Salalah, one of Oman’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities, has launched a brand-new festival that is set to become an annual celebration of the country’s indigenous music and dance. The first edition of the event was welcomed with excitement and joy as it brought local communities together and offered tourists a fresh reason to visit the southern Dhofar region.
This new cultural festival is more than just entertainment. It is a powerful step in preserving Omani traditions, sharing them with the world, and boosting the country’s growing tourism industry.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition
The festival is deeply rooted in Omani heritage. From ancient Bedouin beats to the traditional dance styles of the Dhofar region, the event celebrates the rich sounds and moves passed down through generations.
Visitors were treated to stunning performances by local artists who showcased traditional instruments like the oud, mizmar, and tablah. Dancers performed with grace and energy, wearing traditional clothes that added color and movement to every step.
“It’s not just about music or dance,” said one of the performers. “It’s about telling our stories, keeping our culture alive, and showing our pride in being Omani.”
A New Chapter for Cultural Tourism
Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has been working to highlight the country’s cultural richness to international audiences. This new festival is part of a larger effort to promote Salalah as a year-round destination.
Salalah is already famous for its Khareef (monsoon) season, where lush greenery and misty weather attract thousands of tourists between June and September. But this festival, launched during the off-season, aims to create a reason for visitors to explore Salalah even outside Khareef.
“We want people to experience the real Oman,” said a representative from the Ministry. “Our music, our traditions, and the warmth of our people. This festival gives them the chance to do that.”
Family-Friendly and Community-Centered
What made this festival even more special was its focus on family and community. The event offered more than just performances. There were workshops for children to learn traditional dance steps, music classes with local musicians, and storytelling corners that shared folk tales from different parts of Oman.
Local food stalls served up authentic dishes such as maqbous, shuwa, and halwa, adding delicious flavors to the celebration.
Many visitors noted how the festival felt like a true community event rather than a commercial one. “It feels like home,” said a tourist from Muscat. “Everyone is friendly, and there’s a genuine love for the culture here.”
Support for Local Artists
The event also gave a big boost to local artists and performers, many of whom work hard to keep traditional art forms alive. For some, this was their first time performing on a large stage in front of a wide audience.
“It’s encouraging,” said a young drummer from the Dhofar region. “We often perform at small weddings or community events. But this festival gave us a real spotlight.”
Oman’s cultural leaders hope that continued support like this will inspire younger generations to take pride in their roots and explore careers in music, dance, and the arts.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of the first edition has already sparked plans for a bigger festival next year. Organizers plan to invite performers from other regions of Oman and even from neighboring countries to share and exchange cultural traditions.
There is also talk of including more interactive activities, such as musical instrument-making workshops, dance competitions, and history exhibitions about Oman’s coastal and desert cultures.
By expanding the festival, Salalah could become a major cultural hub not only in Oman but across the Gulf region.
A Message to the World
In a world where traditions can sometimes get lost in the fast pace of modern life, this festival serves as a reminder of the beauty of heritage. It’s not just an event for Omanis — it’s an invitation to the world to come and experience something real, raw, and heartwarming.
Salalah’s new cultural festival is proof that when music and dance are used to tell stories, people listen. And when those stories are shared with passion and pride, they can inspire everyone — no matter where they come from.
As visitors left the festival grounds with smiles on their faces and the sounds of drums in their hearts, one thing was clear: Salalah is not just a destination — it’s a feeling.
Also read: Dubai to Launch AI Traffic Violation Prediction System
