logo
Eid celebrated with vibrant cultural festivities in Oman

Eid celebrated with vibrant cultural festivities in Oman

Muscat Daily05-04-2025

Muscat – Oman marked the nine-day Eid al Fitr break with a diverse range of cultural and recreational events, showcasing the sultanate's rich heritage through traditional performances, equestrian displays and community celebrations across governorates.
In Muscat, residents of Bausher gathered in large numbers on the first day of Eid to witness a Royal parade as His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik passed through the district en route to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to offer the Eid prayer for the year 1446 AH. Locals welcomed His Majesty with chants of appreciation, expressing loyalty and celebrating the national renaissance under his leadership.
Beaches and parks in Muscat also saw huge crowds throughout the holiday, with families and children enjoying the outdoors.
In South Batinah, the municipality hosted a three-day festival titled 'Eyud al Hawqayn Ghair' (Unique Eid al Fitr) at the Al Hawqayn Waterfalls in Rustaq. The programme blended entertainment, heritage, and sports activities. The first day featured theatrical performances, interactive games, bicycle rides, and horse riding.
The second day focused on family events, traditional meals, and performances of Omani folk music and dance, including Al Azi and Al Razha. Sports competitions continued throughout.
The final day concluded with a heritage exhibition displaying handicrafts, traditional dishes, and workshops for children.
North Batinah also celebrated with events organised by the governorate's municipality across multiple locations. In Sohar, Eid activities were held at Haibi Park, Al Waha Mall, and Sohar Downtown.
These included stage shows, face painting, talent contests, horse riding, and appearances by cartoon characters.
Celebrations at the Shinas Fort Theatre featured circus acts, laser shows, cultural competitions, and children's games, with gifts distributed to attendees. Liwa's public park hosted folk art performances, face painting, and competitions for children alongside cartoon-themed entertainment.
On April 3, the Dakhliyah governorate held the fourth edition of the Bahla Equestrian Festival. Organised by the Office of the Governor, the festival included traditional horse shows with riders performing Ardha, a form of ceremonial horsemanship. The event also featured artistic performances and children's competitions, aimed at encouraging interest in equestrian culture among younger generations.
In North Sharqiyah, the Bidiya Equestrian Club organised a two-day Eid al Fitr festival, attracting over 130 participants from across Oman. The event showcased equestrian sports and traditional Omani singing, drawing widespread community participation.
According to the organisers, the festival aimed to 'celebrate Eid in a manner that reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the nation.'
Across the country, the celebrations reinforced the festive spirit of Eid, while underlining Oman's efforts to preserve and promote its cultural identity through community engagement and traditional performances.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR
SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR

Muscat Daily

time3 days ago

  • Muscat Daily

SHANGRI-LA MUSCAT UNVEILS BAB'S BRUNCH AT BAIT AL BAHR

Muscat -As Shangri-La Muscat celebrates 20 years of heartfelt hospitality in Oman this 2024, the resort introduces a fresh weekend ritual to mark the occasion: BAB's Brunch at Bait Al Bahr—a relaxed yet refined dining experience that captures the spirit of the sea, the warmth of the sun, and the serenity of coastal dining. Launching this summer, BAB's Brunch is served every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, inviting guests to unwind with spectacular cuisine and majestic panoramic views of the beach, all from the elegant indoor temperature-controlled setting of Bait Al Bahr. Perched along the resort's iconic lazy river, the venue offers one of Muscat's most breathtaking dining locations—where gentle waves and ocean breezes frame every bite. For the first time, Bait Al Bahr opens during the day to welcome brunch lovers with a shared-style concept comprising of a selection of appetisers, followed by live-grilled premium cuts (beef, lamb chops, chicken) , and the freshest seafood—including lobster, king prawns, octopus, and seasonal fish—are all served directly to the table, encouraging convivial dining and memorable moments alongside live entertainment. To complement this indulgent Saturday afternoon, free-flow beverages are included, and other premium options are also available. BAB's brunch starts from OMR 30 net per person, with complimentary beach and pool access included for brunch guests. Bait Al Bahr commonly known as BAB has long stood at the heart of Muscat's vibrant community, and this new offering brings together the spirit of coastal dining with the warmth of Omani hospitality—reimagined in a setting that blends a relaxed atmosphere with an elegant brunch.

Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye
Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye

Observer

time3 days ago

  • Observer

Oman launches first tourist hot air balloon project in Türkiye

Muscat, June 3 The Sultanate of Oman launched its first tourist hot air balloon as part of the 'Oman Balloons' project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Türkiye, during the promotional phase of the project. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to develop and diversify the tourism product while enhancing Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination. Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, announced that the hot air balloon will arrive in Oman by September, with operations starting in October at Stars Gate Camp in Bidiyah. 'Our objective is to make Oman an attractive hot air balloon destination. We plan to participate in all the tourism festivals conducted in different governorates of Oman. We would also like to have a school to train hot air balloon riders. We will also be the agents for the Pasha Balloons to be represented in other GCC countries,' he said. Al Abri emphasised Oman's heritage, unique features, nature and tranquillity, noting that hot air balloon adds entertainment and adventure to the tourism experience. The project aims to bring international expertise in hot air balloon tourism to Oman, enhancing tourism experiences for both domestic and international visitors. "Oman Balloon No 1" will begin flights from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore Oman's diverse tourism attractions from the sky. The hot air balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and is designed to withstand Omani weather conditions, with a capacity for up to 20 passengers and a technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant. The "Oman Balloons" project is supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for its role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This initiative showcases Oman's natural and cultural heritage from an innovative perspective, attracting a wider range of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.

Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?
Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?

Observer

time4 days ago

  • Observer

Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?

The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books. Kaushalendra Singh @patkaushal The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store