Muscat Nights, which will feature laser shows and drones, will boost tourism and add colour to winter nights, organisers said on Sunday. The municipality is looking at a designated site for holding entertainment events in the future editions of the extravaganza, said Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, at the press conference.
Al Humaidi said for the first time e-sports is going to be featured in a major way and many international e-gamers are expected during Muscat Nights.
“A festival like ‘Muscat Nights’ has a great role in reviving the economy, travel and tourism and creating a space for entertainment and cultural communication, especially in the post-Covid era. Muscat Nights 2023, will be a launching pad for the activities included in Muscat Municipality’s agenda during the current year and we are hopeful that the 17 nights would live up to the aspirations of society in all its categories,” Al Humaidi said.
Muscat Nights will be held from January 19 to February 4 at Al Qurum Natural Park, Al Naseem Park, Oman Automobile Association and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Briefing the details of the 17 day-day-long festival at the Al Bustan Palace, Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the presence of the representatives from Royal Oman Police (ROP), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism,
Chairman of Muscat Municipality and the Head of the Festival Committee told the Observer that the festival is all set to be a complete family entertainment avenue.
“We have been studying the requirements of various communities as well as the Omani population and we have made sure that each one will have something or the other to make their visit an unforgettable one.”
Al Humaidi pointed out that the activities of Muscat Nights are not limited to entertainment, but extend to tourism promotion and means of supporting local industries by providing access for social and cultural communication.
“We wanted this event to enhance innovation among ambitious youth, productive families and business owners by offering all these segments to showcase their products in various locations of Muscat Nights venues, “ Al Humaidi said.
Al Humaidi stressed that Muscat Nights aims to strike a balance between identity and modernity.
The venues of Muscat Night’s activities have been selected with great precision. Pavilions have been dedicated for global firms to showcase their products. Also, a smartphone app has been designed to book tickets and provide Muscat Nights event schedules prior to the start of the extravaganza.
Speaking about the economic impact of Muscat Nights, Al Humaidi pointed out that the majority of the event’s contracts (90 per cent) have been awarded to local companies.
Al Humaidi affirmed that, when planning Muscat Nights, emphasis was laid on the quality, rather than the number, of activities. “We are discussing with other departments concerned to find a specialised alternative location for entertainment activities in future,” Al Humaidi said.
“We are extremely excited about collaborating with Muscat Municipality for the Muscat Nights. This is our biggest event and we are doing it differently because these kinds of events happen usually in two to three days but this year’s event is going to be held for 17 days,” said Mustafa al Ajmi, CEO of 968 Gamez.
“This is going to be a treat. All the events will be announced on our Instagram page @968gamez. The participants can just head to the stall for the activity one is interested in to register and participate. We are all about community. It is pop culture and people always surprise us with new activities,” he said.
“Globally speaking the e-games run into millions in revenue. The growth in revenue has been growing especially during Covid-19. People were staying at home not knowing what to do with their time. Gaming was the thing that kept people entertained,” he pointed out. “We do not say gaming is for a certain age group because people go to that parallel universe and the person is someone younger or someone older. That is gaming and it is making huge strides especially in Oman,” he noted.
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