MUSCAT : This approach has helped widen the local economic impact while strengthening community engagement, with participants showcasing products ranging from traditional crafts and heritage artefacts to popular Omani foods.

Engineer Yasser bin Salem Al-Amri, a member of the preparatory committee for Muscat Nights 2026, said the events were deliberately reshaped to serve as an economic empowerment platform. By blending entertainment with targeted support for SMEs and productive families, the initiative has created promotional opportunities for projects before a diverse audience, while encouraging live marketing and direct engagement with products.

Highlighting the benefits for heritage-based enterprises, Ahmed bin Badr Al-Yahmedi, owner of the Bidiyah Hills for Omani Heritage project, said his initiative focuses on showcasing the Omani dagger industry and women’s jewellery through design and symbolism. Now in its eighth participation at Muscat Nights, the project continues to attract steady visitor interest, reflecting sustained public enthusiasm for cultural and entertainment events.

Laila bint Abdullah Al-Maawali, owner of a popular food project, noted that such events provide an important empowerment space for productive families, reinforcing the presence of traditional Omani cuisine as an essential part of the country’s cultural identity.

One of the main highlights of Muscat Nights 2026 is the Heritage Village at Al Amerat Park, which has emerged as a key cultural destination. The village features more than 450 craftsmen, craftswomen and members of folk art groups representing diverse Omani environments, offering an integrated showcase of the Sultanate’s rich heritage, traditional industries and folk arts.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, Hassan bin Ali Al Balushi, supervisor of the Heritage Village, said organisers are keen each year to ensure diversity, particularly in heritage elements, to deliver an experience that combines entertainment, knowledge and the promotion of national identity. He added that the strong public turnout since the start of the events reflects widespread interest across society in Omani heritage and its deep-rooted historical and social values.

Designed as a living environment that mirrors traditional Omani lifestyles, the village is divided into several sections. The urban environment features around 45 participants, including women and children, demonstrating customs, traditions and women’s handicrafts linked to daily life in historic Omani cities. The Bedouin environment includes 15 participants presenting desert handicrafts, traditional tents, Omani coffee and rababa performances, portraying the simplicity of Bedouin life.

The craftsmen’s market brings together 17 artisans working in pottery, palm-frond crafts, weaving and silverware, with live demonstrations that introduce visitors to production stages and the cultural and economic value of these crafts. Folk arts are represented by 20 groups from across the Sultanate, each comprising about 20 performers, delivering daily shows such as Al Razha, Al Azi and Al Ayala.

The village also features a folk games corner with 10 participants reviving traditional games, while the incense, perfume and frankincense market hosts 14 craftswomen producing and selling incense and related items—an area that has drawn strong public interest due to frankincense’s special place in Omani culture. Meanwhile, the popular food corner includes 27 craftswomen offering a wide range of traditional dishes from different regions of the Sultanate.

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