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By Saleh Abdullah Alkhamyasi

Muscat Festival is an annual event that is eagerly awaited by citizens and residents alike. It is a means of showcasing the treasures of Oman through its magnificently beautiful capital Muscat. This festival is like a marriage procession that attracts people from all walks of life. It has its significance in exhibiting our versatile culture, deep seated heritage and tradition. It is a vehicle through which we narrate the story of Muscat which attracted the attention of the world as a tourist destination of first choice.

    With its wide spectrum of events and juicy agenda one can label it a mega accommodating fun event where there are many things to enjoy while visiting its diverse venues. The organizers ensured that it accommodates the diverse taste of its visitors irrespective of their background or age.

  During the month long Muscat Festival many players clubbed hands to make this event a grand success particularly that Muscat is the Arab Capital for Tourism this year. The general impression is that it is a breath taking event that links the visitors with the versatile culture, heritage and modern face of Oman.

   For instance through Asalah an Arabic term for originality, the Muscat Festival made it easier for its visitor as well as those who are tuned to its activities through the various means of media to appreciate the social, cultural and folklore of the various Wilayats in Oman. Not only that but it has linked the various generations and spread awareness among the younger generation so that they are abreast with their history and live their present and contribute positively for the future.

   Muscat Festival organizers nourished their agenda with numerous singing gathering which has served as a platform to promote different segments of Omani singers and host others from outside as well. The crowds enjoyed the fun of being in such an entertaining event. Besides, several intellectual gatherings and seminars took place as part of the accommodating agenda of Muscat Festival.

   When asked about this event, Nasser Al-Ghailani, Assistant General Manager Muscat Municipality in Seeb, the head of Al Naseem Park activities one of the venues that are embracing the Muscat Festival event commented that “Muscat Municipality takes pride to be an expert in organizing mega events such as Muscat Festival. Since Muscat is celebrated as the Arab capital for Tourism this year, Muscat Festival becomes an essential vehicle to showcase the mystic touch of Muscat and its various elements that contribute to making it a tourist destination of first choice. In a nut shell, Muscat Festival is a gathering that blends the entertaining, educating, socializing and artistic dimensions to provide a memorable experience about Muscat to be narrated again and again among people to spread that positive word of mouth about our magnificently beautiful capital and Oman at large. It is out of such big picture that the activities in Al Naseem Park are tailored. This is reflected through activities such as the consumption Exhibition, family & Child Village, the theater, electronic fun games in the fun fair zone as well as the various folklores that are exhibited to reflect the deep rooted heritage of the country and its people.”

   On the other hand, Kushal Sharma was visiting for the first time. He recently landed in Muscat as an organizer of an HR Conference. During his stay he had an opportunity to visit Muscat Festival. Reflecting on this he said “It was indeed a pleasure to visit the beautiful city of Muscat, and to discover the hidden treasure of the Arab world! I really feel happy for my decision to go ahead and explore the city to the extent possible despite being tired and within the limited time available. Indeed, the outings were a great relaxation and way to unwind from the long days of hectic work of putting together the conference. I do look forward to more opportunities of visiting Oman and exploring more places also in the countryside.”

    The Tour of Oman added another dimension to the festival. Through the eyes of scores of the participating professional cyclists Oman is the talk of every house in different part of the world since the contestants hail from different countries. Oman will certainly provide plenty of food for thoughts for them to carry home with them to share with their family members and friends particularly that they have been an eye witness themselves to different topographical and natural beauty of our country.

    The activities of Muscat Festival spoke louder than words. The promise of delivering an accommodating event full of fun, entertainment and informative and creative platform to showcase Muscat was planned and executed well. We congratulate Muscat Municipality and say well done and we know the best is yet to come. We are expecting the next one to be from great to excellent. Until then we are looking forward to the breath taking and innovative touch through which you made it a point to go that extra mile to captivate your audience, mesmerize their hearts and elevate their soul with standing ovation.