Nizwa – More than 300,000 visitors from Oman and abroad attended the Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 during its 45-day run, boosting tourism and economic activity in the wilayat.

Held from July 15 to August 29, the festival featured a wide range of cultural, entertainment, sporting, family and adventure activities, while showcasing the natural attractions of Jabal Akhdar.

Events were held throughout the festival period at several venues and locations across the wilayat, including the Family Oasis, Youth Arena, Games Arena, Children’s World, Cinema Dome, Al Jabal Bazaar and Taste Passion Zone.

The programme also featured theatrical performances, entertainment shows, competitions and youth activities, along with several new experiences introduced for the first time this year.

Ahmed bin Salem Al Toubi, Director General of Administrative and Financial Affairs in Dakhliyah, said the festival attracted more than 300,000 visitors, reflecting the strong interest in Jabal Akhdar as a tourism destination.

He said spreading programmes and activities over 45 days helped sustain visitor numbers and tourism activity throughout the festival period while providing visitors with a wide range of experiences.

“This year’s festival focused on providing diverse content for different age groups while highlighting the region’s natural and tourism attractions,” Al Toubi said.

He added that the festival placed greater emphasis on the participation of small and medium enterprises, home-based businesses, farmers and local entrepreneurs, giving them opportunities to market their products and engage directly with visitors.

The increased visitor numbers also generated greater activity for hotels, accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes and other commercial services across the region.

Al Toubi said the festival’s economic impact extended beyond its venues, benefiting a range of businesses and services, including those involved in local agricultural products.

The festival coincided with the launch of several tourism and development projects and improvements to public facilities and services in the region.

The governorate aims to build on the experience of this year’s festival to develop future tourism programmes and events, while making greater use of Jabal Akhdar’s natural and agricultural resources.

The initiative forms part of the governorate’s strategy to revitalise tourism seasons, strengthen the region’s appeal as a year-round destination and increase tourism’s contribution to the local economy.