Al Awabi – South Batinah governorate will host the second edition of the Kuroom Aleanab – Grape Festival – in Al Awabi on June 26 and June 27 under the patronage of H E Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

The festival will be held in the Jalab area of Wadi Bani Kharous and aims to highlight the region’s rich grape-growing heritage while promoting agricultural and eco-tourism as emerging drivers of local economic development.

Running daily from 4.30pm to 8pm, the event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s vineyards and scenic landscapes. A dedicated exhibition featuring locally grown grape varieties will provide farmers with a platform to showcase their produce and engage directly with consumers.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mohammed Al Bahri of Kuroom Aleanab, said the second edition has generated significant interest and is expected to attract large numbers of visitors from across the sultanate.

“We have witnessed growing enthusiasm for the festival, particularly among people interested in agricultural tourism and authentic rural experiences. The event highlights the agricultural wealth of Wadi Bani Kharous while creating opportunities for local farmers to market their products and connect with visitors,” he said.

Al Bahri added that organising the festival during the weekend is expected to boost attendance and encourage wider participation from families, tourists and nature enthusiasts.

“The festival is more than a celebration of grapes. It is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the area, promote sustainable agriculture and support local communities by attracting visitors to one of Oman’s most picturesque agricultural destinations,” he said.

Among the festival’s highlights is the distribution of grape seedlings to visitors, encouraging greater interest in sustainable farming and the preservation of traditional agricultural practices. Rural cafés and coffee corners overlooking vineyards and natural attractions will enhance the visitor experience by offering refreshments in a unique countryside setting.

A key attraction will be a nature trail winding through vineyards, aflaj-irrigated farms and green oases, allowing visitors to explore the environmental and cultural richness of Wadi Bani Kharous. Organisers expect the trail to appeal particularly to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking immersive experiences in nature.

The festival reflects ongoing efforts to leverage Oman’s agricultural assets to strengthen domestic tourism and create new economic opportunities for local communities. By bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs and visitors, it seeks to showcase the distinctive character of Al Awabi as a destination where heritage, agriculture and nature converge.