At the heart of Muscat Nights in Al Qurum Natural Park, the Food Festival has emerged as one of the most vibrant and unifying attractions, drawing crowds with aromas, flavours, and stories that reflect both Oman’s heritage and its openness to the world.
More than a collection of food stalls, the festival plays a fundamental role by transforming the park into a space of cultural exchange, family gathering and shared experience.
From traditional Omani dishes prepared with time-honoured techniques to international flavours inspired by global trends, the Food Festival acts as a bridge between generations and cultures. Visitors wandering through Al Qurum Natural Park are met with the sight of bubbling pots, sizzling grills and carefully plated desserts, each stall offering a glimpse into a different culinary story.
International stalls range from Lebanese to African, Asian and British, each presenting an authentic taste from their homeland, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a remarkable culinary extravaganza all under one roof.
For Omani halwa maker Ibrahim al Saifi, who has been practising his craft for over sixteen years, the festival represents continuity and pride. Standing beside his copper pot, he speaks of halwa not simply as a dessert, but as a symbol of identity. “After sixteen years of making Omani halwa, I still feel the same pride every time I stir the pot,” he said. “This is more than a sweet, it is a story of patience, heritage, and generosity. Being part of a national food festival gives me joy, because it allows me to share a taste of our culture with people from across Oman and beyond.”
His presence highlights the festival’s role in preserving traditional crafts while presenting them to new audiences in a lively, contemporary setting.
The Food Festival also serves as an entry point for visitors experiencing Muscat Nights for the first time. Tourist Leena Sulaiman described how food guided her journey through the event. “As soon as I entered Muscat Nights, the first place I headed to was the food festival,” she said.
“I truly believe food is the best representation of a rich culture, it tells stories you can taste.” Sampling dishes such as shuwa fries and karak tea allowed her to form a deeper connection with the place. “They tasted so unique and delicious, and truly enriched my experience which helped me connect deeply with Oman and its people.”
Beyond heritage and tourism, the festival reflects how local initiatives are keeping pace with evolving tastes.
Abdullah al Shibli, a high school English teacher from Al Batinah North Governorate visiting with his family, noted the diversity on display.
“I was truly impressed by the sheer number of international foods offered at the food festival,” he said. “What surprised me the most was seeing so many authentic dishes from different cultures under one roof.” He also pointed to the creative energy of the stalls, which blend nostalgia and modern trends, from Chips Oman paired with cheesy sweet corn to tiramisu pudding inspired by viral TikTok reels.
Together, these experiences underscore the Food Festival’s central role within Muscat Nights. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, where families, tourists and artisans gather, and where Al Qurum Natural Park becomes a living table that reflects Oman’s cultural richness, hospitality and evolving culinary landscape.
The festival ensures every visitor has the chance to savour these flavours and stories, making it an essential highlight of the festivities.
Muscat Nights runs daily from 4 pm to 10 pm throughout the month of January at different venues across Muscat.
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