Over 150,000 visitors flock to "Snaw is our Destination" festival
Muscat: The first "Snaw is our Destination" festival in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate proved a resounding success, drawing over 150,000 visitors during its seven-day run from February 2nd to 8th. The festival, organised by the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, attracted significant interest from both domestic and international tourists.
Badr bin Ahmed Al Habsi, Director of the Events and Awareness Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, stated that the festival, held for the first time in the Wilayat of Sanaw, featured a diverse program of cultural, entertainment, social, and heritage events. Highlights included a poetry evening featuring Omani and UAE poets, a captivating chanting evening with Qatari participation, camel racing competitions, the "Sword of the Governorate" competition, and Ardha run activities.
The festival also included a scientific symposium on animal wealth in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, accompanied by the "Calling" event, which provided a platform for local community members to showcase their knowledge of animal husbandry under the guidance of the General Directorate of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Al Sharqiyah.
The festival featured a variety of accompanying exhibitions, including heritage showcases, agricultural displays, and a dedicated space for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and productive families to showcase their products and services. A vibrant food court offered a diverse range of Omani and popular cuisines, while Omani singing groups entertained visitors throughout the festival.
Al Habsi emphasised that North Al Sharqiyah Governorate hosted several successful festivals during the winter season. These events, including the "Bidya Carnival" (120,000 visitors), the "Water Events" Festival in Wadi Bani Khalid (50,000 visitors), the "Zad Al Rakeb" Festival in Ibra (40,000 visitors), and the ongoing "Rahala" events in Al Qabil (approximately 100,000 visitors), have collectively attracted over 450,000 visitors.
These festivals have significantly contributed to enhancing domestic tourism, boosting the local economy through increased income for businesses and creating temporary job opportunities. Additionally, they have played a crucial role in supporting SMEs and productive families by providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
Oman leverages ‘precision agriculture' to strengthen food security
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is increasingly harnessing technology and innovation to expand and diversify its agricultural base, with the goal of strengthening food security in a sustainable manner. To this end, various state-owned enterprises are deploying precision agriculture techniques—centered on the use of AI and other tech-based tools—to boost crop yields and food production while minimizing water use and other inputs. This technology-driven approach has been emphasized by Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in a recent interview featured in Oxford Business Group's (OBG) 2025 annual spotlight on Oman. 'Oman's agricultural strategy over the next five to ten years prioritizes strengthening food security by diversifying crop production, increasing livestock numbers, and boosting aquaculture. Diversifying crops aims to make the Sultanate more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on imports,' Al Habsi said. 'To make Omani agricultural products more competitive on a regional scale, modern farming practices—such as precision agriculture and sustainable methods—are being adopted to improve yields and reduce input costs. Additionally, the development of food safety systems and the improvement of food establishments enhance product value while minimizing food loss and waste. Export markets are being developed through quality certification, targeted marketing, and collaboration with trade bodies to ensure Omani products meet international standards,' the Minister added. Precision agriculture is a modern farming practice that uses advanced technologies to monitor, measure, and respond to variability in fields, with the goal of optimizing productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact. It involves tools such as GPS-guided tractors and harvesters, soil and crop sensors, drones and aerial imaging, satellite-based remote sensing, and AI-powered farm management software. According to Al Habsi, technology and innovation are 'transformative forces' that enhance productivity and resource management. 'Precision agriculture, with tools including GPS, IoT sensors, and drones, allows real-time monitoring of soil health, crop conditions, and water usage—optimizing the application of vital inputs. Advanced irrigation systems, such as smart and drip irrigation, help conserve water, thereby supporting environmental sustainability, one of the four pillars of Oman Vision 2040,' he noted. Vision 2040 targets a significant strengthening of agriculture and food security by raising food self-sufficiency from around 48% to 70%, expanding cultivated land from 544 km² to 1,044 km², and promoting high-value crop production. The strategy emphasizes sustainable water use, aiming for a 40% increase in availability, and supports the adoption of modern technologies, precision farming, and digitized agricultural services. The Ministry, in collaboration with various agri- and food-focused public enterprises, has already made significant progress in leveraging technology to achieve these goals. 'Climate-resilient crops and new farming techniques such as hydroponics and greenhouse cultivation are being introduced to maximize output with limited resources. Data analytics and AI tools help farmers make informed decisions based on market trends, crop health, and weather predictions. Agricultural biotechnology, such as tissue culture, is improving crop yields and resistance to disease. Integrating these technologies enhances productivity and ensures a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system,' Al Habsi said. A leading example of precision agriculture in Oman is the Million Date Trees Plantation Project, which has employed satellite imagery, GIS, and AI to optimize date palm cultivation. Data collected via sensors and drones are analyzed using AI/ML technologies to detect issues such as pest infestations, enabling targeted interventions. This has led to increased production and improved date quality.
Observer
25-05-2025
- Observer
Oman, Qatar explore stronger trade and investment ties
MUSCAT: Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, received Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of the State of Qatar, at the 'Invest in Oman' Lounge on Sunday to discuss boosting trade and investment relations between the two nations. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and unlocking new opportunities in trade and investment to advance shared development goals. The Qatari delegation was briefed on Oman's investment landscape through a series of visual presentations highlighting the Ministry's responsibilities, the "Invest in Oman" platform, strategic partnerships, and available opportunities from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. The visitors also toured the 'Invest in Oman' lounge, which serves as a one-stop investment facilitation center offering streamlined services to both local and international investors. A key part of the discussions included Oman's investment incentives, the Investor Residency Programme, and advantages within the Sultanate's special economic and free zones—areas that play a vital role in attracting foreign capital. The meeting was attended by Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Faroojiya, Under-Secretary for Investment at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; Shaikh Jassim bin Abdulrahman al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to Oman; and other officials from both sides. — ONA
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
Royal Cavalry concludes participation in Royal Windsor Horse Show
LONDON: The Royal Cavalry of the Royal Court Affairs (RCA) concluded its participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show, held at the grounds of the British Royal Windsor Castle, with the involvement of specialised equestrian teams from several countries worldwide. The Royal Cavalry participated under the theme 'The Sultanate of Oman: Jewel of Arabia', during which its male and female riders presented diverse displays of traditional Omani equestrian arts, such as 'Ardha' galloping and horse hypnosis show, accompanied by Omani, Arabic and international musical pieces performed by the Royal Cavalry Band. Eng Hilal Mohammed al Wa'eli, Head of the Royal Horses, Camels, Farms and Gardens Affairs at the Royal Court Affairs, stated that the Royal Cavalry's participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show featured various traditional equestrian performances accompanied by diverse musical pieces played by the Royal Cavalry Band, which were highly praised by the audience. He emphasised that the Royal Cavalry's participation in such global events underscores Oman's dedication to horses and equestrianism, highlighting the prestigious status it has achieved in this field. On his turn, Dr Sarhan Salim al Zidi, Director-General of the Royal Cavalry, noted that the Royal Cavalry's participation in the Royal Windsor Horse Show reaffirms the advanced ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. He added that it was an excellent opportunity for the Royal Cavalry's riders to exchange expertise with participants from various world countries. Al Zidi stressed that such events serve as a platform to promote Oman's rich cultural and civilisational heritage, as well as its tourism. During the show, the Royal Cavalry presented a visual display showcasing Oman's most prominent heritage and natural tourist attractions. The Royal Windsor Horse Show is one of the world's most prestigious equestrian events, first held in 1943. The 82nd edition featured numerous international competitions in show jumping, dressage, carriage driving, and endurance, alongside the main show in which specialised global equestrian teams performed at the grounds of Britain's Royal Windsor Castle. — ONA
