By Mahdi Al Khayari
MUSCAT – The New Year will usher in a month-long session of festivities in Oman, thanks to the Muscat Nights 2026, which will be held from January 1 to 31, 2026.
The activities of Muscat Nights have been designed in such a way that it will cater to every section of the community. It offers a distinctive programme that reflects an integrated vision for a winter season, combining entertainment, sports, culture, and the economy within an urban experience across Muscat Governorate.
Muscat Nights 2026 will present a dynamic season that highlights the vibrancy of the capital and its capacity to deliver diverse content catering to various segments of society, reinforcing Muscat’s position as a leading winter destination at the regional level.
The events will take place across several locations within Muscat Governorate, including Al Qurum Natural Park, Al Amerat Public Park, the Oman Automobile Association, the Royal Opera House Muscat, A’Seeb Beach, the Wilayat of Quriyat, Wadi Al Khoudh, as well as various commercial centres. This wide distribution allows visitors to enjoy the festivities across multiple urban spaces and in varied formats.
Siraj – child of light
Muscat Nights 2026 will also introduce the character “Siraj,” a symbolic character as an Omani child of light who journeys across the city’s sky. Siraj embodies the narrative and visual identity of Muscat Nights and serves as a central attraction for families and visitors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
Fountain and light symphony
At the heart of Al Qurum, the fountain and light symphony will offer a contemporary visual spectacle blending art and technology, transforming the lake at Al Qurum Natural Park into an open-air theatre hosting artistic water fountain shows synchronised with music and lighting.
Muscat Nights Circus
The Muscat Nights Circus will feature daily performances at the Oman Automobile Association site, presented by international artists showcasing acrobatics, aerial acts, balance, and sleight of hand. The shows will also incorporate hologram technology advanced optical techniques using light waves to create three dimensional visual scenes. The circus zone will include a dedicated children’s area designed to provide an interactive educational experience. Children will be able to role-play scientific professions, attend simplified presentations related to astronomy and space, and engage in creative activities such as drawing, colouring, and handicrafts, within an integrated edutainment environment that fosters imagination and enjoyment.
Drone shows
Al Qurum Natural Park will host nightly drone shows, displaying dynamic light formations inspired by artistic and cultural symbols drawn from Muscat Governorate’s identity and the festival’s themes. Additionally, “Masha and the Bear” activities will offer families an imaginative and entertaining experience, allowing children to interact with characters and events in a way that promotes friendship, cooperation, and a spirit of discovery. Carnival areas will feature family games and amusement rides, daily parades, and performances by local and international artists, alongside cultural, artistic, and musical evenings that infuse the festival with a lively daily rhythm.
Sports events galore
The sports programme for Muscat Nights 2026 will include a diverse range of activities such as cycling races, endurance challenges, shooting sports, martial arts, friendly football matches, bowling, billiards, and snooker. The Muscat Nights 3×3 Basketball Championship, featuring local and international teams, will take place at Al Araimi Boulevard from January 22 to 24.
Youth-focused events
The Oman Automobile Association and Wadi Al Khoudh will host a series of youth-focused events combining challenge and movement, including professional drifting car shows, adventure activities such as zip-lining, and interactive outdoor experiences conducted within a safe and well organised environment tailored to young participants. Meanwhile, A’Seeb Beach in the Sur Al Hadeed area will host beach football and volleyball tournaments, in addition to morning fitness sessions.
The motorcycle exhibition will showcase classic and modern models, alongside safe riding demonstrations and technical displays aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts, contributing to enhanced traffic awareness and technical knowledge among youth.
Heritage Village events
The heritage village at Muscat Nights 2026 will return with a renewed concept that reflects the depth of Omani identity and reinforces local cultural heritage through a contemporary lens. Hosted at Al Amerat Public Park and Al Qurum Natural Park, the village will feature live demonstrations of traditional crafts, folk arts, local cuisine, and heritage architectural settings.
Oman Design Week
Al Khuwair Square will host Oman Design Week as a modern creative platform bringing together designers, artists, and innovators. The event will present artistic installations and interactive design works reflecting themes of innovation, urban aesthetics, and sustainability, transforming public spaces into open-air exhibitions and strengthening the presence of creative industries within Muscat Nights.
Fashion week
The Royal Opera House Muscat will also host fashion week events as part of Muscat Nights 2026, featuring the participation of international designers who will present fashion shows that blend artistic creativity, cultural identity, and contemporary global trends.
(With inputs from ONA)
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