Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Muscat Festival











The festival has been running since 1998 and growing in popularity every year. In 2006 over two million visitors attended the various event. This year Muscat Municipality, the Festival’s organizer, expects attendances to top three million.
Muscat Festival is a unique showcase for Oman’s distinctive Arabian cultural heritage. In 2006 Muscat was designated UNESCO Arab Cultural Capital.
Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Its unique blend of ancient and modern is attractive to both tourists and business travelers. Built facing the sea and flanked by rugged mountains, Muscat has been a prominent maritime centre linking Asia, Africa and Europe since the 2nd century CE. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and offers a wealth of attractions to visitors.
Splendid beaches, ancient forts and castles. Museums, gardens and galleries and international events like Muscat Festival, a Cinema Festival and International Book Fair.
Three major venues are involved in this years Muscat Festival. Qurum Natural Park, the Festival Ground in Azaiba and Shatti Al Bahjain, in the wilayat of Seeb.
Heritage events include the Omani HeritageVillage and International Theatre featuring shows from a variety of countries. This year the Forum of People’s Cultures includes Egypt, Tanzania, Turkey, Kuwait, India, Algeria, China, Syria, Yemen, Tunisia, Malaysia andSaudi Arabia.