Muscat: The inaugural "Snaw is our Destination" festival in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate was a remarkable success, attracting more than 150,000 attendees over its seven-day duration from February 2nd to 8th. Organized by the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, the event garnered considerable interest from both local and international tourists.
Badr bin Ahmed Al Habsi, Director of the Events and Awareness Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, noted that the festival, hosted for the first time in the Wilayat of Sanaw, offered a rich array of cultural, entertainment, social, and heritage activities. Notable events included a poetry night featuring poets from Oman and the UAE, an engaging chanting evening with Qatari participants, camel racing competitions, the "Sword of the Governorate" contest, and Ardha run activities.
Additionally, the festival hosted a scientific symposium focused on animal wealth in North Al Sharqiyah, alongside the "Calling" event, which allowed local community members to demonstrate their expertise in animal husbandry, supported by the General Directorate of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Al Sharqiyah.
The festival also showcased various exhibitions, including heritage displays, agricultural presentations, and a dedicated area for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and productive families to present their offerings. A lively food court featured a wide selection of Omani and popular cuisines, while Omani singing groups provided entertainment throughout the event.
Al Habsi highlighted that North Al Sharqiyah Governorate has successfully hosted several festivals during the winter season. These events, such as the "Bidya Carnival" (120,000 visitors), the "Water Events" Festival in Wadi Bani Khalid (50,000 visitors), the "Zad Al Rakeb" Festival in Ibra (40,000 visitors), and the ongoing "Rahala" events in Al Qabil (approximately 100,000 visitors), have collectively drawn over 450,000 visitors.
These festivals have greatly enhanced domestic tourism, leading to a boost in the local economy through increased revenue for businesses and the creation of temporary job opportunities. Furthermore, they have been instrumental in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and productive families by offering them a platform to present their products and services to a broader audience.
