MUSCAT – Organised by Muscat Municipality in its new format, the festival, which launched on January 1, witnessed a remarkable increase in public attendance, supported by extensive promotional efforts. Events were held across multiple sites, including Qurum Natural Park, Al Amerat Public Park, the Oman Automobile Association, the Royal Opera House Muscat, Seeb Beach, Quriyat, Wadi Al Khoudh, as well as several shopping centers and tourist destinations.

Muscat experienced an exceptional winter season through a high-quality program and diverse content that reflected an integrated vision combining entertainment, culture, sports, and economic activity, catering to various segments of society.

A standout feature of this edition was the symbolic character ‘Siraj’, depicting an Omani child made of light roaming the city’s sky, embodying the narrative and visual identity of Muscat Nights and emerging as a major attraction for families and visitors from within and outside the Sultanate.

The symphony of fountains and light offered a modern visual experience blending art and technology, transforming the lake into an open-air theatre with artistic water fountain displays synchronized with music and lighting. Meanwhile, Muscat Nights Circus, held daily at the Oman Automobile Association site, featured international performers presenting acrobatics, aerial acts, balancing skills and sleight of hand, alongside the use of advanced hologram technology to create three-dimensional visual scenes.

The circus area also included a dedicated children’s zone, providing an interactive educational experience through role-playing scientific professions, simplified astronomy and space presentations, creative drawing and handicraft activities, all within an integrated entertainment and learning environment designed to stimulate imagination.

Drone shows captivated audiences with moving light formations inspired by Muscat Governorate’s cultural and artistic identity. Family-oriented events, such as ‘Masha and the Bear’, allowed children to interact with characters in an imaginative setting. Sports programs accompanied the festivities, featuring bicycle races, endurance events, shooting, martial arts, friendly football matches, bowling, billiards and snooker, as well as the Muscat Nights Local and International Basketball Championship (3×3), with teams participating from inside and outside the Sultanate.

Youth-focused activities emphasized challenge and movement, including car drifting shows, professional advanced driving demonstrations, zip-lining, and interactive outdoor adventures, all conducted within a safe and organised environment tailored to young people’s interests.

The Heritage Village highlighted the depth of Omani identity through live demonstrations of traditional crafts, folk arts, local cuisine, and architectural heritage models. Oman Design Week featured art installations and interactive design projects reflecting innovation, urban beauty, and sustainability, transforming public spaces into open-air galleries. Fashion Week events complemented the program with fashion shows blending cultural identity and contemporary global trends.

Yasser bin Salem Al Amri, Head of the Muscat Nights 2026 Events Committee at Al Amerat Park, said the events had a significant social and recreational impact, providing an integrated family environment that combined entertainment, education and community interaction. He noted the introduction of new activities for children, youth and families, including interactive games, theatrical performances, competitions, and sports and artistic programs.

Al Amri added that the organizing committee allocated dedicated spaces to support small and medium enterprises and productive families, enhancing their marketing and economic opportunities. He revealed that Al Amerat Park alone attracted more than 400,000 visitors during the festival period, a notable increase compared to last year, with peak daily attendance ranging between 22,000 and 27,000 visitors, particularly on weekends.

He also reported the participation of more than 50 small enterprises and productive families, who benefited from strong sales and direct engagement with the public. Commercial corners recorded high turnout, with positive sales indicators, particularly in food, handicrafts and local products showcased in the Heritage Village and Craftsmen’s Market. Concluding, Al Amri expressed the organisers’ aspiration to further expand and enhance future editions of Muscat Nights by introducing more interactive experiences, modern technologies, and increasing participation from small enterprises and productive families.