Monday 17 / June / 2024
Muscat: The refreshing cool weather became a catalyst, accentuating the jubilation of the National Day holidays in Oman over a long weekend.
The weekend, which began on Wednesday, November 22, and concluded on Saturday, November 25, witnessed cool breezes sweeping across the Sultanate.
It seemed to breathe new life into the celebrations, elevating the spirits of both locals and residents alike. The temperate climate served as an inviting embrace, encouraging people to relish the festivities with added vigour and enthusiasm.
From bustling tourist spots to serene getaways, the cool weather intertwined seamlessly with the holiday ambience, fostering a sense of delight and contentment among all who embraced it.
The holidays marked by an unprecedented surge of activity across renowned tourist destinations, painted a vibrant tapestry of leisure and engagement, unseen in recent times.
As Oman’s extended weekend came to a close, the eve of Sunday witnessed bustling shopping malls packed with last-minute shoppers, setting alarms and making essential purchases, preparing for the return to work on Sunday.
Notably, the Oman Across Ages Museum emerged as a preferred destination, drawing more than 23,000 eager visitors over the extended break.
Public beaches teemed with enthusiastic crowds while iconic locales such as Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Sharqiyah Sands, Wadi Shab, Sink Hole, and several picturesque picnic spots recorded a remarkable influx of visitors.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar stood as another beacon of attraction, witnessing an influx of thousands of visitors, prompting dusitD2 Naseem Resort officials to declare a sold-out status ontwo days.
Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, remarked, “These days have showcased exceptional instances of staycations. We were at full occupancy on Wednesday and Thursday, with a commendable turnout on Friday. Our Adventure Park has become a local favourite, drawing families seeking leisure and adventure. A mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from Muscat, Al Jabal Al Akhdar indeed stands as the perfect getaway.”
A procession of four-wheel vehicles streamed towards Jabal Akhdar on Wednesday, mirroring the influx witnessed en route to Sharqiyah Sands.
Meanwhile, amidst the holiday fervour, a tragic road accident in Dhofar Governorate claimed the lives of six Arab nationals, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safety during travels.
The 53rd National Day holiday, spanning from Wednesday, November 22 to Saturday, November 25, marked a time of varied experiences for many individuals.
Seema Pankaj, a homemaker from India, reflected on her family trip to Al Jabal Al Akhdar, highlighting the ideal climate for barbecues and serene moments at Naseem dusitD2 Naseem Resort. Khoula Al Balushi from the Wilayat of Mussanah shared her Dubai trip experience, reveling in quality family time amid the city’s vibrant malls and returning with cherished household items.
Public parks, beaches, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and farmhouses in and around Barka flourished during the holiday, witnessing a surge in activity.
As the holiday ebbs away, Sultan Al Abri, a private sector professional, prepares to return to work after spending cherished moments with family in his mountainous village near Hamra. He noted the pleasant weather and observed the bustling activity in nearby hotels and resorts, signifying a spirited holiday season.
Hotel industry executives admitted a rise in occupancy rates in various locales like Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams, Jabel Sifah, Ras Al Hadd, and Sharqiyah Sands, attributing this trend to the growing popularity of staycations and the burgeoning domestic tourism sector.
