Monday 10 / February / 2025
Muscat: The first "Snaw is our Destination" festival in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate proved a resounding success, drawing over 150,000 visitors during its seven-day run from February 2nd to 8th. The festival, organised by the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, attracted significant interest from both domestic and international tourists.
Badr bin Ahmed Al Habsi, Director of the Events and Awareness Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, stated that the festival, held for the first time in the Wilayat of Sanaw, featured a diverse program of cultural, entertainment, social, and heritage events. Highlights included a poetry evening featuring Omani and UAE poets, a captivating chanting evening with Qatari participation, camel racing competitions, the "Sword of the Governorate" competition, and Ardha run activities.
The festival also included a scientific symposium on animal wealth in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, accompanied by the "Calling" event, which provided a platform for local community members to showcase their knowledge of animal husbandry under the guidance of the General Directorate of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Al Sharqiyah.
The festival featured a variety of accompanying exhibitions, including heritage showcases, agricultural displays, and a dedicated space for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and productive families to showcase their products and services. A vibrant food court offered a diverse range of Omani and popular cuisines, while Omani singing groups entertained visitors throughout the festival.
Al Habsi emphasised that North Al Sharqiyah Governorate hosted several successful festivals during the winter season. These events, including the "Bidya Carnival" (120,000 visitors), the "Water Events" Festival in Wadi Bani Khalid (50,000 visitors), the "Zad Al Rakeb" Festival in Ibra (40,000 visitors), and the ongoing "Rahala" events in Al Qabil (approximately 100,000 visitors), have collectively attracted over 450,000 visitors.
These festivals have significantly contributed to enhancing domestic tourism, boosting the local economy through increased income for businesses and creating temporary job opportunities. Additionally, they have played a crucial role in supporting SMEs and productive families by providing them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.
