Saturday 13 / December / 2025
Muscat: The Wilayat of Maqshin in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate is currently hosting the Mandhar Al-Dhabyan Cultural and Heritage Forum under the theme “Winter Gateway”, a vibrant celebration of Bedouin culture, traditional arts, and local heritage. The event is part of a broader initiative to boost winter tourism and promote the economic empowerment of local communities.
Organised by the Office of the Wali of Maqshin in collaboration with the Directorate General of Culture, Sports, and Youth in Dhofar and various public and private entities, the forum features a rich program of activities. Highlights include the Frankincense Caravan, poetry evenings, traditional Al-Mankous performances, and a crafts exhibition showcasing intricate models that reflect the desert environment and Bedouin lifestyle.
Speaking at the event, Awadh bin Salim Masan, Deputy Wali of Maqshin in the Mandhar Al-Dhabyan district, emphasized the forum’s goal of spotlighting the region’s cultural, historical, and tourism assets. Located in the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), the area is renowned for its sweeping sand dunes, winter climate, and deep-rooted Bedouin traditions.
Masan also noted ongoing government efforts to enhance infrastructure in the desert regions, including a 170-kilometer road network connecting the wilayat’s center with its districts and neighboring areas an initiative aimed at supporting sustainable development and tourism growth.
The forum enjoys strong backing from the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and several public and private sector institutions. This support has helped position Maqshin as an emerging destination for tour operators, with increasing interest from visitors across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
In parallel, the “Traditional and Handicrafts Marketing Exhibition” has kicked off in the Shuwaymiyah district of the Wilayat of Shalim and the Hallaniyat Islands. Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department in Dhofar, the exhibition runs until December 14 and aims to support female artisans and home-based businesses.
Featuring around 60 craftswomen, the exhibition offers a diverse array of handmade products, traditional crafts, and Omani cuisine. It serves as a marketing platform to connect local producers directly with visitors and the wider community.
The event plays a vital role in showcasing the creativity of Omani women, preserving the nation’s artisanal heritage, and reinforcing the role of traditional industries in the local economy.
