Muscat: A Must Visit During New Year's Festivities
Vising Muscat's yearly festival is a great way to discover this unknown Middle Eastern land.Oman may not seem like the ideal destination to visit in many tourists’ minds, and so, too often, this overlooked Arab nation flies under the tourist radar. The Muscat Festival, held yearly in Oman from January 1 to early February may be a great alternative and exotic way to ring in the New Year in a foreign land.
The top social month in the Sultanate’s calendar is the Muscat Festival, which draws over 1 million tourists during festivities. The festival began in 1988 to commemorate the beloved Sultan’s 40 year rule and has continued annually ever since. It is a celebration of Arabian culture and heritage, featuring some of the Middle East’s top performers and entertainers. Also on display is Omani culture, displayed through impressive exhibits of handcrafted masterpiece products, the Muscat fashion show and the world famous Tour of Oman, which draws international cycling favourites and fans. The astounding laser show, powered by German LOBO, takes place with 3D laser sculptures, holograms, lights, sound and fire over the artificial lake in Qurum Park and is the show stealer of the festival.
Oman is the temporary residence to many expats, and a bustling and active foreign community. Included among the expats are many Brits, not surprisingly since there are direct flights to Muscat from major airport London Heathrow.
Planning a holiday to coincide with the Muscat Festival, the country’s major festivities and patriotic public display of Arabian culture may be the best time to experience the finest that this overlooked destination has to offer.
