Oman residents warmly embrace onset of winter

MUSCAT: The onset of a chill in the nights and early mornings in Muscat have prompted residents to reach for windcheaters and light woolens, warmly embracing the delightful change in weather.

This transition brings boundless joy, beckoning residents to indulge in outdoor escapades during their weekends - whether lounging by the beaches, camping in nature's embrace, or exploring picturesque picnic spots around the Sultanate.

This past weekend witnessed an influx of cars lining the beaches in Azaiba, Qurum, and Seeb, as people eagerly embraced the nip in the air, marking the arrival of the winter season, albeit slightly delayed. Cafes experienced a surge in evening footfall, signaling the commencement of this awaited season.

Though the peak of winter is forecasted for early January, mountainous regions like Jabal Shams have already shivered under notably cold temperatures, dipping below a chilling 5°C. On Sunday, Saiq in Al Jabal Al Akhdar recorded a minimal temperature of 6°C.

In Muscat, Seeb and Al Amerat, Sunday's temperatures plummeted below 20°C, mirroring similar ranges in most cities. Conversely, Mudhaibi and Salalah boasted maximum temperatures of 31°C and 30°C respectively, a pattern echoed in Mahout and Haima.

The region's pleasant climate serves as a magnet for European tourists seeking refuge from their countries' harsh winter. Hoteliers anticipate a surge in December and January, welcoming a substantial influx of European tourists drawn to Oman's natural landscapes and secure environment during the festive season.

For locals and residents, weekends present the perfect opportunity for outdoor barbecues, while regular days are filled with bustling activities, including street food vendors offering the popular mishkak - a traditional Omani delight consisting of marinated meat cubes skewered and expertly grilled over hot charcoal.

For a long-time resident from India, UD Manoj, the weather in Muscat during December and January is just the "best". He said: "Oman is the most beautiful place to be around these months as one can enjoy the slight chill in the air and also doesn't need a lot of warm clothes to put on. It is just a dream destination and I make it a point to spend my weekends on outdoor trips and enjoying barbecue."

Mohammed Al Balushi, a resident of Mussanah, loves sitting outside his house in the evenings and enjoying the cool breeze from the sea. "This is the best time of the year. We enjoy the outdoors and one can also relish the traditional mishkak and other barbecue dishes that we love to cook."