A press conference for the Omani Ministry of Tourism and Air Arabia

The Omani Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with Air Arabia, held a press conference Wednesday evening at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, to announce the details and activities of the 2018 Muscat Festival, which began on January 18 and runs until February 10.

The press conference was attended by Habib Al Zawawi, Assistant Director of Muscat Festival, Mohammed Saif Al Riyami, Director International Office , Oman Ministry of Tourism. Air Arabia was represented by Rajesh Narula , Regional General Manager-UAE& Oman .

"Choosing Dubai to hold this conference is evidence of the importance it enjoys in Oman as a strategic destination in the region," said Gamal Sadek , Regional Director of Oman's Ministry of Tourism in the GCC.

He pointed out that the purpose of this event is to introduce to the locals , residents and visitors the various activities, and packages offered by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with Air Arabia to visit the Muscat Festival which includes accommodation in three, four and five star hotels.

Al-Riyami said that the hotels in Oman recorded an increase an average increase

Of 4 percent in hotel occupancy during despite the economic conditions that affected the region’s  tourism market and an eight percent increase in available hotel rooms in the sultanate . The rise in hotel occupancy reflects the resilient performance of the Oman tourism market .

He pointed out that the number of hotel rooms in the Sultanate grew significantly in the past five years. in 2017 the number of hotel rooms grew 42percent to reach 20,403 rooms compared to 14,469 rooms in 2013

On the other hand, Habib Al Zawawi, Assistant Director of Muscat Festival, said that this year's festival comes under the slogan "Let's Celebrate Together", representing a family destination and a forum of thought, culture and arts.

“ It is a meeting point of the cultural knowledge between the various countries of the world ,The diversity of arts and crafts, as well as civilizations and other arts, and the current festival represents the 20th year since its launch in 1998 “  he added

Al-Zawawi added that the most important events this year are the Family village, the Children's Theater, cartoon shows, comedies, the Omani heritage village and the performances of the traditional bands.

The festival will also feature special concerts by many artists, as well as the most important sporting events such as the Oman Tour, which will be held on February 13th.