By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Muscat – Muscat Nights attracted more than 600,000 visitors during its 10-day run from January 1 to 10, 2026, reinforcing its standing as one of the Sultanate’s leading winter cultural and entertainment events.
Organised across eight venues in the capital, the festival brought together cultural performances, family-oriented activities, heritage displays, food experiences and live shows. The programme drew residents and visitors of different age groups, reflecting growing interest in large-scale community events that combine tradition with contemporary entertainment.

An official at Muscat Municipality told Muscat Daily that the attendance figures reflect the success of efforts to deliver inclusive and high-quality public entertainment, while strengthening Muscat’s position as a cultural and tourism destination. The municipality said Muscat Nights has become a regular feature of the city’s winter calendar, offering accessible spaces for families and visitors.
Beyond on-site attendance, the festival recorded strong digital engagement. Official figures showed total social media reach exceeding 9.4 million, with overall views surpassing 31 million across platforms.
Instagram emerged as a key channel for audience interaction, generating millions of views and engagements. YouTube content recorded more than 7.3 million views, along with thousands of hours of watch time, while TikTok and X also registered steady performance. Snapchat reported notable growth in reach and followers, particularly among younger users.

Officials said the festival’s online performance marked a clear increase compared to previous editions, with follower growth exceeding 180%, pointing to the effectiveness of its digital communication strategy.
Muscat Nights featured a broad range of attractions, including traditional Omani arts, international performances, fireworks, children’s zones and interactive activities. The event also provided opportunities for small businesses and local entrepreneurs, supporting the creative economy and contributing to tourism activity.

Authorities said the strong public response, both on the ground and online, underlined the festival’s role in promoting cultural tourism, enhancing quality of life and positioning Muscat as a centre for major seasonal events.
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