The Bahla Fort Winter Festival in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is presently holding the festival drawing tourists and visitors in large numbers. The five-day festival which concludes on January 27, seeks to preserve the heritage and link it to modernity, provides various distinctive workshops and programmes for young people.
The festival also offers various job opportunities for young people, and supports productive families.
The opening ceremony was held on January 23 under the auspices of Dr Saif bin Abdullah bin Sulaiman al Haddabi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation.
Engineer Ali bin Ahmed al Shaqsi, General Manager, Bahla Fort Management and Operation Project, says, “One of the main goals is ‘Oman Vision 2040’ to provide opportunities for the private sector to participate in operating the archaeological and tourism sites. Due to its positive returns on the societal side, by involving local craftsmen and productive families, as well as providing job opportunities and selling their products."
The festival is organised by Marasim Tourism Company, which is concerned with the management and operation of Bahla Fort
Among the prominent activities are the inauguration of the project’s visual identity, modern technologies, the Research Centre for Omani Architecture, special training workshops for children, women, open theatre and various ongoing activities for the public, children, and the family corner.
About 25 families displayed their products in a special corner designated for them. There is also an area of government institutions, including the Bahla Fort Site Department of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Environment Authority, Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Omani Women’s Association, Beit Harfati (a specialised corner for the pottery industry), and Taleed Pottery (a corner specialising in ceramics industry).
Engineer Ali also mentioned there would be an integrated plan approved by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism that the company would implement within a specific period.
Later, a permanent museum that tells the history of Oman and Bahla in particular will be opened as well as a permanent exhibition that contains rare and ancient antiquities in the fort.
Hamad al Humaimi, a parent, who made several old palm leaves, such as pots, shoes, medals, and hats, was managing a stall at the festival. He displayed the artefacts made with great care, displaying his work with pride. The visitors also witness the unique experience of pottery making for the first time, which everyone can try for only RO 1.
Women also displayed their wares. There were also Omani crafts, such as silverware with traditional Omani designs. There is also a place for selling pottery in a designated place called ‘Taleed Pottery,’ which displays handmade pottery products such as home and decor accessories, plates, cups, and others.
Among others activities are the science workshop, pottery drawing workshop, the Palestine Arabiya event, the children’s outdoor cinema event, and the small investment event, in which each child receives a pottery piggy bank.
They can also participate in the workshops that will be held in the fort, such as the young public broadcaster, budding tour guide, the young Omani author, becoming a professional at phone photography, making a robot explorer, and creating own electronic games. These events are free of charge for children which enables them to develop skills.
Activities for women include workshops on upbringing of children, canvas art, positivity and acceptance and a gratitude and tolerance.
Among the activities that will be held daily are the virtual reality corner and treasure games, folk arts, talent events, theatre performances, and team-building challenges for 'the strongest team.'
Bahla Fort is the largest castle in Oman built on a high hill in the third millennium BC. It was the scene of many historical events. In 1987, it was included on the World Heritage List. The festival activities are held from 9 am till 12 pm and again from 4 to 9 pm.
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