Muscat – The curtain fell on the second edition of the Ajwa al Ashkhara Festival in Jalan Bani Bu Ali, South Sharqiyah, on Wednesday, with the organisers reporting a total footfall of over 300,000.

Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) – in collaboration with the South Sharqiyah Governor’s Office, the three-week festival witnessed a variety of activities in the field of entertainment, heritage, cultural and sports. It also had specialised events and shows catering to different segments of society, one of which was the interactive marine heritage competition designed to engage all attendees.

Suad bint Salem al Araimi, who was heading the media committee of the festival, said that the event provided an excellent platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), productive families and institutions to showcase their products.

The Rawad Exhibition featured items such as palm frond products, wooden crafts, incense, perfumes, Omani kohl, traditional Omani clothing, various oils, Omani honey and others. Additionally, a variety of restaurants and cafés offered popular Omani dishes.

The Ashkhara Public Park Theatre hosted various artistic performances, including marine folk arts such as Al Madima, Al Shubani, and Al Bahri, presented by the Sawt Al Nahham folk arts band. Poetry evenings featuring Nabati poetry also attracted a large audience of enthusiasts.

Over 104 craftsmen, productive families and entrepreneurs participated in the festival, Suad informed, adding that the participants showcased their products and projects to visitors from Oman and beyond.