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‘Let the Omani charm prevail’

MUSCAT — “Let the Omani charm prevail at the festival venues,” was the message from Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthy, chairman of Muscat Municipality, to the people of Oman. Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman after witnessing the spectacular opening of the festival, Al Harthy said: “Muscat Festival is an occasion to have fun, enjoy and help each other.”

Stating that Muscat Festival will be different this time, Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthy said: “We are trying to raise the bar in terms of the quality of events organised and how to involve the various sections of society. We are trying our best to create variety.”

“We are trying to raise the bar in terms of the quality of events organised and also looking into how to involve the various sections of the society. We are trying our best to create variety. We are trying out a new venue this time, Naseem Garden, and our aim is to make that the main venue.”

When asked what the highlight of this year’s festival was, he said: “Everything is interesting. We target every section of society including men, women and children. It is meant to be for the family.”

Insisting that Muscat Festival is all about innocent fun, Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthy said: “We will keep it as safe, as clean and as tasteful as possible. We will try to cater to the taste of locals as well as expatriates.

When asked whether he would agree with the perception that Muscat Festival is a window on Oman, “ he said: “Well, it is one of the windows because the reputation of Oman goes beyond and above any festival. We are trying to revisit the concept of festival and festivities and to redefine the cultural life of Muscat.”