MUSCAT – The event will run until August 30, offering an integrated summer experience that highlights the wilayat’s unique environmental character.

The official opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Sabbaa Hamdan Al Saadi, Secretary General of the Secretariat General of National Celebrations, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of Dakhiliyah.

The dual events reflect Dakhiliyah Governorate’s approach to fostering synergy between government institutions, the community, and the media, contributing to the promotion of developmental achievements and realizing the objectives of ‘Oman Vision 2040’ in enhancing the governorate’s position on the investment and tourism map.

The festival will feature laser and drone shows, cultural and artistic evenings, sports and family activities, as well as an open market with sections for productive families, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and platforms showcasing local agricultural products such as pomegranates, honey, apricots, and mountain herbs.

As many as 65 SMEs and 10 farmers will participate in the festival, which has also created 60 temporary employment opportunities in organisational and logistical services, reflecting the level of active community engagement.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Mansour Al Ghafaili, Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, emphasised the wilayat’s commitment to showcasing its potential and activating the local community’s role in supporting development. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between official and civil entities in ensuring the success of such initiatives.

He noted that ongoing projects focus on improving quality of life and boosting tourism appeal, pointing out that Al Jabal Al Akhdar serves as a model for sustainable mountain development, given its natural resources and cultural heritage.

According to Ahmed Salim Al Toubi, Director General of Administrative and Financial Affairs in Dakhiliyah Governorate and Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee, the event serves as a platform to market the tourism and economic opportunities abundant in the wilayat, embodying the governorate’s direction toward empowering the local community.

Coinciding with the festival, Al Jabal Al Akhdar Media Forum will open under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of Dakhiliyah, with the participation of over 70 journalists from various Omani media outlets. The forum is organised in partnership between Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman Journalists Association, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dakhiliyah branch, and the University of Nizwa.

The forum aims to highlight developmental and service projects implemented in Dakhiliyah Governorate, with a focus on efforts to develop mountainous regions and create an investment-friendly environment, in addition to fostering communication between media professionals and governorate officials.
The programme includes a dialogue session with the Governor, accompanied by visual presentations on key initiatives, as well as field visits to several projects and tourist landmarks, including the renovated village of Al Suwjara.

It should be noted that development projects worth over RO 4.5 million is currently being implemented in Jabal Akhdar, covering road network upgrades, the establishment of public and recreational facilities, and improvements in essential services.