Bull fighting in Sohar

A bull being brought into the ring. The origin of bullfighting in Oman is unknown but the bulls were brought in

for arduous work such as farming and heavy transport. Eventually, machines took over these chores and the

domesticated

beasts are used in bullfighting instead.

2

This sport is believed to be introduced to the tribal chiefs by the Portuguese when they colonized the shores of Oman

for a couple of centuries. Unlike other parts of the world where this sport is practiced with brutality, bullfights in Oman

are not lethal, thanks to relaxed rules.

The bulls don’t suffer major injuries as two bulls of the same size are pitted against each other alongside their

caretakers who pull them apart when needed.

Part of the bullfighting experience is the huge roars and cheering of the audience for their favorite bull. The way it

is celebrated after emerging victorious is a sight not to miss.

These bullfights usually take place in wilayats across Oman during festive occasions. Some well known venues include

the coast of Al Batina, As Seeb near the Muscat International airport, Sohar, Saham and Barka. It is worth mentioning

that the logo of wilayat of Barka is the bull's head.

The bull fight is a head-on tug of war which hardly lasts a few minutes. The bull that tumbles, retreats or flees the ring

looses. The victorious bull and its caretaker leave the ring with pride and prize money.

At the end the competition, bulls are mostly unharmed. Some of them may suffer a headache after ramming one

another and locking horns. There have been instances where the caretakers, who were in close quarters, suffered

injuries in case of a brute getting over-enthusiastic.