In July, three distinct festivals were inaugurated in Muscat, offering delightful experiences in a rejuvenating ambiance and a wide range of events.
In Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the second edition of the Rummana Festival was launched, while in the Dhofar Governorate, the Dhofar Khareef Festival welcomed visitors at different tourist spots. Additionally, the second edition of the “Ajwaa Ashkharah” forum commenced in the Al Ashkharah Public Park in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, running until July 31 this year, featuring a variety of events and exhibitions.
The second season of the Ajwaa Al Ashkharah Festival builds upon the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted over 220,000 attendees. The organizing committee has focused on offering a diverse range of events and activities catering to visitors of all ages. The festival's various sections offer entertainment, educational opportunities, and marketing platforms that enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of Oman's heritage and rich history.
The forum offers a variety of additional events, such as kite flying demonstrations, paragliding, fireworks, traditional contests like Al-Zafin, Taghrud, and Al-Razha, cultural displays like horse shows, heritage and maritime competitions, interactive contests on stage and social platforms, theatrical performances, poetry readings, art exhibitions, and workshops. Additionally, there are agility demonstrations, sports competitions like beach soccer, beach volleyball, cycling races, the "Drag Race" car challenge, and a cricket championship.
The organization of the second edition of the Rummana event is part of ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural tourism in the Sultanate of Oman and broaden the range of tourism offerings. This initiative aims to elevate Al Jabal Al Akhdar's status as a prominent destination for tourism, culture, and agriculture in the region.
The inaugural Rummana event, spanning 12 weeks, garnered significant success with over 22,000 visitors from both local and international regions. It facilitated the sale of over 1,800 kilograms of local pomegranate fruit through the event's sales outlets, featuring the participation of 38 local establishments.
Dhofar Governorate stands out as a key tourist destination on local, regional, and global scales, boasting stunning natural landscapes. The region attracts a variety of international events and is anticipated to welcome over one million visitors this year, particularly with the availability of direct flights to Salalah Airport from various GCC countries.
The last Khreef season saw a remarkable increase in attendance, with visitor numbers ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 at the main sites. Over 150 activities were successfully carried out last year, encompassing a wide range of categories such as artistic, sports, cultural, heritage, and entertainment. This year, the Khreef events are projected to reach 180, spanning across 90 days. This extended duration will offer visitors ample time to appreciate the beauty of the governorate and partake in numerous activities and events across various locations equipped with all necessary services and facilities.
