49th National Day: 70 riders to put ‘best feat forward’ in Sur
Festivities of the 49th National Day are still on across the country and the Governorate of South Sharqiyah is not far behind. Seventy horse riders will showcase their skills as part of the National Day celebrations organised in Sur on November 30.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with Oman Sail, Sur Equestrian Club and Sur Municipality, the event will also include boat racing.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Saud Hamed Musallam al Alawi, director of Tourism Administration in South Sharqiyah governorate, said, “The two-hour event will begin at 9am on Saturday and the activities will take place in Naama beach in Sur. We expect hundreds of people to participate in the festivities that will bear the stamp of Omani heritage. As many as 15 sailboats will display their skills and 70 horse riders will perform various feats in the horse show (Al Ardha). Such shows are a perfect platform to see the skill with which Omani horse riders perform.”
He added, “Al Ardha will start at 9.30am with a display of traditional acts. Horse show is a part and parcel of many social occasions in the Omani society.”
Alawi added that in addition to equestrian and sailing events, there will also be poem recitations and dance performances.
“People can enjoy Al Razha - a dance involving swords and poetry,” he said.
Such events are a great way to show the new generation our rich past which is steeped in heritage, said Alawi. “Our main objective is to encourage the new generation to learn about these traditional shows and promote domestic tourism in Sur. Such shows are also a great way to enhance the relations between members of the community.”
Speaking of the other events organised as part of the National Day celebrations Alawi said, “We organised a lot of events in November to celebrate the 49th National Day such as a cyclists tour titled, ‘Sur Treasure’.
“We are planning to organise more such events in future to support domestic tourism in South Sharqiyah governorate throughout the year. We hope that many people will join us in the activities of November 30 and partake of the joy of the 49th National Day.”