MUSCAT : With temperatures still hovering in the 30s, outdoors might not quite seem palatable, more so with humidity adding to the temperature woes. But if you are game for drives up the mountains or to one of the scenic wadis that beg you to picnic and even camp out, the long weekend could give you both – your snooze time as well as fun jaunts.

This weekend to end September might just prove to be the precursor for the fast-approaching winter season and its myriad attractions.

City folks who love the idea of chilling at home or in a mall could opt to catch a movie at the multiplexes, attend any of the events lined up to mark the weekend, or go on long drives around town to savour the laidback ambience that paints the busy city horizon during breaks. There are, of course, beaches in the vicinity, museums and souqs, and forts and museums to add to the fun mood that holidays are bound to infuse.

The long weekend promises to take the excitement a notch higher with the scheduled performance of Indian comedian and actor Vir Das at the Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel on September 29, as part of his ‘International Mind Fool Tour’. The Hotel is also the venue for ‘The Little Mermaid in Muscat’ show on September 30. Described as a ‘charming musical adventure beneath the sea’, the show will bring ‘the little mermaid’ to life.

Itinerant others, seeking a slice of the outdoors with all the right doses of barbecue, camping, hiking and what not, can opt for Jabal Shams or Jabal Akdhdar – with temperatures ranging between 24 and 30 – or visit the wadis for a tryst with the nature. Turtle watching is another option as the hatching season stretches until October.

It is no secret that Oman is endowed with several attractive tourism destinations, with options for year-round visits, and residents are bound to find their perfect spot for this weekend. While Muscat itself abounds in picturesque places for a day-long picnic, short drives away from the city could also take one on a memorable day trip or an overnight stay. Most of the destinations have perfect infrastructure facilities to add to the ease and convenience of travel. There are hotels and even fully-equipped camps that can be rented for a day or more.

For example, the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah has top class hotel establishments, including 8 hotels in Al Jabal Al Akhdar with a rating of 1-5 stars, and two hotels in Jabal Shams; there are many hotel establishments In the Governorate of Dhofar with a rating of 1-5 stars, which provides a wide choice of accommodation for visitors and tourists; there are 86 hotels in the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South and 43 hotel facilities in the Governorate of Al Wusta.  

But nature enthusiasts could pitch tents at places designated by the municipality and the guidelines specified for a more wholesome experience. Sleeping under the blanket of a starry night sky can be magical.

As for adventure seekers, offroad trip is a perfect option, as Oman has its share and more of avenues to explore and feel the adrenaline flowing; water sport is another alternative to consider, with several local tourism companies offering surfing, diving or just boat rides…

Happy holidays!

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