Muscat Nights will Help Local Businesses & Revitalize Domestic Tourism

Muscat: A kaleidoscope of activities will take place during the inaugural edition of the Muscat Nights, which will take place from January 19 to February 4.

Muscat Nights, organized by Muscat Municipality, aims to be the largest entertainment, cultural, and community event in the capital city.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, announced on Sunday at a press conference at Qantab Hall, Al Bustan Palace, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the presence of representatives from ministries and government that Muscat Nights 2023 will be held at four locations: Al Qurum Natural Park, Al Naseem Public Park, the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

Al Hamidi said, “Muscat Nights aims to develop events that go down well with the community, traditions and customs, and promote healthy practices.

“For the youth, we have included activities and sports at the Oman Automobile Association, given that the majority of Omani society is under the age of 16.”

Al Hamidi hoped that Muscat Nights would contribute to the revitalization of domestic tourism by providing a venue for entertainment and cultural events. He stated that 90 percent of the contracts for venue preparation have been awarded to local companies.

“This year, every segment of society will be served and we have been keen to develop events that take care of all with safety and security standards at the top of our priority,” said Al Hamidi.

Brigadier General Mohammed bin Nasser Al Kindi, Director General of Operations at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), said: “Extra policemen will be on duty to ease traffic congestion due to the Muscat Nights activities. This will be done through a plan to open other lanes to reduce congestion.”

The top ROP official said: “The police will provide advice and guidance, and will deploy members of civil defence to help if necessary. The police will also participate in a number of educational shows and exhibitions during the activities from January 19-February 4.”

Al Hamidi also talked about the concerns of people regarding traffic congestion in Al Qurum. He said: “To prevent traffic congestion in the Al Qurum region, the Muscat Nights event will be held only in a section of the park, which includes the lake and its nearby areas.”

Muscat Nights, according to Al Hamidi, is a new concept unrelated to the Muscat Festival, which was last held in 2019 after having been held annually since 1998.

“Most of Muscat Nights activities will be held in the evening and added that Muscat Municipality took into account many suggestions to organise the inaugural edition of Muscat Nights,” he said.

Special schedule

Each venue is expected to have its own distinct personality and a unique schedule with a variety of activities tailored to the venue.

According to officials, the activities will not be limited to entertainment but will also promote domestic tourism and support local industries by providing a platform for them.

With the release of an app for ticket purchases, technology will be used to book tickets and view the event schedule.

This time, a heritage village will be established in Al Naseem Park, with a greater representation of the governorates.

The Sultanate of Oman’s talented artists will organize the concerts.

Children under the age of 12 and people with disabilities are exempt from paying entry fees, according to the organizers.

Source : zawya