Sohar Festival opens with free grand show and 7,000-seat mega theatre

SUHAR: The fourth edition of the Sohar Festival officially kicked off on Monday, marking a major cultural, entertainment and tourism milestone for Al Batinah North.
The opening ceremony was held on the main stage at the Sohar Entertainment Centre under the auspices of Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism.
This year’s festival presents an expanded vision that blends culture, heritage, tourism and entertainment, while introducing new elements highlighting scientific innovation and artificial intelligence. The programme underscores the growing role of Al Batinah North in energising Oman’s cultural and tourism landscape through inclusive events that cater to all segments of society.
A standout feature of the opening night was the grand operetta Ibn Ruzayq, a large-scale artistic production that combined Omani literary and maritime heritage with modern technical innovation. The operetta featured prominent Omani artists, including veteran performers Saleh Zaal and Fakhriya Khamis, alongside other distinguished talents.
Through a dramatic musical narrative, the production brought to life iconic figures from Oman’s history, such as the poet Ibn Ruzayq, philosopher-physician Ibn Amirah, legendary navigator Ahmad bin Majid, and the founding Imam Ahmad bin Said, offering a powerful tribute to the nation’s legacy.
The theatre at the Sohar Entertainment Centre, one of the largest in Oman with a 7,000-seat capacity, demonstrated high readiness to host large audiences in a safe, organised and vibrant environment. The opening ceremony also featured striking heritage performances involving horses, camels and maritime vessels, presenting Oman’s history through a contemporary artistic lens and receiving strong audience appreciation.
In a statement, Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North and Chairman of the Main Committee of the Fourth Sohar Festival, welcomed visitors from within the governorate, across Oman, and from GCC countries and beyond. He noted that this edition promises a launch distinct from previous festivals and reflects the richness of Oman’s cultural, artistic, and heritage diversity, while strengthening national identity and supporting domestic tourism.
Participants and visitors also expressed their enthusiasm. Fatma Ali, a home-based business owner participating in the festival, said the event offers an important platform to showcase products, reach new customers and generate tangible economic returns, highlighting its role in empowering productive families and small enterprises. Abdullah al Kharousi, a resident of Al Suwaiq and father of three, said festivals of this scale encourage families to explore destinations within Oman, boosting domestic tourism through activities suitable for all age groups.
The Sohar Festival will continue with a rich programme featuring artistic performances, heritage villages, entertainment zones, local, Gulf, Arab and international concerts, a dedicated children’s theatre, AI-based interactive activities, and special spaces for families, children, and home-based businesses, positioning it as a vibrant destination for the entire community.