Muscat Festival
January and February
Once a year, for about a month, Muscat is transformed by a festival that involves nightly fireworks and events across a number of outdoor locations including Qurum National Park and Naseem Park. It’s a chance for the city to showcase Omani culture, with traditional dancing, poetry and craft displays. There are also exhibitions from neighbouring countries to give a feel for Arabic arts.
Oman National Day
November
Oman’s National Day celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1650. The public holiday involves a number of celebrations, including camel races, parades, fireworks and a marine festival. Flowers, drapes and flags give the celebrations a colourful backdrop. The following day is also a public holiday to mark the birthday of the Sultan of Oman.