Wednesday 05 / August / 2026
Salalah--- Public parks and gardens rank among the premier destinations attracting families and visitors during Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season, offering a diverse array of entertainment, educational, and cultural activities catering to all age groups. These initiatives are part of Dhofar Municipality's ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality experiences that enrich the season and enhance its touristic allure.
In this context, Ameen Rabi Al Amri, Head of the Subcommittee for Parks and Recreational Areas Events at Dhofar Municipality, stated that Awqad Park, which hosts the "Kids Time" activities, stands as one of the flagship recreational and educational projects of the season. The park has been meticulously designed to offer an integrated experience that seamlessly combines learning and entertainment within an interactive environment tailored for children and their families.
He explained that this year's park features the "Children's University" activity, through which children engage in a simulated university experience spanning eight academic faculties. The journey begins with registration and admission, followed by familiarization with academic systems and study methodologies, before progressing through both theoretical and practical components, culminating in an official graduation ceremony where participants receive a certificate of program completion.
Elaborating on the university concept, Al Amri noted its direct integration with the interactive cities dispersed throughout the park, where children apply their acquired knowledge in practical, profession-simulating environments. For instance, graduates of the Faculty of Media transition to the Talent and Media City, where they engage in hands-on experiences including news broadcasting, on-camera presentations, and work within miniature studios specifically designed to suit children.
He added that graduates of the Faculty of Arts participate in diverse activities encompassing theater, singing, painting, and face painting, while the Engineering City, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering, offers interactive programs and games introducing children to fundamental principles of construction and building, alongside simplified and safe equipment usage—complete with engineering attire and safety gear—thereby reinforcing learning through practical application.
Al Amri noted that the experience extends to other cities, including the Pilots' City, the Future City—which features commerce and medicine-related activities—and the Sports City. He emphasized that all these cities are designed as practical extensions of the educational curricula within the Children's University, solidifying the concept of experiential learning and providing children with a rich experience that fuses knowledge with enjoyment.
The park also features playgrounds, green spaces, fountains, illuminated structures, as well as a food court and rest areas, creating an integrated environment where families can enjoy quality time while children participate in various activities and programs.
