A major new agreement will see the Qatar-based Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) support a number of sporting events in Oman.

AZF has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sabco Sports, a sports marketing agency based in Oman.

The deal will see AZF-organised events promoted in Oman and a range of sponsorship opportunities.

AZF’s CEO, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, said: “This partnership is a natural extension of the brotherly relationship that already exists between our two countries.

“We are pleased to share our expertise in sports event management and in particular to support various technical aspects of Sabco Sports’ operations, given our longstanding experience in this field.”

One of the first areas of cooperation between AZF and Sabco Sports is in school sports.

AZF is now the main sponsor of the Oman Schools Football League and the main partner of School Olympic Days.

Sayyid Khalid Bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Sabco Sports’ chairman, said: “The agreement between Sabco and AZF covers various aspects, such as organising and sponsoring events, and is scheduled to commence this year in the sporting activities held at schools across the Sultanate of Oman.”

Sabco Sports has been a partner of the Oman School Sports Association since 2018, and also promotes sporting events ranging from golf to table tennis and eSports. It also hosts Tough Mudder races in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

AZF operates Doha Sports City, home to multiple sports venues and a key location in Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup. It also controls the Aspire Academy for young athletes.

“We’re proud to sponsor a number of football leagues and various sporting events in Oman and to play a key role in the country’s talent identification programme that is designed to build future generations of football professionals,” added Al-Suwaidi.