Bright Nights and Lasting Memories, says Muscat Municipality and it is true for thousands of children enjoying the various attractions of the month-long festival. People must make sure to take their evening walk at the Al Qurum Natural Park's Lake.
At Muscat Nights, one of the popular venues, Al Qurum Natural Park opens its gate early. On Friday, people had already gathered by 4 pm and by 6 pm the parade drummers and jugglers began full of energy and rhythm to the joy of people who cannot stop taking pictures and videos.
The drum beats are mesmerising and the public follow them instinctively. Before you know it, you are welcomed by food from around the world — branded and represented with the popular food items from their respective countries.
The best part is that there are a lot of places to sit and enjoy the food.
Omani food stalls are part of the Heritage Village which one can explore before reaching the lake.
Muntaz al Maawali is making a special Omani halwa at the Halwa Shop.
"This is a special halwa and it will be ready in two hours", he said.
Meanwhile, Ghalib Omar has his large shop of silver and antiques at Heritage Corner.
"Take time to explore", he urged.
Children seem to love the Maze and Luminous Bamboos. But once at the Lake area it is full of wonders, from music and light shows to drones.
The Omani folklore band has a dedicated audience as always.
Once you enter the Global Village it is truly an experience of world culture from food to art and clothes to jewellery.
Raymond Corgos is at the the Philippines pavilion and he said, "The Philippines is known for its cuisine and the love for international food. Here we have brought the types of breads and cakes from around the world".
Ali is from Palestine. "I have my sweetshop here at the Palestinian Pavilion. I have just come to Oman three months ago. Muscat Nights has brought the flavours of the world here. It is amazing".
Take time to explore truly — from Luminous steps, Food Festival, Global Village, Photo Booth to record the memory, Candy Land, AR Beach, Light Maze, Magic Glow Sticks, Fantasy Light Trail, Mushroom Wonderland, Lake Multimedia Show, Whimsical Wonderland, Stage shows, interactive walkway and spectrum pathway.
And by 7 pm the folk drummers from Pakistan with their Punjabi Dhol (drums) had taken the central circular stage of Global Village.
"They start from here and move outside. It is a way of attracting the visitors", said Asifa Dawood, who has a stall at the Pakistani Pavilion.
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