Ateen Square opens for khareef with family-focused attractions
The venue will operate till August 31 and offer a mix of activities aimed at residents, citizens and tourists alike. This year's festivities have been redesigned, combining performance arts, interactive installations and retail spaces tailored to families and young visitors.
Among the daily features are eco-friendly fireworks, drone displays and performances inspired by global talent shows. Galaxy Show mixes acrobatics with thematic light displays, while Emoji Show brings 20 familiar characters to life in a performance targeting younger audiences.
International participation has expanded with folklore acts curated by Unesco and a Mexican music troupe among the international groups scheduled to perform. European Carnival includes a Russian ensemble. Other attractions include themed shows such as Balloon Carnival and Peter Carnival with distinct costumes and choreography.
The arena also has what organisers describe as the largest inflatable amusement park for children in Oman. Staffed by trained personnel, it is intended to provide a safe and supervised environment for younger visitors throughout the festival.
Ateen Square has a dedicated section for small businesses led by Omani women, offering incense, perfumes and garments with traditional and contemporary influences. This aims to promote local entrepreneurship and boost women's participation in seasonal economic activity.
One of the standout additions this year is Culture and Literature Street. Designed to serve as a public space for artistic interaction, it includes poetry sessions, visual art demonstrations and writing workshops. Organisers say the aim is to create an inclusive space where culture and community meet.
The square's main stage has been renovated with elements reflecting Dhofar's mountainous terrain. It features lasers, digital screens and artificial waterfalls forming the backdrop to the evening headline performances.
Officials stated that the wide range of programmes at Ateen Square support Dhofar's positioning as a summer destination, while promoting integration between cultural tourism and local business activity. Opening of the venue signals the start of a season that has come to define monsoon tourism in Oman.
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