Muscat – Muscat Nights Festival has entered a new era spreading over seven locations for the first time. Al Qurum Natural Park, a floral paradise with over a million blooms, has become a key highlight of this year’s celebrations.

In an interview with Oman TV, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, stated, “For the first time, the festival is being held in as many as seven locations, offering a variety of activities, including sports, entertainment and cultural events.”

Muscat Nights Festival 2024 features numerous entertainment and tourism events spread across Amerat Park, Al Naseem Public Park, Oman Automobile Association, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Al Hail Beach and Wadi al Khoud, besides Al Qurum Natural Park, several cultural centres and shopping malls. These locations were selected to ensure accessibility for residents and visitors throughout the capital.

Humaidi informed that a global element has been incorporated in the festival to enhance its appeal. Amerat Park is hosting ‘Hybrid Show’, organised by an international company, features cutting-edge technology and creating a unique experience for visitors. The flower festival at Al Qurum Natural Park is being held of the first time at Muscat Nights Festival. Additionally, Sur al Hadeed Beach is hosting a range of sports activities, adding to the festival’s diverse offerings.

Elaborating on the activities at Sur al Hadeed Beach, Humaidi said it includes a wide range of activities – beach soccer and volleyball competitions, fire performances, giant chess board matches, graffiti art, live music shows and service kiosks offering various amenities throughout the festival ground.

“Spread over 4,000sqm, the Hybrid Show blends live performances with modern digital technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, to create an unprecedented interactive experience for the audience.”

Humaidi further added, “We have designated areas at the seven locations for visitors to take photos and enjoy the events.”

Highlighting the involvement of small and medium enterprises and productive families, Humaidi said, “Over 900 SMEs and enterprising families are participating in the festival to present their products and services. The festival provides a significant platform for these businesses to showcase their offerings to nearly one million anticipated visitors.”

On the organisational front, Muscat Municipality has deployed more than 700 personnel at the festival venues to manage the event. Humaidi emphasised the importance of engaging youth in the festival’s activities, stating, “We are keen to involve young people in an organised manner to ensure a unique and integrated experience for visitors. We also aim to engage students who need work experience, helping them transition into the labour market immediately after graduation.”

According to Humaidi, to support this initiative Muscat Municipality will collaborate with educational institutions to provide certificates of experience to participating students, with plans to expand this programme in future festivals.