Oman's Municipal Council set to discuss proposals on taxis, parking meters

Muscat: Recommendations on a wide range of topics, including taxis, handicrafts at Muttrah Souq, and installing parking meters, will be discussed during a meeting of the Municipal Council, according to a statement from the Muscat Municipality on Sunday.
The meeting is to be headed by Mohsin Al Sheikh, Head of the Council, in which members will discuss the draft for investment listings regarding Muscat Municipality, as well as a draft concerning airport taxi drivers’ contracts, the general situation in Muttrah Souq in finding outlets for traditional Omani handicrafts, as well as the necessity of encouraging Omani handcrafters to market their products.
The council will also discuss regulating parking in metered parking areas, along with a follow up on complaints from local residents in West Misfah, who are concerned about industrial expansion in residential areas.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Council is set to approve recommendations discussed during the tenth meeting of the third year regarding statements made by the General Authority for Radio and Television, as well as statements from Muscat Festival’s Council, which reviewed the main attractions and activities for Muscat Festival 2016.
This year, Muscat Festival will begin on January 14 and continue until February 13, 2016.
The venues for the festival are Al Naseem and Al Amerat parks, Al Hail Beach and the Oman Automobile Association.
Parks such as Naseem Gardens and Al Amerat Park have been closed to the public since December 1 to make way for preparations for Muscat Festival 2016.
These parks will remain closed temporarily, as they are the main venues for the month-long extravaganza. During this time, temporary stalls and pavilions for the festival will be set up.
The venues will include amusement areas, rides, children’s shows and an education village.
Most of the budget and tenders for Muscat Festival 2016 have been floated and awarded.
The municipality is in the preparation stage for the month-long extravaganza, and committees have been formed to ensure its success in carrying out new programmes.
Muscat Festival includes a variety of activities, such as entertainment, shopping, sports, social and cultural events. It will also present special entertainment activities for women and children and is expected to attract crowds from throughout the world.