10 Must-See Events in Oman: Cultural and Travel Enthusiasts

Discover Oman: 10 Major Events You Shouldn’t Miss

From the rugged mountains of Jebel Akhdar to the sweeping dunes of Wahiba Sands, Oman’s calendar is filled with vibrant cultural festivals, sports events, and art showcases that reflect the country’s heritage and modern ambitions. Here are the top 10 major events in Oman, including dates, venues, times, and event types for your 2025 planning.

Muscat Festival

• Date: January 15 – February 15, 2025

• Venue: Al Amerat Park and Naseem Gardens, Muscat

• Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily

• Type: Cultural Festival

• Details: A month-long celebration featuring Omani folklore, traditional arts, musical performances, food stalls, and heritage village displays, providing an immersive experience into Oman’s traditions and family-friendly entertainment.

Tour of Oman

• Date: February 9 – 14, 2025

• Venue: Various routes across Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, and Muttrah Corniche

• Time: Morning and early afternoon stages

• Type: International Cycling Race

• Details: A prestigious UCI race attracting top international cyclists, the Tour of Oman showcases the country’s dramatic landscapes while promoting sports tourism.

Salalah Tourism Festival

• Date: July 15 – August 31, 2025

• Venue: Salalah, Dhofar Governorate

• Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Type: Cultural and Tourism Festival

• Details: Coinciding with the Khareef (monsoon) season, this festival features live performances, traditional markets, food stalls, and entertainment activities celebrating the cool misty weather unique to Salalah.

Muscat International Book Fair

• Date: February 20 – March 1, 2025

• Venue: Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat

• Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Type: Literary Event

• Details: One of the Gulf’s largest book fairs, featuring international and regional publishers, workshops, author signings, and cultural discussions.

National Day Celebrations

• Date: November 18, 2025

• Venue: Nationwide, with main parades in Muscat

• Time: Morning military parade; fireworks in the evening

• Type: National Celebration

• Details: Celebrating Oman's independence and the reign of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the day includes parades, cultural shows, and fireworks in major cities.

Muscat Marathon

• Date: January 24 – 25, 2025

• Venue: Al Mouj Muscat

• Time: Starting at 6:00 AM

• Type: Sports Event

• Details: An IAAF-certified race featuring full, half marathons, 10K, and fun runs along Muscat’s coastal roads, attracting participants from across the region and globally.

Oman Food Festival

• Date: March 6 – 15, 2025

• Venue: Qurum Natural Park, Muscat

• Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Type: Culinary Festival

• Details: Showcasing traditional and contemporary Omani cuisine alongside international food trucks, live cooking demos, and family-friendly activities.

Muscat Art Festival

• Date: April 10 – 20, 2025

• Venue: Various galleries and outdoor venues in Muscat

• Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Type: Art and Culture Festival

• Details: Exhibitions of Omani and international artists, street art installations, workshops, and public talks to celebrate creativity and art education.

Eid Al Fitr Celebrations

• Date: March 29 – 31, 2025 (subject to lunar calendar)

• Venue: Mosques, community centers, and public spaces across Oman

• Time: Morning prayers followed by celebrations throughout the day

• Type: Religious and Cultural Event

• Details: Marking the end of Ramadan with communal prayers, family gatherings, traditional sweets distribution, and festive activities for children.

Khareef Season Trekking & Green Dhofar Festival

• Date: July – September 2025

• Venue: Jebel Samhan, Wadi Darbat, and Salalah surroundings

• Time: All-day trekking and festival programs from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Type: Eco-Tourism and Cultural Festival

• Details: Visitors can enjoy lush green valleys, misty mountain treks, waterfalls, and local cultural performances celebrating the unique climate of Dhofar during Khareef.

Why These Events Matter

Oman’s events calendar blends the country’s rich traditions with contemporary culture, offering opportunities for:

• Cultural immersion
• Adventure tourism
• Family-friendly experiences
• Supporting local artists and businesses
• Showcasing Oman as a year-round destination.

Whether you are a culture enthusiast, sports lover, or seeking authentic experiences, these 10 major events in Oman will help you plan your travel and engagement with this beautiful country’s soul in 2025.

This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here