Ittin's "Nova" event blends tourism and culture, with youth-led creativity
One standout initiative this year is the 'Nova' event, held at the Ittin Plain in Salalah. Running through August 31, Nova has become a key tourist and entertainment attraction for the 2025 season, offering a variety of cultural and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Weam bint Bakhit al Kathiri, founder of the project, says that 'Nova' features a diverse mix of commercial and leisure activities. Among its highlights are an 8-meter-high 'Giant Moon' installation, an open-air theater, amusement rides, and a dedicated area for mobile food vendors.
Co-founder Hamoud bin Ali Al Sulaimi noted that the concept of Nova is to create an integrated carnival that elevates Dhofar's appeal as a vibrant monsoon destination. The event showcases a mix of Omani and Arab brands and offers a platform for local entrepreneurs and productive families to present their goods to both domestic and international visitors.
Ali bin Hassan al Balushi, owner of the 'Qand' project at Nova, emphasized the unique youth-driven approach to the event's planning and operations. 'The success of Nova reflects the dedication of young Omanis who independently organized and managed the event, helping attract large crowds this season,' he said.
Al Balushi stressed the importance of continued financial and logistical support for youth-led initiatives like Nova, citing their value in enriching the tourism and economic landscape of the governorate.
Youth entrepreneurship initiatives such as Nova not only enhance Dhofar's tourism offering during the monsoon season but also provide sustainable economic and social opportunities. These efforts demonstrate the increasing contribution of Omani youth to the tourism sector and reflect the broader development goals of the Sultanate of Oman under its national vision.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 minutes ago
- Muscat Daily
12-day Work Forum to tackle Oman's labour market challenges
Salalah – Ministry of Labour's 12-day Work Forum 2025 opened in Salalah on Sunday to address key challenges in the labour market and explore opportunities aligned with national development goals. Inaugurated by H E Mahad Baawain, Minister of Labour, the forum has brought together over 1,000 participants including international experts, senior officials, business leaders and investors. The event will feature 33 working papers focused on aligning labour policies with emerging trends, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting sustainable employment models in line with Oman Vision 2040. Nasser Salim al Hadhrami, Director General of Labour in Dhofar, said the forum highlights Oman's commitment to keeping pace with global labour developments. 'Introduction of the new Labour Law and Social Protection Law reflects our efforts to align with international standards,' he said. 'We are moving towards comprehensive strategies in education, training and employment to support emerging work patterns.' Mohammed Hassan al Obaidli, Director General of Executive Bureau of GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, warned that rapid economic and technological transformations are reshaping the labour landscape. 'We must build fair and flexible models for skills development, employment and social protection,' he said. Azar Bayramov, Director General of OIC Labour Centre, said the forum plays a critical role in fostering cooperation. 'Our mission is to be a bridge between governments, workers and employers to ensure decent work for all,' he said, announcing a post-forum training programme on leadership in occupational safety and health for Omani stakeholders. The forum is being held in collaboration with local and international partners, including Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Workers and Arab Labor Organization. Activities during the forum will include exhibitions by vocational students, dialogue sessions with employers and H E Baawain, and discussions on government transformation and sustainable leadership. The event will conclude on August 14.
