BIDIYAH: The Bidiyah Carnival 2025 officially began today in the Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, as part of the winter tourism season in the Wilayat of Bidiyah. The festival will run until November 29, offering a mix of sports, heritage, adventure and entertainment.
The opening ceremony was sponsored by Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and attended by Mahmoud bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North.
Sayyid Majid bin Saif al Busaidy, Wali of Bidiyah, said the carnival aims to showcase the natural and tourist attractions of the Eastern Sands while encouraging Omani youth to engage in desert sports in a well-organised and professional environment. He highlighted that the festival also contributes to tourism, economic and commercial activity for families and visitors from inside and outside Oman.
The Al Sharqiyah North Governorate currently has 100 hospitality establishments, including 16 hotels and hotel apartments, 27 green lodges, 37 guesthouses, 17 tourist camps, and three rest houses, offering around 298 rooms. During the current winter tourism season, which began last October and runs until the end of April next year, the region is witnessing a large influx of domestic and international visitors.
The carnival features exhibitions and activities including the Agriculture and Water Resources corner, the Environment Authority corner, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism promotional corner, a Small and Medium Enterprises Village, a consumer exhibition, chanting evenings and special segments of Omani arts.
Highlights of the festival include the Culture and Sports Village, an evening titled ‘Melody of the Sands’, Bidiyah Sky activities (paragliding, kite flying, and radio-controlled flying), a Camel and Horse Parade, Bidiyah Nights, a 5 km Tourist Carnival Walk, the Tourism, Innovation and Camping exhibition, and the main event, the Mohsin Haider Darwish Company Car Challenge Championship.
The Bidiyah Carnival 2025 is organised by the club and the Oman Automobile Association, under the supervision of the Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, in partnership with public and private institutions, civil society organisations, and features more than 14 diverse events. — ONA
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