Muscat – Musandam opened the second edition of Wadi Madha Carnival in the Al Nakhil area of Madha, running till February 27, 2025 on Monday.

Held under the patronage of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, the opening was attended by several dignitaries, including walis and officials from the governorate.

Part of the broader Musandam Winter Season activities, the carnival aims to revive the governorate’s rich agricultural and natural heritage, promote rural tourism, and support the local community through diverse commercial and cultural activities.

According to an official from Musandam Governor’s Office, the carnival will stimulate agricultural and environmental tourism in Madha, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes that blend mountains, farms and traditional aflaj irrigation systems.

The carnival also aims to position Madha as an attractive, family-friendly tourist destination by offering a range of unique experiences and showcasing key tourist attractions.

The concept of the carnival revolves around utilising Madha’s scenic farms and winter season. Local farms are rented and transformed with aesthetic touches to host a variety of activities. This year, 11 farms are participating, each offering different attractions such as the adventure activities (climbing walls, zip lines, low-hanging rope courses, trampolines and art workshops) and science activities at the Engineering Village featuring electronics workshops and a miniature robotics race track inspired by Musandam’s landmarks. Madha Safari has a zoo and electric bike adventures. Artisan Families Market showcases local goods with marketing support through social media platforms, while Food Court and Theatre Show provide space for local cuisine and live performances.

The carnival also serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs to develop home-based projects and enhance their marketing strategies. Youth involvement is a key focus with 35 young organisers trained and employed in roles such as sales, public relations, marketing, and health and safety.

A standout feature this year is a collaboration with be’ah as part of the ‘Oman Deserves’ campaign to promote sustainability and environmental awareness over a three-day period.

According to the official, the carnival is expected to catalyse investment, tourism growth and community development as it showcases Musandam’s potential as a dynamic destination that blends tradition with innovation, creating opportunities for the local community while engaging visitors.