Muscat – Muscat Nights 2026 kicked off with great fanfare on January 1, transforming the Qurum Rose Garden area into a festive winter wonderland that will delight families and visitors throughout January. The event, part of the larger Muscat Nights programme spanning multiple city venues, celebrates culture, nature, entertainment and community spirit in the heart of Muscat. 

As evening descended, the ambiance at Rose Garden becomes electric with a mix of colours, music, food, fireworks and laughter. Visitors of various nationalities stroll amid thousands of flowers and roses, their vivid hues accentuated by soft evening lights and artful landscaping inspired by international floral design. Delicate fragrances mingle with the aroma of grilled kebabs and sweet treats from food stalls showcasing Omani, Indian, Arabic and global cuisine. 

The festival grounds buzz with activity – children chase bubbles near the amphitheatre, while elders relax with mint tea, enjoying traditional Omani kahwa, music and dance performances on the main stage. Cultural shows offer glimpses into heritage through folk dances, storytelling sessions and live theatre that celebrate both local customs and global art forms. A nightly highlight is the dazzling light and drone display over the gardens, painting dynamic patterns against the Muscat sky. 

Light shows, cultural events (local and foreign), Disney characters, and poetry recitations by the lake side are among the many attractions to look forward to.

Khalid al Harthy, who came to Qurum Rose Garden with his family on Saturday evening, said, “The atmosphere here feels joyful and welcoming, and you can sense how thoughtfully everything has been planned. The ‘Siraj’ light festival is especially beautiful – it gives the garden a magical glow after sunset. My children were amazed by the mesmerising drone show, and the synchronised water fountain display kept everyone, young and old, watching in awe. We really appreciated the free shuttle bus service arranged by Muscat Municipality. It made reaching the venue easy and stress-free.”

He added, “Beyond the lights, there is so much to experience – an international circus, interactive educational zones for children, and a heritage village, where live crafts and folk arts proudly showcase Omani traditions.”

He informed that his next visit will be to Oman Automobile Association and the Seeb beach where the festival includes games and sports – beach football and volleyball tournaments.

Ayesha al Amri, homemaker from Amerat, said, “Rose Garden feels alive tonight. The gardens, lights and performances create a magical atmosphere bringing everyone together in celebration. Muscat Nights reconnects us with heritage and community. Here at Rose Garden, every performance and aroma tells a story – it’s a celebration of who we are.”

Santosh Koroth, a businessman based in Al Khuwair, added, “I love experiencing the fusion of tastes and traditions here. The stalls and shows at Qurum reflect true diversity, making this event unforgettable.” 

He added that the sense of joy is palpable, with friends and families soaking in the festive mood under shimmering bursts of colour. For many visitors, the festival represents a unique blend of natural beauty, community warmth and cultural richness all wrapped into one spectacular month-long celebration.