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Museums, archaeological sites boost tourism in Khareef
Salalah - The museums and archaeological sites in Dhofar Governorate serve as a fundamental pillar of cultural tourism during the Khareef (monsoon) season. They attract visitors from within and outside Oman and reflect the richness of the governorate's cultural and archaeological assets. Several officials from the heritage and tourism sectors, along with investors in archaeological sites, told Oman News Agency that the Khareef Dhofar season is a golden opportunity to promote cultural tourism in the governorate, given the large number of visitors interested in Omani history and cultural identity. Ali Salim Al Kathiri, director of the Land of Frankincense Sites at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the archaeological cities of Samharam and Al Baleed represent a unique model of ancient port cities that flourished on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. These cities undertook a vital role in the maritime trade network, especially the frankincense trade. He added that historical sources and excavation results at these two sites have revealed a succession of multiple civilizations, reflecting the rich civilizational heritage of southern Oman. Both sites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Al Kathiri noted that the number of visitors to the Land of Frankincense sites and the Museum of the Frankincense Land during the last Khareef season reached 54,569. He anticipates an increase in this number during the current season due to promotional efforts by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with public and private sector partners. He explained that the visitor experience is evaluated through regular field surveys, research studies conducted by specialized scientific institutions, and the national "Tajawob" platform, which receives public feedback and suggestions. This contributes to improving services and enhancing community interaction with these sites. Harith Mohammed al Ghassani, a board member of the Dhofar Museum, stated that the museum serves as a window into the history of the Omani people since the first settlements. Located in the old quarter of Salalah, it is distinguished by its heritage design and its contents, which include over 1,000 artifacts collected by the museum's founder since the 1950s. It also offers translated information and integrated services. He noted that the museum attracts researchers, enthusiasts, and tourists for the insightful experience it offers, which tells the story of the Omani people, their environment, and their civilizational connections. For his part, Salim Ahmed al Amri, owner of the "Tawasul Al Ajyal Museum" (Generations Continuity Museum) in Taqah Wilayat, said that the museum is the first private museum licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate. It aims to transfer authentic Omani heritage from previous generations to the next, affirming that preserving cultural memory is a shared responsibility between individuals and institutions. He added that the museum's idea was born from the dream of his late mother, Tuffoul Ramadan Bamukhalef, in the 1950s and came to fruition after her death with the museum's opening in February 2023 inside the family home in the old quarter of Taqah. It serves as a living extension of the memory of the place and its people.
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Game development bootcamp to enhance future-ready digital talent
MUSCAT: As part of its efforts to enhance digital skills development and economic diversification, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in collaboration with Unity Technologies and Al-Nahda Training Institute, has launched a National Game Development Bootcamp for young Omani talent. The initiative, which falls under Oman's broader plan to invest in new digital sectors, aims to train 50 Omani nationals in the space of six months. The trainees will be given practical training in game programming, animation design, 3D modelling, and artificial intelligence, the building blocks of today's gaming sector. Jalila bint Abdullah al Fannah al Arimi, Director of Future Skills Development at MoTCIT, announced the launch, emphasizing the programme's focus on practical learning. "This bootcamp has a very strong practical application focus," she said. "It offers participants an opportunity to gain real-world experience in technology incubators and to develop their own game projects, ultimately preparing them to build competitive Omani start-ups in this fast-emerging digital sector." She pointed out that the project reflects a long-term national commitment to digital transformation. "National digital talent investment is key to a sustainable digital economy. This project is a concrete step towards that vision—opening up new possibilities for young Omanis to play an important role in the global gaming sector." Speaking at the bootcamp's official launch ceremony, Shaikh Humaid bin Juma al Shamsi, Chairman of Al-Nahda Training Institute, emphasised the strategic importance of the bootcamp. "This landmark initiative resonates with our vision to empower Omani youth by equipping them with cutting-edge digital skills that now form the bedrock of advanced global economies," he said. He also added that the gaming industry has turned into a knowledge-based industry. "The video game industry is no longer merely entertainment. It's a multi-integrated, knowledge-based industry that includes programming, designing, artificial intelligence, and artistic creativity. The bootcamp was established as a practical platform to allow young Omanis to be part of this active and rapidly emerging global industry." Representing Unity Technologies in the Middle East, Zia Ul Islam further stated that the programme also leverages Unity's real-time AI tech to the advantage of long-term ecosystem development. "This programme is not only intended to upskill people, but to contribute to a sustainable digital ecosystem in Oman," he said. "By building talent and small- and medium-sized enterprises, we hope to power job creation in the gaming and broader digital sectors." Ul Islam was optimistic regarding the programme's future expansion. "This is just the beginning. Our vision is to build something much bigger in the near future, in collaboration with national institutions and ministries across Oman, to further accelerate the development of the local digital economy." The bootcamp marks a significant milestone in Oman's drive to embrace digital innovation and equip its young people for active participation in high-growth global industries.
