Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Traditional arts, folklore at Bidiyah Tourism Forum

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BIDIYA: In a bid to reinvigorate tourism movement in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah in general and the wilayats of Bidiya and Wadi Bani Khalid in particular, the Wilayat of Bidiya hosted the maiden Bidiyah Tourism Forum 2016 from November 30 to December 9.

The forum was organised by the branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah under the theme ‘Economic Development and Tourism Enrichment.’


The forum highlighted major tourism attractions in North Al Sharqiyah. It sought to find constructive cooperation among various public and private institutions, as well as benefiting from experiences of neighbouring countries in the field of reviving domestic tourism, particularly tourism related to forums and festivals.


The forum aimed at contributing with government efforts exerted to achieve economic diversification through revitalising high-added value economic sectors in the Sultanate, most importantly the tourism sector, in addition to highlighting tourism products of travel and tourism companies in the governorate, particularly tourist camps renowned in the Wilayat of Bidiya.


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The forum included several various activities, the foremost of which is the Heritage Village that witnessed a large turnout of visitors from various categories. It included many sections that showcased images, publications, models for the activities and services rendered by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government institutions in the wilayats of Bidiya and Wadi Bani Khalid.

The Heritage Village also included models of agricultural, rural and Bedouin villages that had many elements of social life represented in heritage, customs, traditions and various traditional folklore arts, as well as traditional crafts, such as dagger or ‘Khanjar’ manufacturing, raw dates ‘Tabseer,’ date-palm fronds and pasturage.


The forum also included a seminar on Tourism and Economy, opened by Ayman bin Abdullah al Hassani, OCCI Deputy Chairman for Economic Affairs and Branches. The seminar addressed topics on tourism investment opportunities in the Sultanate, means of supporting tourist projects, how to market tourism and promote tourist elements at the GCC states, besides tourism in desert camps.


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Additionally, the forum witnessed poetry night as elite poets from within the Sultanate and GCC countries took part. The event was presented by Hussein al Amri under the patronage of Shaikh Hamad bin Hilal al Maamari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs.

Heritage, customs and traditions received a good portion during activities at the Forum. Horse Ardha, which is an authentic traditional sport, as well as camel Ardha and camel beauty shows were also held. Racetracks in the wilayat received large number of sports lovers as well as citizens in the wilayat which preserve such traditions and teach the next generation.


Further, the forum included shooting competition where large number of shooters took part. The contest witnessed tough competition during its various stages.


Moreover, the forum organised classic cars show that attracted those who love such type of cars, as well as sand challenge adventures by SUV vehicles. This kind of sport is widely followed by its fans from within and outside the Sultanate. — ONA


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