The country’s capital, Muscat has a variety of interesting, cultural events throughout the year including at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a must to experience a range of musical genres, contemporary and traditional styles and events, www.rohmuscat.org.om.
One of the most popular ways to see Muscat in 2013 is with the new Double Decker Big Bus Tours where tourists and locals alike can explore the city with the 12-stop hop-on, hop-off tours, www.bigbustours.com.
There are a variety of different events at the start of 2013. The New Year kicks off with the Muscat Festival from 30 January to 28 February, set to have a host of new venues including Al Amerat Park, Nassem Garden and Bauscher Stadium. The festival will include a number of activities related to Omani heritage and culture as well as fashion shows, food festivals, concerts, special events and fireworks, www.muscat-festival.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace in Muscat celebrates the Chinese New Year on 10 February 2013 by unveiling a series of new dining and accommodation programmes for guests to see in the Year of the Snake. Guests are invited to release lanterns at midnight and make a wish for the coming New Year, www.ritzcarlton.com.
For those who are looking to witness something more active don’t miss the fourth Tour of Oman cycling race 11-16 February, which will see the participation of 128 riders representing 16 teams one of which is Great Britain’s SKY Pro cycling team. The race will start from Musannah, passing through Rustaq, Nakhl and Al Khoudh, with the finish line at Sultan Qaboos University. The fifth stage crosses the city of Muscat several times finishing at the Ministry of Housing building. The final 144km stage is through Hawiyat Najam Park with the race ending at Muttrah Corniche, www.tourofoman.om.
The third Oman International Salsa & Dance Festival from 27 February to 02 March 2013 is a gathering of professional artists, performers, instructors and DJ’s bringing salsa to enthusiasts and novices alike. The event is three days and nights of a variety of dances with all-night salsa, BBQ’s and pool parties, www.omansalsafestival.com.
Other noteworthy events for 2013 include:
January
Cultural Theatre Programme – Running from January to March 2013, different groups from around the world perform during these cultural evenings in Salalah.
February
Oman Food Festival – Held at the Qurum National Park on 07 February, it is a great opportunity to sample traditional Omani cuisine. The festival is run in conjunction with expert chefs and students from the Oman Tourism College.
Traditional Boat Race – Oman’s maritime heritage is commemorated with this traditional boat race on 09 February with boats like Dhow Boats, Old Houri, New Houri and Al Shash competing against each other.
March
Bird Watching - March is one of the best months for bird watching due to the cooler temperatures. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions: Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird watchers. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.
April
Scuba Diving – Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Bandar Khayran, Al Fahal Islands, Damaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. The best time to dive in Muscat and around is from April to July.
July
Salalah Tourism Festival – Colourful parades take to the streets on 01 July while artistic and cultural exhibitions are arranged by organisations such as the Omani Society of Fine Arts, Omani Women’s Society, Royal Oman Police and Royal Army. Festival activities include artistic and cultural shows and parades.
Renaissance Day – This celebration gives thanks to the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said began his rule in 1970, transforming Oman into the modern, advanced and industrial country of today. The festival takes place 23 July and celebrations are nationwide.
August
Eid Al-Fitr – An important Muslim holiday on 08 August 2013 which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated across the country. The markets of Nizwa, Nafar and Suroor become especially busy.
September
Turtle Spotting – The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz. These turtles migrate to Oman from the Red Sea and East African Coast.
Golf – Due to the climate, golfing in Oman is most popular from the months of September to May. Muscat now has three 18-hole grass golf courses, with more expected to launch in the near future.
October
Eid Al-Adha – The Feast of Sacrifice is a Muslim holiday and the second of the two Eid festivals on 15 October and commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God. Morning prayers are followed by family getting together and exchanging gifts.
November
Laser World Championships – Oman is set to host one of the largest international sporting events in the Sultanate’s history after Oman Sail won the rights to stage the Laser World Championships in 2013.
December
The Islamic New Year - Celebrations starting 04 November and carrying on until December mark the beginning of the new Islamic Calendar.
Year Round
Camping - Oman provides a variety of options when it comes to camping. Visitors can camp almost anywhere, from out in the desert, on mountain tops to the secluded beaches of the Dimaniyat Islands.
The country is also witness to the opening of several new hotels and complexes with more than 2,000 resort and hotel rooms to be added between 2012 and 2013. Muscat will see the majority of growth with over 720 new rooms, with the rest spread evenly across the country. New hotel openings in 2013 include the Fraser Place Sohar which is currently on track to open later on in 2013 and the Azaiba Hotel, an $80 million 5* project that is expected to be operational by mid-2013. The hotel will reportedly have four differently-themed restaurants with multi-level basement parking. These developments are in addition to luxury hotels that opened in 2012 including the 5* Juweira Boutique Hotel, based at Salalah Beach.
A new national railway company is also being developed in Oman in 2013. The company will be fully owned by the government, who will supervise planning and construction. This project is the biggest addition to the transport sector projects within the Sultanate and will go a long way to enhancing trade and investment. The railway is designed for passenger trains going at speeds of up to 200km/hr.
For more information please contact:
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Sangita Makwana/Alison Cryer/Nick Smith
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4501/4504
Email: oman@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om
