JAALAN BANI BU HASSAN: The Al Tahaim Winter Nights festival in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan continues to captivate visitors for the third consecutive day. Thousands of attendees from across Oman and beyond are drawn to this grand celebration, which seamlessly blends heritage, sports and entertainment, making it one of the most anticipated winter events in the region.
A standout highlight of the festival is the camel races at the Al Saih Al Khadher track. Over 12 intense rounds, camel owners competed fiercely for prestigious titles and valuable prizes, with spectators cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines. Saeed al Hashemi, a visitor from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, shared his excitement: "Attending camel races here is a unique experience. This sport is deeply rooted in our Gulf heritage and the electrifying atmosphere makes me want to return every year."
The festival is also a celebration of Oman’s rich cultural traditions. The heritage village has become a hub of artistic and musical expression, where visitors are immersed in authentic performances. Saeed bin Ali al Owaisi’s masterful rababa playing mesmerised onlookers, while the rhythmic beats of the Razha performances filled the air, bringing together young and old in a spirited display of national pride.
For Yousef al Kindi, a first-time attendee, witnessing the Razha performance was a revelation: "I have never seen Razha art up close before, but today I saw how it beautifully blends rhythm and social unity. It’s a true reflection of Omani heritage and I feel privileged to be part of this experience."
The Sands Theatre provided a literary and artistic retreat, hosting an enchanting evening featuring some of the region’s most renowned poets. The lineup included Saudi poet Abdullah al Sarahid and Omani poets Nasser al Ghailani and Nasser al Shahimi, who captivated the audience with verses on pride, love and patriotism. Adding to the atmosphere, singer Bandar al Aweer’s performances resonated deeply with attendees, who responded with applause and cheers.
Sports enthusiasts also found their thrill at the festival, with high-stakes matches in the accompanying tournament. The Al Ameed team triumphed over Al Nojoom in an intense showdown, while Shabab Al Suwaih secured victory against Lahoob Al Ashkhara. In a gripping final, Sur clinched the sand volleyball championship title, outplaying Shabab Al Suwaih in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Mustafa Saeed, an Egyptian visitor from Muscat, was impressed by the festival’s diverse offerings: "The fusion of sports and entertainment makes this festival truly unique. The matches were competitive and the organisation was exceptional and an event I wouldn’t want to miss next year."
The Sands Theatre transformed into a spectacle of wonder with a mesmerising bubble art show that combined music, optical illusions and theatrical performances, enchanting audiences of all ages. Families with children were delighted by lively cartoon character parades, engaging competitions and dazzling LED light displays that infused the venue with a festive glow.
The festival promises even more excitement with upcoming events, including the much-anticipated football tournament, additional heritage showcases at the Tahaim Market and interactive experiences at the craftsmen’s corner. The dedicated women and children’s section and a diverse culinary zone further ensure that every visitor finds something to cherish.
Al Tahaim Winter Nights continues to stand as a testament to Oman’s cultural richness and its ability to create memorable experiences that honour tradition while embracing modern festivities.
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