Maritime festival in Sur from Feb 3

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of South Sharqiyah and a number of government agencies, will organise the Maritime Heritage Festival from February 3 to 19 in Sur.

The festival will be sponsored by Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) and Oman LNG.

In a statement, MHT said, ‘The festival aims to introduce and promote Oman’s maritime heritage and to stimulate tourism in the governorate.’

The festival will present a number of activities, including events at the Maritime Heritage Village, which will tell the story of the maritime heritage that Sur is famous for. The maritime village will also have a corner dedicated to handicrafts related to maritime heritage, folklore seminars, a café, a theatre for recreational and cultural events and activities, and folk games and performances of marine-related arts.

One of the major attractions of the festival will be a simulation presentation of a traditional sea voyage reflecting the historical journeys of Omani ships to and from the sultanate’s ports.

A food carnival allowing visitors to explore famous Omani dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood, will reflect the richness of the marine wealth of Sur.

Other programmes on the festival agenda include activities such as windsurfing, sailing, a fishing competition, a seminar on maritime heritage, a traditional boat race, traditional Omani sports, and kite flying.

The festival will offer tourists opportunities to visit a number of ancient sites in Sur.