service Head Mr. Anil Verma, Branch Manager, Salalah Branch
Reflecting on the success, Mr. Deenadayakaran J. commented: “This is just the beginning. We are delighted with the unmatched interaction from the public. At Ford Oman, we are committed to offering new models and introducing more innovation with the quality you can trust.”
A Celebration to Remember
The KAAS Championship in Salalah will be remembered not only as a tournament of academies but as a unique celebration where sports, technology, and artistry converged. By blending football with automotive performance, Ford Oman demonstrated its vision of innovation and its commitment to empowering youth, supporting society, and driving progress in Oman and beyond.
