Thursday 18 / April / 2024
Muscat: A kaleidoscope of activities will be held during the inaugural edition of the Muscat Nights, which will be held from January 19-February 4.
Organised by Muscat Municipality, the Muscat Nights is aimed to become the largest entertainment, cultural and community event in the capital city.
Addressing a press conference at Qantab Hall, Al Bustan Palace, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in the presence of representatives of ministries and government on Sunday, Ahmed Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, announced that the Muscat Nights 2023 will be held at four locations - Al Qurum Natural Park, Al Naseem Public Park, the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), and the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Al Hamidi said, “Muscat Nights aims to develop events that go down well with the community, traditions and customs, and promote healthy practices.
“For the youth, we have included activities and sports at the Oman Automobile Association, given that the majority of Omani society is under the age of 16.”
Al Hamidi hoped that Muscat Nights will help in reviving domestic tourism and will create a space for entertainment and cultural events. He said that 90 per cent of the contracts have been awarded to local companies for preparing the venues.
“This year, every segment of society will be served and we have been keen to develop events that take care of all with safety and security standards at the top of our priority,” said Al Hamidi.
Brigadier General Mohammed bin Nasser Al Kindi, Director General of Operations at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), said: “Extra policemen will be on duty to ease traffic congestion due to the Muscat Nights activities. This will be done through a plan to open other lanes to reduce congestion.”
The top ROP official said: “The police will provide advice and guidance, and will deploy members of civil defence to help if necessary. The police will also participate in a number of educational shows and exhibitions during the activities from January 19-February 4.”
Al Hamidi also talked about the concerns of people regarding traffic congestion in Al Qurum. He said: “To prevent traffic congestion in the Al Qurum region, the Muscat Nights event will be held only in a section of the park, which includes the lake and its nearby areas.”
Al Hamidi clarified that Muscat Nights is a new concept and not linked to the Muscat Festival that was last held annually in 2019 from 1998.
“Most of Muscat Nights activities will be held in the evening and added that Muscat Municipality took into account many suggestions to organise the inaugural edition of Muscat Nights,” he said.
Special schedule
Each venue is expected to have its own charm and will hold a special schedule with various activities planned according to the venue.
According to officials, activities are not limited to entertainment, but would promote domestic tourism and support local industries by providing a platform for them.
Technology will be used to book tickets and view the events schedule with an App to be unveiled for purchase of tickets.
A heritage village will be set up in Al Naseem Park and will have a greater representation of the governorates this time.
Concerts will be organised by talented artists from the Sultanate of Oman.
Organisers have exempted entry fees for children under the age of 12 and people with disabilities.
