Muttrah heritage and tourism festival gets underway

Muscat: To promote Muttrah’s contribution the heritage and culture of Oman, the Muttrah Heritage and Tourism Festival kicked off on Wednesday and will continue until March 28.
The festival is being held at Riyam Park, Muttrah Sabla and Sultan Qaboos Port, and includes a number of entertainment, social, art, cultural, and commercial events. For the first time in Oman’s festivals, an art event is being held where a number of famous artists from the country and abroad will create art on traditional Omani boats. After the event, Dar Al Atta’a will hold a charity auction for those boats.
“The festival aims to revive the folklore of Muttrah,” His Excellency Ahmed bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Wali of Muttrah, and the General Supervisor of the Festival said.
“The festival started with the operetta ‘Muttrah Story’, which sheds light on its long and bright history. It is blessed with the achievements of the Renaissance. There are a number of other events associated with the festival, which will take place on the corniche road — an exhibition of birds, a fine arts competition for Muttrah most recognisable features, a police dog show, and different shows of traditional Omani art,” he added.
Ahmed said, “In the second week, there are artistic performances of Rizha and Malid (dances) and the photography competition of the state landmarks. There’s also a parade of motorcycles and classic cars, traditional song performances of Hambal and Tgroud, and more.”
The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel (RNOV) Shabab Oman II is also participating actively throughout the days of the festival, since its arrival at Sultan Qaboos Port at 8:00 am Wednesday.
The book fair will open on Thursday, March 15. At 6:30 pm, a special event will be held for visiting cruise ships. On Saturday, a traditional boat race will be held at the port.
Riyam Park in Muttrah will host a number of recreational events, with 80 home-business families and 45 craftsmen specialising in traditional Omani crafts from Muttrah will exhibiting their products to visitors.