Saturday 19 / October / 2024
Muscat: With Oman enjoying some fantastic weather over the last few days, we all wish we could get away from the city and unwind for a couple of days.
Fortunately, the National Day holidays on November 23 and 24 will help us do just that.
And there is plenty to choose from. The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has pulled out all stops and promised theatre-goers a great time, with the Opera de Lyon performing Mozart’s famed Don Giovanni on November 24.
On November 26, fine arts patrons can enjoy a family concert at ROHM, featuring some of George Handel’s most breathtaking Baroque works. Or for just OMR5, you can catch some of Russian pianist Artem Anuchin’s best works at the Classic Music and Arts Institute in Qurum, the proceeds of which will go to the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability.
Unless, of course, you wish to indulge the inner child in you. To commemorate the 46th National Day, Oman Avenues Mall is participating in building a huge map of the nation entirely out of Lego blocks, from 5pm to 10pm every evening until November 28. Entry is free, and there are plenty of Lego game stations at the mall for all the little ones to enjoy.
Film buffs too are in for a visual treat this weekend. Step back into the world of the Harry Potter universe as you dive headfirst into Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, or catch British heartthrob Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange. There is a lot more on offer, with The Accountant, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, and Hindi flick Dear Zindagi starring Shah Rukh Khan all hitting screens this weekend.
But if you are a fan of the great outdoors, you can enjoy a cool, crisp Wednesday morning at the Winter Bazaar in Qurum Park, which begins at 9:30am.
On November 26, Al Bustan has an outdoor meditation workshop at 5pm.
You can also pitch a luxury eco tent at the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, which is visited by more than 12,000 turtles annually, and watch a glorious sunrise, or check into the Masirah Island resort and watch the loggerhead turtles come in.
Promotions
Those who are sorting out their last-minute travel plans will be happy to know that Oman Air has a special 46 per cent discount on all flights this National Day, while flydubai is offering a flat 50 per cent off on tickets.
However,if you are the sort who just wants to get away from it all, you have a choice of several hotels that have laid out special offers and promotions in anticipation of the local and foreign visitors who will soon be flocking to the Sultanate.
Al Falaj Hotel has a special offer of OMR45 for a two-day stay this weekend, inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Praveen George, general manager of sales for the hotel, is keen to welcome visitors.
“What we have seen is that there are a lot of European tourists coming in this season because of the change of weather. The climate change is good in Oman, and the occupancy rate is more than 80 per centin our hotels. Oman is heavily promoting tourism and the nation is trying to take a huge turn towards the tourism sector,” he said.
At the Intercontinental, one of Oman’s most iconic hotels, preparations are underway for the National Day holidays and the busy December weeks that lie beyond.
“We have a special price of OMR46 for a double room with breakfast, and OMR80 for a double room with breakfast and lunch,” Maria Palmaria, the hotel’s public relations executive, said. “Oman is a great place to visit, and our hotel is always busy this time of the year because the Omani people are so friendly and warm.”
