National Day holidays are a perfect time to experience some stunning activities and see places around Oman.

The holiday is an excellent opportunity for citizens and residents to get out and about for a short break. Here are some unmissable treasures you can add to your National Day holiday plans.

Muscat’s beautiful landmarks will light up for the celebration creating events like Muscat Eat Season 5 as the largest food festival.

Visit the Royal Opera House Muscat, built to showcase the diversity of artistic creations from the Sultanate of Oman, the region and the world. Don’t miss the Global Music Ensemble in one of the Middle East’s first opera houses.

The Muttrah Souq becomes extra bright and alive during the special weekend. A symbol of traditional Omani trade and a great place to experience Omani cuisine and handicraft items. From gold, silver and precious gems to textiles, decorative lamps and urns to antique traditional Calligraphic Arabic manuscripts and Khanjars, you can find everything here. You can also take a trip to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This architectural and artistic marvel reflects the beauty of Islamic, Oriental and Omani art.

Experience the natural scenery in Dhofar with the winter just at the door, enjoy the Frankincense Season event from November 29 to December 2 and book your journey by the classic cart in Al Baleed Archaeological Park.

The Land of Frankincense is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dhofar that consists of four separate sites between Dahariz and Hafa, Al Baleed. Jabal Ittin is also a popular picnic destination for families. There are many traditional Omani restaurants nearby. Explore Dhofar’s historical forts in the wilayats of Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah. In addition to the traditional markets, nature reserves, water springs, valleys and caves are perfect for adventure tourism.

You can have a splashing National Day holiday in Musandam, well-known for diving, snorkelling and sea adventures. Sail through the Arabian fjords, which has earned the Kumzar the nickname – Norway of Arabia. The town overlooks the Straits of Hormuz, one of Arabia’s busiest historic shipping lanes.

Experience the panoramic culture and heritage in Al Dakhiliyah; the Sultanate of Oman’s most outstanding attractions are in this region, including the country’s highest mountain – Jabal Shams – and Jabal Al Akhdhar. This mountainous plateau is known for its green terrace. From intricate silver jewellery to Omani halwa, earthen pottery and the Sultanate’s famous dagger – the Khanjar – artists continue to create unique pieces that can be purchased at one of the many vibrant souqs dotted across this region, Nizwa Souq. Celebrate fitness and explore Nizwa routes with Oman’s biggest trail run race (Himam) from December 1-3, 2022.

If you want to keep up with the Fifa World cup matches, then hop into one of the many fan zones across the Sultanate for fun activities for everyone in the family. Some of the most prominent locations to enjoy the matches in the capital Muscat include Football Fan Festival (Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre), Rozana Boulevard Corner for Football Fans (Oman Motors Association, and Recreation Village (The Wave Muscat).

While in other governorates, you can visit Sohar Entertainment Centre (North Al Batinah), Fan Village (Ibri, Al Dhahirah), and Duqm as part of the Amad 2022 event (Al Wusta) and Football Fan Festival in Dhofar (Al Haffa area).

@vinot_nair