Ittin bursts into life as Khareef Dhofar gets underway
Published: 04:07 PM,Jul 16,2025 | EDITED : 08:07 PM,Jul 16,2025
SALALAH, JULY 16
Ittin Square takes visitors on a journey through worlds of entertainment and culture, combining shopping, international performances and unique family experiences.
Among the notable attractions this year is festival’s largest-ever theatre structure — an impressive pavilion inspired by the surrounding mountains, complete with interactive screens, laser games and cascading water features. The skies over Ittin Square come alive each night with eco-friendly fireworks and dazzling drone shows, adding a modern twist to traditional celebrations.
A diverse array of international performances adds further vibrancy to the festival. These include the futuristic Galaxy Shows, which merge space-themed fashion with immersive lighting; the high-energy Crow Show, featuring acrobatic stunts seen on America’s Got Talent; the whimsical Emoji Festival, which brings 20 animated characters to life; the visually enchanting Fantasy Show with shadow displays; and live music acts such as the Latin Band from Mexico, the globally touring Argola Band, and a variety of folkloric performances sponsored by Unesco.
Roaming musicians and dancers enliven the grounds through events like the Music Carnival, European Carnival with Russian and Oriental musical blends, the lively Carnival of 100 featuring a 100-performer parade, the all-female Peter Dance Carnival, and the playful Balloon Carnival with performers dressed in balloon-inspired costumes — all culminating in the mesmerising Luminous Balloon Show, which reimagines the concept of hot-air balloon entertainment.
Children are treated to endless fun at the Inflatable City, while Culture Street offers a more reflective experience with interactive displays celebrating the talents of writers, illustrators and poets.
Adding a strong local flavour is the Retail Area, where women-led enterprises showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary products — ranging from perfumes and incense to modern interpretations of Omani fashion — reflecting both the entrepreneurial spirit of local artisans and a broader push to support homegrown talent.
As the cool mist of the khareef season settles over Salalah, Ittin Square is once again emerging as the beating heart of Dhofar’s festivities — alive with music, lights, laughter and colour. From July 15 until the end of August, the iconic square is hosting an energetic mix of entertainment that brings together tradition, innovation and family fun.
Featuring dance and music from across the globe, the International Folklore Show offers a nightly celebration of culture that draws crowds from across Oman and beyond.
Right next to the folklore stage, an explosion of colour and motion awaits families at the Inflatable Entertainment City, open daily for children of all ages to bounce, climb and play to their hearts’ content.
Evenings at Ittin Square are truly something special this year. From the very first night, the skies will be painted with the brilliance of a nightly Fireworks Show — continuing all the way through August 30. Meanwhile, the Drone Art Shows, running until August 13, add a modern twist to the skies, with fleets of lit-up drones performing synchronised routines above the crowds.
Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy too. The upbeat rhythms of the Latin Band Shows (until August 3) and the immersive soundscapes of the Galaxy Shows (until August 23) are creating vibrant atmospheres each evening. And for something a little more light-hearted, the Emoji Carnival has already become a fan favourite, especially among younger visitors.
Those with a taste for the spectacular can catch the Crew Show, an acrobatic sports performance packed with stunts and daring choreography, also running until August 3. And as night falls, the Lights World Carnival dazzles with luminous installations and walk-through experiences — turning the square into a glowing wonderland.
As the calendar moves forward, more attractions will take the stage. The European Carnival will bring a classic fairground experience starting on July 18, followed closely by the Illuminated Balloon Carnival on July 20, both running into early August. The excitement continues with Carnival 100, a nostalgic mix of games and shows, and the return of the Illuminated Balloon Shows, which will light up the evening skies until August 29.
August also brings the Argola Shows, featuring circus-style performances, the high-energy Peter Dance Carnival, and the magical Shadow Fantasy Show.
This year’s Ittin Square programme reflects a growing ambition to elevate Salalah’s position as a regional tourism magnet during the khareef season. Beyond the entertainment, these events represent a significant economic and social boost — supporting local vendors, encouraging domestic travel and offering a family-friendly platform to showcase Omani hospitality.
