The draw for Sultan Qaboos University’s 12th Football Tournament for Institutional Staff (2026) has been conducted, with 26 teams representing employees from both the public and private sectors. The tournament will run for three weeks, from 12 to 29 April.
This year’s edition brings together 26 teams from a range of government and private entities. The draw ceremony took place at Al Fahm Hall in the Cultural Centre under the patronage of Khalil bin Salim Al-Hadaifi, Head of Government and Private Banking Services at Sohar Bank.
In his remarks, Dr. Waddah bin Zahir Al-Sibani, Director of Financial Affairs and Chairman of the Organising Committee, praised the efforts of organisers and participants over the years. He noted that the tournament has, over the past decade, brought together numerous institutions in a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, creating a vibrant football occasion that fosters social bonds rarely found in other settings.
He also emphasised that the participation of 26 teams reflects the commitment of employees to achieving the tournament’s objectives, namely promoting both sporting and social engagement alongside professional responsibilities. He added that sport plays an important and meaningful role in enhancing the work environment, strengthening institutional belonging, and encouraging organisational excellence.
The tournament draw was conducted by the event’s patron, Khalil Al-Hadaifi. Participants were also briefed on the competition’s regulations and general conditions, and the teams were distributed into groups. In the event of teams being level on points, rankings will be determined by head-to-head results, followed by goal difference in those matches, goals scored, and then overall goal difference within the group.
Participating entities include SQU, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Labour, the Tax Authority, the State Audit Institution, Sohar Bank, Liva Insurance, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the University Medical City, Ooredoo, the Ministry of Education, Security and Safety Services, OQ, the Ministry of Finance, the Environment Authority, Oman Agriculture Development Company, Madayn, Omantel, Salam Air, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Supreme Judicial Council, Occidental Oman, the Central Bank of Oman, the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Authority for Public Services Regulation.