The Muscat Festival began in 1998 and has grown into a huge celebration that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Different areas of Muscat host different types of events: one area might have traditional Omani crafts and heritage displays, another might have international performers and rides, and another might focus on food from across Oman's regions.
One of the highlights is watching traditional Omani performances - razha sword dances, liwa drumming, and bagpipes (yes, Oman has its own bagpipe tradition, brought by Baluchi communities from what is now Pakistan!). Alongside these, performers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas bring their own music and dance, making the festival a true world gathering.
Children particularly enjoy the outdoor shows, the falconry displays - where trained birds of prey perform aerial tricks - the camel parades, and the craft workshops where you can try making Omani pottery, weaving, or calligraphy.
The food stalls at Muscat Festival are legendary. Every Omani region has a specialty to share: shuwa from the mountains, dried fish from the coast, Dhofari honey, dates from the Batinah coast, and halwa - a sweet, dense Omani fudge made with ghee, saffron, and rosewater.