Ittin Square takes visitors on a journey through worlds of entertainment and culture, combining shopping, international performances and unique family experiences.
Among the notable attractions this year is festival’s largest-ever theatre structure — an impressive pavilion inspired by the surrounding mountains, complete with interactive screens, laser games and cascading water features. The skies over Ittin Square come alive each night with eco-friendly fireworks and dazzling drone shows, adding a modern twist to traditional celebrations.
A diverse array of international performances adds further vibrancy to the festival. These include the futuristic Galaxy Shows, which merge space-themed fashion with immersive lighting; the high-energy Crow Show, featuring acrobatic stunts seen on America’s Got Talent; the whimsical Emoji Festival, which brings 20 animated characters to life; the visually enchanting Fantasy Show with shadow displays; and live music acts such as the Latin Band from Mexico, the globally touring Argola Band, and a variety of folkloric performances sponsored by Unesco.
Roaming musicians and dancers enliven the grounds through events like the Music Carnival, European Carnival with Russian and Oriental musical blends, the lively Carnival of 100 featuring a 100-performer parade, the all-female Peter Dance Carnival, and the playful Balloon Carnival with performers dressed in balloon-inspired costumes — all culminating in the mesmerising Luminous Balloon Show, which reimagines the concept of hot-air balloon entertainment.
Children are treated to endless fun at the Inflatable City, while Culture Street offers a more reflective experience with interactive displays celebrating the talents of writers, illustrators and poets.
Adding a strong local flavour is the Retail Area, where women-led enterprises showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary products — ranging from perfumes and incense to modern interpretations of Omani fashion — reflecting both the entrepreneurial spirit of local artisans and a broader push to support homegrown talent.
As the cool mist of the khareef season settles over Salalah, Ittin Square is once again emerging as the beating heart of Dhofar’s festivities — alive with music, lights, laughter and colour. From July 15 until the end of August, the iconic square is hosting an energetic mix of entertainment that brings together tradition, innovation and family fun.
Featuring dance and music from across the globe, the International Folklore Show offers a nightly celebration of culture that draws crowds from across Oman and beyond.
Right next to the folklore stage, an explosion of colour and motion awaits families at the Inflatable Entertainment City, open daily for children of all ages to bounce, climb and play to their hearts’ content.
Evenings at Ittin Square are truly something special this year. From the very first night, the skies will be painted with the brilliance of a nightly Fireworks Show — continuing all the way through August 30. Meanwhile, the Drone Art Shows, running until August 13, add a modern twist to the skies, with fleets of lit-up drones performing synchronised routines above the crowds.
Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy too. The upbeat rhythms of the Latin Band Shows (until August 3) and the immersive soundscapes of the Galaxy Shows (until August 23) are creating vibrant atmospheres each evening. And for something a little more light-hearted, the Emoji Carnival has already become a fan favourite, especially among younger visitors.
Those with a taste for the spectacular can catch the Crew Show, an acrobatic sports performance packed with stunts and daring choreography, also running until August 3. And as night falls, the Lights World Carnival dazzles with luminous installations and walk-through experiences — turning the square into a glowing wonderland.
As the calendar moves forward, more attractions will take the stage. The European Carnival will bring a classic fairground experience starting on July 18, followed closely by the Illuminated Balloon Carnival on July 20, both running into early August. The excitement continues with Carnival 100, a nostalgic mix of games and shows, and the return of the Illuminated Balloon Shows, which will light up the evening skies until August 29.
August also brings the Argola Shows, featuring circus-style performances, the high-energy Peter Dance Carnival, and the magical Shadow Fantasy Show.
This year’s Ittin Square programme reflects a growing ambition to elevate Salalah’s position as a regional tourism magnet during the khareef season. Beyond the entertainment, these events represent a significant economic and social boost — supporting local vendors, encouraging domestic travel and offering a family-friendly platform to showcase Omani hospitality.