MUSCAT, 18 January 2005 — Over two million people are expected to attend Muscat Festival 2005, due to begin on Jan. 21. “We have made arrangements for over two million visitors from within and outside the country,” said Abdullah ibn Abbas ibn Ahmed, president of the organizing Muscat Municipality.
He promised some new exciting surprises for the 29-day fiesta, Oman’s equivalent of Dubai Shopping Festival which started on Jan.14. “We hope to create a new attendance record.” He said Gulf Heritage Village will be one of the top attractions designed especially for citizens from GCC states.
“Knowledge Village, replete with computers and other automated accessories, will be targeting the youth in particular. Also, there will be exclusive enclosures for women and children. It will be a family affair to remember, “said the city mayor.
He said the Global Village has since been expanded and 22 countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, US. China, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Kenya and Tanzania, have already confirmed participation.
He said Oman’s rich tourism potential will also be projected focusing on “breathtaking natural environment, mountains, deserts, beaches and wadis to woo discerning Western sightseers.”
He said the weather in Oman in this part of the year remains an added attraction, adding visa restrictions are being eased every year to facilitate their travel.
