SMEs showcase products at Jabal Akhdar Festival
A number of small and medium enterprises have come up with stalls at the venue to showcase their products.
Both citizens and expatriates are thronging the venue with their family to witness the ongoing events. Toddlers and youth alike were seen moving around the festival site with their families enjoying the cool weather of Jabal Akhdar.
Though moderate rains on Thursday afternoon played spoilsport with the event, that didn't dampen the spirit of children as teams from the municipality cleaned the venue in no time. By the evening, everything was back in order for the festival.
Many were enjoying the delicious snacks while others were busy buying products from the shops. Away from the eyes of their parents, children had a gala time on the many rides spread across the place.
But Majid, an Omani, was the cynosure of all eyes with his Halwa making skill. He was seen stirring the liquid on a stove with a long wooden stick in his hand.
A 10-year veteran of the profession, Majid said, it takes him at least four hours to make halwa. He said that he has to stir the compound regularly so that it doesn't stick to the cooking pot.
'If it sticks to the pot, the taste and the entire product and my effort will go to waste,' he added.
The festival is promoting domestic tourism and showcasing the natural and cultural assets of Jabal Akhdar.
It features a variety of activities including cultural performances, sports competitions, and entertainment for all age groups. It also includes an open market with sections for productive families, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and local agricultural products.
A number of kiosks have come up on the route to the festival, where Omanis are selling freshly plucked figs, pomegranates, honey, grapes, olive and rosewater.
When asked about the stopovers of tourists in Jabal Al Akhdar on the way to Salalah, Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager at dusitD2 Naseem, said: 'Definitely this is a better year for us compared to last year. We are having more bookings this year from travellers going to Salalah. They love the cool climate of this region. With Dubai sizzling at nearly 50 degrees Celsius, Jabal Akhdar is giving them a perfect gate-away from scorching summers.'
While parts of Oman are reeling under high temperature and high humidity, Jab Al Akhdar in Al Dakhliyah Governorate received moderate rains on Thursday afternoon further bringing down the temperature. The rain was also accompanied with hail.
Right from the Barkat Al Mouj to the uphill at Jabal Al Akhdar, signage both in English and Arabic guide tourists to the venue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Shabab Oman II vessel docks at Port of Bremerhaven in Germany
Bremerhaven — The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO's) Shabab Oman II vessel has docked at the port of Bremerhaven in the Federal Republic of Germany as part of its international voyage, Glories of the Seas 2025.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
LuLu celebrates ‘India Utsav 2025'
Muscat: LuLu Oman launched 'India Utsav' 2025 to celebrate and promote the rich and diverse culture, heritage, traditions and flavors of India in Oman. The week-long festival was launched to coincide with the 78th Independence Day of India. The festival was inaugurated by H.E. Shri Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, on the 13th of August in the presence of a host of officials from the Indian community and Lulu dignitaries. The festival will be held till 20th of August at select Lulu outlets across the Sultanate. The festival, which is a kaleidoscope of culture, colours and cuisines of India, will provide customers a unique opportunity to experience Indian extravaganza in every category from lifestyle and fashion to food and drinks. There will also be amazing promotions and offers on a wide range of Indian products on display. Special stalls will be set up to familiarize and promote regional cuisines and snacks to people all over the world. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Anwar Sadhath, Regional Director of Lulu Hypermarkets - Oman, stated, 'This festival is part of Lulu's initiative to strengthen the cultural relations between Oman and India. It will offer local residents and expatriates a taste of India's dynamic cuisines and a window to its vibrant traditions. Shoppers will find an extensive range of authentic Indian grocery products, everyday household essentials, and humble yet much-loved brands from across India, from staple grains, spices, and pickles to traditional products and kitchenware, bringing the essence of Indian homes right into their baskets. To complement the experience, the festival also features authentic Indian apparel, exquisite clothing collections, and traditionally intricate jewelry, adding a fashionable touch to a wholesome Indian shopping journey.' 'We are glad to organize 'India Utsav' every year. Above all, we hope, this event would lay the foundations for a new dynamic relationship between the two countries for the future.' he added. Shoppers can also experience the genuine flavors of India in a variety of dishes that describe the authenticity and rich history of India. There will be special stalls for customers to savor a selection of melt-in-the-mouth Indian sweets and snacks.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Al Haffa Beach Market: A blend of heritage, modern shopping
Salalah: Al Haffa Beach Market in the Wilayat of Salalah stands out as one of Dhofar Governorate's most prominent tourist and heritage destinations, offering a diverse range of products and services managed by entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and local families. With over 356 commercial stalls, the market showcases Omani-made goods, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and heritage artifacts that reflect the nation's cultural identity. The site includes the Frankincense Market, supervised by Dhofar Municipality, which attracts large numbers of visitors during the Khareef (monsoon) season. Here, visitors can learn about the extraction and varied uses of frankincense, alongside displays of traditional handicrafts, local foods, and heritage products offered by families and SMEs from across the governorate. Salim Abdullah Fadil, supervisor of the Frankincense Market's family products section, noted that this year's market has seen a significant influx of visitors amid an atmosphere infused with the scent of Omani frankincense, vibrant heritage displays, and live artistic performances. More than 300 local families are participating, presenting authentic Omani crafts, foods, and products. He added that this season has witnessed logistical and organizational improvements, including expanded exhibition spaces, upgraded facilities and parking, and redesigned stalls inspired by traditional local architecture—enhancing the visitor experience while highlighting the region's cultural identity. The market will remain open until the end of the Khareef season, featuring daily performances by Omani traditional arts troupes from 4 PM until midnight. These include heritage-inspired artistic displays and children's programs, solidifying its status as a key tourist and heritage destination while supporting local enterprises. Haitham Mahmoud Jad, Director of Al Haffa Market, emphasized that the market is a must-visit stop for tourists during Khareef, offering products to suit all tastes alongside restaurants, cafés, and banking services. He confirmed ongoing development plans to further elevate the market's standing as a premier tourist attraction. Several business owners at the market praised Dhofar Municipality and market management for their support in developing the site and boosting its appeal to visitors from within Oman and abroad. They also highlighted the need for expanded parking and intensified marketing efforts to attract even greater footfall.
