Excitement Builds in Oman as World Cup Final Approaches
In the days leading up to the World Cup final, Omani conversations buzzed with anticipation. Fans weren’t just debating whether Argentina or Spain would take home the trophy; the bigger question was, “Where will we watch the game?”
On the night of the final, a crowd of teenagers gathered at a mall, where one of them handed out tickets he’d bought in bulk. Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and cinemas were all hosting viewing parties. Some fans even set up makeshift screens on their rooftops. Many were eager to pay for the best seats available.
While this may seem like typical football excitement, it was clear that a lot more was happening beneath the surface.
Summer is usually a challenging time for many businesses in Oman. Families travel to cooler climates, and those who stay often prefer to be at home, resulting in quieter restaurants and malls. Companies have to work extra hard to attract customers during these hot months.
However, the World Cup brought a welcome change, if only for a few weeks.
Every match transformed into a business opportunity. Restaurants served up special menus, hotels revamped their lounges to become viewing areas, and cinemas sold tickets at a steady rate. Supermarkets enjoyed increased sales of snacks and drinks, and food delivery riders worked late into the night. Even small cafés thrived as people sought places to gather, watch, and debate football.
Of course, the biggest profits went to FIFA, broadcasters, advertisers, and major sponsors, who inked deals worth millions. Yet various local businesses also reaped benefits, needing nothing more than a screen, chairs, and patrons willing to spend.
This isn’t new for Oman. Every four years, the World Cup grips the nation. Football is an integral part of life here, played in neighborhoods, discussed at home, and followed in offices. It’s no longer just a male-dominated affair; mothers watch alongside their children, women cheer for their favorite clubs, and families plan their evenings around crucial matches.
Then came the final.
For Argentina supporters, Spain’s 1–0 win was a tough pill to swallow. Messi’s potential last World Cup ended in disappointment, while young talents like Lamine Yamal celebrated their hard-fought victory. Some decisions made during the tournament raised eyebrows, especially as fans were able to view them repeatedly in high definition. Nevertheless, Spain played well and deserved the accolades.
More importantly, the tournament provided Oman with a much-needed boost. In a slow summer and amidst ongoing regional tensions, football sparked joy and enthusiasm. It packed restaurants, brought families together, and helped sustain the local economy.
The World Cup fulfilled its role, and now all eyes will be on the next one, hopefully arriving under better circumstances.
