Organised by the Oman Chess Committee the tournament will be played on Rapid Swiss format with time control. According to Ahmed al Balushi a member of the Oman Chess Committee the tournament has been approved by the world governing body FIDE for the players' rating. 'It would be an added incentive to our national team players to enhance their ratings' he said.

There will be three preliminary rounds with 30 players qualifying for the final round. Participation is open to all nationalities and ages with registration closing on January 27.

Participants can register on oman-chess.com or contact m or Ahmed al Balushi on 99339851.

Balushi said the winner will receive a cash award of RO 700 while the runner-up will take home RO 500. The third-placed winner will get RO 300 while the fourth and fifth finishers will be awarded RO 200 each. There will be also special awards for the top three Omani players with a cash prize of RO 200 each for them.

The organisers have also announced cash awards for the best U18 and U16 Omani players. 'We have introduced cash prizes for the youngsters to encourage them. Last year the overall winner received RO 1000 but this year he would get RO 700. However we have divided the prize money this year to boost young talent and have introduced cash awards of RO 200 each for the best U16 and U18 players' said Ahmed.

Last year the event has attracted some of the top domestic players including International Master Ismael Karim national team player Salem al Mashikhi and Candidate Master Duane Rowe. Over 130 players took part in the qualification rounds held at Al Hail Beach in the inaugural edition in 2015.