Annual Muscat Festival compliments DSF

Muscat: The annual Muscat Festival, organised by the Muscat Municipality, could be turned over to the private sector in future, a senior official said on Monday.

"As long as the government is handling the Muscat Festival there's no question of commerce and figures (cost of event) but may be in future if it goes to private sector then the cost factor will come into focus," Muscat Municipality Chairman, Sultan Bin Hamdoon Al Harthi, said in reply to a question by Gulf News on the cost of the festival.

He also said that this year's festival from January 27 to February 24 would compliment the Dubai Shopping Festival, which will be held from January 20 to February 20.

"These are two cities (Muscat-Dubai) separated by three-hour drive so visitors can plan their trip by including both the festivals in their itinerary," he pointed out. Al Harthi stressed that Muscat Festival was not about shopping but had unique product - culture and heritage - to market.

"Our objectives are different so we believe that both these festivals compliment each other," he added.

"This Festival is an important celebration of our heritage as well as a showcase of our ability to host major international events at world-class standards," the Municipality chief pointed out.

He said that they were expecting over two million visitors this year.

This year the Festival grounds are located only at Qurum Natural Park and Naseem Park with no activities at the Azaiba Global village. Entrance to both parks has been set at 200 baizs for adults and 100 baizs for children.

He announced that the Tour of Oman, to be held from February 15-20 as part of the Muscat Festival, will have tough mountain sector.

"About 128 of the World's greatest cyclists will race through Muscat, Sur, up the Jebel Al Akhdhar and through the Al Batinah and Al Sharqiyah regions.

The legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx, who is the organizer of the Tour of Oman and also five times winner of the Tour de France, will also host bike rides with children before two of the Tour stages.

"This year we have planned an Oman Food Festival in association with the Oman Tourism College and the Oman Chefs' Association from February 5-15," he revealed.

Over ten top professional teams representing eight nations will tackle a unique mix of open water races and high-octane 'stadium' showdowns in the Extreme Sailing Series.

There will be concerts with Indian superstar Shakrukh Khan lined up for February 17 preceded by an Indian night with Sonu Nigam and Lara Dutta on February 10.

The Muscat Festival promises to be a fine fusion of art, culture, heritage, Omani cuisine, fashion and entertainment.