Muscat hosts Russian spring festival

Oman witnessed a whopping number of 46,000 visitors from different walks of life at Al Mouj Muscat where a unique display of cultural integration of Oman and Russia was held, reaffirming Oman’s position as a prominent cultural platform showcasing heritage, arts, education, and commercial exchange.
The opening ceremony was attended by Oleg Levin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Oman; Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Uraba, Assistant Director-General of Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman; Ahmed al Massan, Chief Financial Officer of Al Mouj Muscat; Igor Egorov, Chairman of the Russian Compatriots Organisation; and Anna Popova, Head of Russian House Oman.

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the festival, Levin, said, “This festival aims to showcase a tradition deeply rooted in the fabric of Russian culture. Maslenitsa symbolises a timeless and universal transition — the joyful farewell to winter and the hopeful welcome of spring. Communities gather united by this centuries-old tradition of hospitality, forgiveness, and renewal. It is a time to come together with family, mend ties, and look ahead with optimism.”
The 3rd Spring Festival Maslenitsa 2026 brought together residents, visitors, and business communities that highlighted the depth of cultural ties and growing people-to-people engagement between Oman and Russia and Oman and displayed the advancing Russia–Oman Cultural Collaboration in different spheres.

Visitors experienced authentic Russian culture through a rich variety of offerings vis-à-vis Omani tradition and culture. These included traditional cuisines, captivating dance and music performances by troupes arriving directly from Russia with a special highlight from Ryazan State Academic Russian Folk Choir dancers, musical performers from Tatarstan and creative handicraft workshops designed for all age groups.

The festival was organised by Russian House Oman in partnership with Rossotrudnichestvo, under the auspices of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Oman and was supported by various Omani and Russian institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, Visit Oman, the Moscow City Government, the Government of Ryazan region, the World Congress of Tatars, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia – Russian-Omani Business Council, Opora Rossii association, a nationwide SME association representing over 450,000 entrepreneurs, National tourism brand Discover Russia, developed by The Center for Strategic Research and the like.

Othere supporters included Al Hadara Center, Gates of Arabia, Oman Flour Mills, Al Meera, Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow, KSORS (Board of Russian Compatriots), and the Roscongress Foundation, Russia's major convention organiser. Others included Vmeste RF, Apex, Seraj by Oneic Media, Media Pulse, United Group Media, and Russian Oman, whose support contributed to expanding audience engagement and strengthening the festival’s regional visibility.

Throughout the three-day programme, visitors experienced a vibrant cultural showcase that integrated culinary heritage, performing arts, and immersive entertainment. Festival goers sampled traditional Russian blinis and authentic cuisine while attending live performances reflecting regional musical traditions and folk artistry. Traditional performers, including jesters, stilt-walkers, and appearances by the beloved characters “Masha and the Bear,” added a lively interactive dimension to the festival, enhancing family engagement and audience participation.
Omani cultural expression was also prominently featured through live artistic demonstrations and curated showcases organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman. These included calligraphy showcased on pottery, participation by prominent Omani artists, dedicated exhibition displays, and documentary screenings highlighting Omani heritage and travel experiences, alongside Russian cultural themes, reinforcing the spirit of cross-cultural exchange reflected throughout the festival.

“There is a growing interest in Russian culture, tourism, arts, and traditions across Oman, reflecting the expanding people-to-people connection between our countries. Events such as Maslenitsa demonstrate how Russian heritage and contemporary creative expression continue to resonate strongly with audiences in the Sultanate, supporting long-term cultural and community engagement between Russia and Oman,” said Anna Popova, Head of Russian House Oman.
The Festival Fair remained a major attraction throughout the event, with guests browsing unique Russian products, crafts and souvenirs. Interactive corners including robotics hosted by Russian and Omani universities further enriched the experience, supported by enthusiastic student volunteers from the Center for Arabic Culture “Al-Hadara” and Oman Tourism College, fostering meaningful dialogue and connection among the youth of both nations.