Sunday 12 / July / 2026
Muscat: The fourth edition of the "Ashkhara Atmosphere" Forum, which combines heritage, innovation, and economic development, will run from July 22nd to August 15th. It is organised by the Office of the Governor of South Sharqiyah in the Ashkhara district of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.
The Ashkhara Atmosphere Forum is considered one of the most prominent tourist events in the Sultanate of Oman. It has successfully transformed the Ashkhara coastline into a destination attracting thousands of visitors in recent years, leveraging the natural, heritage, and cultural assets to create a comprehensive tourism product that blends the richness of Omani heritage with the appeal of tourist attractions, the dynamism of the local economy, and community partnerships.
The organization of this fourth edition of the forum is a continuation of its upward trajectory, solidifying its position as a comprehensive national platform rooted in Omani identity and aligned with the aspirations of the tourism sector. Its previous edition attracted over 430,000 visitors from across the country and featured 120 diverse events, in addition to creating 125 direct and 46 indirect job opportunities, reflecting the growing developmental impact the forum has achieved year after year.
As part of its efforts to support economic empowerment and strengthen partnerships with the local community, the previous edition saw the participation of 27 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 20 productive families, and 31 artisans, making it an effective platform for supporting entrepreneurship, marketing national products, and empowering artisans and productive families, in line with the goals of sustainable economic development.
The current edition is expected to offer a richer and more comprehensive program brimming with heritage, cultural, sporting, maritime, and entertainment events. Highlights include the traditional horse festival, camel parade, car challenge championship, and sporting races, alongside cultural and artistic evenings, family programs, interactive competitions, and educational and recreational activities designed for children to develop their skills and discover their talents.
The event will also witness broad participation from small and medium-sized enterprises, productive families, and artisans, lending the forum a comprehensive economic and social dimension.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Humaid Al Ghabshi, Governor of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Chairman of the Forum's Organizing Committee, affirmed that the fourth edition will represent a new phase in the forum's development, building upon the successive successes of previous editions.
He noted the organizing committee's commitment to preparing a more diverse and inclusive program that capitalizes on the region's inherent competitive advantages.
Al Ghabshi pointed out that Al-Ashkhara Public Park and its surrounding areas will host a wide range of programs and activities that combine authenticity and innovation, enhancing the visitor experience and elevating the quality of services and events, in line with the forum's prominent position on the tourism events map.
Al Ghabshi added that the forum is no longer limited to being a seasonal event, but has become an integrated development project and a tool for economic and social development. It contributes to stimulating various economic sectors and opens broader horizons for entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and productive families, in addition to its important role in showcasing the natural and cultural assets of the South Sharqiyah Governorate and solidifying Al-Ashkhara's position as a leading tourist destination.
The "Ashkhara Atmosphere" forum is a developmental pillar that reflects the South Sharqiyah Governorate's vision for optimal investment in the tourism assets of the governorate's wilayats. It offers a rich mix of high-quality events in an integrated experience that makes it a significant contributor to revitalizing tourism, supporting the local economy, and promoting community development.
