Muscat, Oman Hotels and City Guide

Muscat - Entertainment

Muscat Entertainment

And there are plenty of great sights to see in Muscat. Set in a beautiful location between the mountains and the sea, Muscat is naturally beautiful. Add the wonderful and deliberately Arabesque architecture, and you have a wonderful setting for adventure and romance. While these features are available year-round, the sweltering summer weather can be overwhelming. Instead, why not visit Muscat when the temperature is mild and festivals and events are in full swing? When other countries are busy digging out from another snowstorm, Oman is a lovely escape.

Winter is far from dull in Muscat. January brings the annual Muscat Festival, a wonderful month long celebration off Omani and Arabic cultures. Listen to beautifully lyrical poetry, watch traditional dancing, and browse through the work of talented Omani craftsman. The entire month transforms into a carnival, with acrobats, dancers, even more shopping, and fireworks. Muscat knows how to celebrate, and visitors will reap the benefits.

Muscat and Oman are both known for their colorful, festive events. Visitors will find that most of these spectacular festivals correspond to holidays in the Islamic calendar. Most of the people of Muscat are Arabs, and many others come originally from Pakistan and India; the country as a whole is very religious, and they love to celebrate their faith with wonderful events, such as Mouloud. This festival, also called Mawlid Al Nabi, commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad.

During the Festival of Sacrifice, or Eid Al Adha, many Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a time of remembrance and willingness to sacrifice. The entire month of Ramadan is a holiday. Though activities all but cease during the day, you will find dusk activities and treats abound as Muslims break their fast after sundown. The festival of Eid al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, Oman and Muslims everywhere indulge in a three-day feast. Gifts are given, family visited, and prayers said in this joyous time.

There are also more secular events to explore: National Day, similar in nature to July 4th in America, features street lights, flags, and special celebrations throughout the city of Muscat and Oman as a whole. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the pride and heritage of the Omani people. And to celebrate the shopper: the Shopping Festival! September is still quite hot in Muscat, so escape into the air conditioned malls. Retail shops try to outdo each other by offering the best sales. Also visit the Autumn Trade Fair at the Oman International Exhibition Center. One of the premier festivals in Muscat, visitors flock to this fun fair each year to see what Muscat has to offer.

Events in Muscat

Muscat Festival
January
Various venues throughout the city

Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race
January
Marina Bandar Al Rhowdha

Mouloud
March 9
Various locations throughout Muscat and Oman

Eid al-Fitr
September
Throughout Islamic world

National Day
November 18
Throughout Muscat and Oman

Eid al-Adha
November or December
Throughout the city and throughout Islamic world

Hotels in Muscat, Oman