Thursday 12 / December / 2024
Khasab: In line with the efforts to boost the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman, the much-anticipated Musandam Carnival preparations are underway. The carnival is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Musandam Governor’s Office, OMRAN Group, and several public and private sector entities. The three-day event aims to enrich visitors’ experiences with multiple entertainment activities catering to different demographics while promoting Musandam as a captivating local tourism destination.
Musandam Carnival will be held on Bassah Beach from 26 to 28 April 2023 in the Wilayat of Khasab from 4:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. The beach is renowned for its natural beauty, pristine waters and proximity to many tourist attractions. Furthermore, a new project is currently being developed in the area, which will include a public garden and several other facilities, to further enrich the tourism experience in the area.
“The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to diversify tourism offerings and products in Oman. We aspire to increase the contribution of the sector and stimulate local tourism by capitalising on the natural and cultural richness of our distinctive destinations. The Governorate of Musandam has a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical features that provide comprehensive and integrated tourism experiences for visitors,” said Nawfal Muhammad Al-Kamzari, Assistant Manager of the Heritage and Tourism Directorate in Musandam Governorate.
The carnival will feature various entertainment activities, games, performances, and eateries for all family members to enjoy through each of the carnival’s themed zones. These include a food corner offering delicious local and international cuisines and a shopping corner for visitors to learn about local products and home businesses. The carnival will also host the Omani Women’s Association in Khasab, which will be showcasing the culture of Musandam, local foods and handicrafts. Furthermore, a children’s activities corner will be dedicated to fun recreational games, and a youth activities corner will hold several musical performances and electronic and interactive games. Lastly, there will also be beach activities, including beach football and volleyball, a theatre corner, a stage specialised for events such as light and fire shows, and a marine activities corner and events corner.
Speaking on the occasion, Noura Mohammed Al Dhahouri, Planning and Investment Director at the Musandam Governor’s Office said, “This carnival demonstrates our unwavering commitment to exploring different tourism experiences in the region and promoting the diversity of our culture to visitors. It is also an extension of the tourism season-related activities periodically held in the governorate. Such carnivals play a pivotal role in developing the tourism sector by attracting visitors from Oman and the rest of the world. This, in turn, will create opportunities for local businesses, including SMEs, to thrive and grow.”
Speaking on the significance and importance of the event, Badriya Abdul Rahman Al-Siyabiya, Manager of Social Investment at OMRAN Group, said, “Such events align with OMRAN Group’s efforts to continue strengthening its stakeholder engagement to further enhance Oman’s tourism sector. This specific carnival also plays an instrumental role in creating a platform for raising awareness on In-Country Value (ICV), thereby contributing to the country’s overall socio-economic growth and prosperity.”
Musandam Carnival is a strategic partnership event between several entities from the public and private sectors, including the Authority for SME Development, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Musandam Municipality, Omantel, OQ Group, ASAAS, Atana Hotels, Oman Adventures Centre, Thawani, Galfar Engineering & Contracting, Khasab Sports and Cultural Club, Otaxi and Lulu Hypermarket.
Visitors will also have an excellent opportunity to experience exciting adventures in the Musandam Governorate, such as flying down the 1,800-meter-long (1.8km) zipline. The zipline is part of an integrated centre, Oman Adventures, designed to provide tourists with unique experiences that combine adventure, exploration, and excitement.
The Carnival is expected to attract a large number of visitors and tourists from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Admission to the carnival will be free of charge, allowing everyone to experience the fun-filled cultural event. To learn more about Musandam Carnival, please follow the social media account on Instagram: @carnivals.om.
