Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors

AL JABAL AL AKHDAR: More than 100,000 people visited Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2026 from its opening until the end of July, reinforcing its role in stimulating tourism and economic activity in the wilayat.

The 45-day festival features a diverse programme of entertainment, cultural and sporting activities, tourism experiences and direct marketing platforms for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), productive families and farmers.

Organised by Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), with OQ Gas Networks as strategic partner, the festival brings together 95 participating entities.

These include SMEs, productive families, farmers, restaurants, cafés, local shops and other businesses. The event offers participants direct opportunities to market Omani products and benefit from the increased tourist activity in the wilayat during the summer season.

The festival offers activities for visitors of all ages, including daily performances on the main stage, a roaming carnival, Family Oasis, Youth Square, Children’s World, a cinema dome, interactive inflatable games and Neon Oasis.

It also features the “Floating Provision” experience, which uses 3D hologram technology and is being introduced in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate for the first time.

Ahmed bin Salem al Toobi, Director-General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said the festival has become an important seasonal driver of economic activity by attracting visitors and creating direct marketing opportunities for SMEs, productive families and farmers.

Entrepreneur Hamdan bin Mohammed al Riyami said his participation provides an opportunity to showcase pottery-making as a traditional craft closely associated with Omani identity.

He added that the strong turnout has enabled him to reach a wider audience, explain the stages of pottery production and its cultural significance, and market handicrafts in an environment combining tourism and heritage.

Hatim bin Rashid bin Marhoon al Fahdi, a nursery owner, said his participation aims to promote the distinctive plants and agricultural products of Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

The festival will continue until August 29. Visitor numbers are expected to rise as activities continue, further strengthening Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s position as a leading summer tourism destination and increasing tourism’s contribution to the local economy.

Translated by Muslem Al Lawati