The Ajwaa al Ashkharah Festival in the wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, South Sharqiyah, concluded on Monday. More than 220,000 visitors attended the cultural celebration.

The 20-day festival, which started on July 5, saw participation of numerous government agencies and private institutions offering a broad spectrum of 40 activities, including entertainment, tourism and cultural. There were captivating performances praised by citizens, residents and visitors from all over Oman.

Several pavilions were set up, including a heritage corner reflecting the way of life in the area – such as folk arts, traditional clothing and ancient games – practised in the past in a tent. 

Other elements such as palm fronds, fishing gear, silverware craftsmanship, traditional jewellery and shipbuilding techniques were also featured. A mini-exhibit educated visitors on the shipbuilding process.

A variety of government and private agencies contributed to the festival’s varied programming. The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Sharqiyah organised an interactive tourist corner, providing visitors with information about the wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Oman in general.

Parallel tourism events took place in the wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi, as well as the niyabat of Ras al Hadd in the wilayat of Sur. These events presented an assortment of cultural, recreational and tourism activities, attracting a diverse range of visitors and tourists.