Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 opens as major summer attraction
The Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 opened yesterday in Al Jabal Akhdar, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, marking a high-profile start to Oman’s summer events calendar. His Excellency Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, presided over the inauguration, which runs through 29 August and aims to position the festival as a key tourism stop for domestic and international visitors.
The event is organized by Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), and strategic private partner OQ Gas Networks. Officials said the 45-day festival combines cultural, recreational and commercial activities to boost the local economy and enrich visitor experiences.
Festival program and visitor experiences at Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026
The Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 offers a varied program with new attractions introduced this year, including large interactive aerial rides, a neon oasis, a floating pantry presented with three-dimensional hologram technology, a cinema dome and a dedicated children’s world. Meanwhile, the main stage presents daily theatrical and performance pieces, interactive contests and talent showcases to engage families.
Organizers said the festival’s layout includes zones tailored to specific interests: a family oasis, a youth plaza, a games square, a children’s realm, the cinema dome, Bazar Al Jabal and a Taste Passion area. Therefore, visitors can combine entertainment, cultural discovery and shopping in a single visit, officials added.
Economic impact and local development driven by the festival
Authorities presented the festival as a development platform that integrates tourism with local enterprise. According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, festival activities support more than 90 participating micro and small businesses, family producers, artisans and farmers, while creating over 70 temporary direct and indirect jobs for the season.
Furthermore, the festival’s marketplace, Bazar Al Jabal, and the Taste Passion zone host 95 vendors representing local SMEs, restaurants, cafes and producers. This commercial dimension aims to expand market access for regional products, increase local revenues and strengthen the supply chain for summer tourism in Al Jabal Akhdar.
Investment, infrastructure and longer‑term benefits
Officials noted that the festival coincides with a series of tourism and service projects recently completed or under way in the governorate, with reported investments exceeding 13 million Omani rials. The local authority also announced six new investment contracts valued at more than 1.5 million rials for plots exceeding 67,000 square meters, with terms ranging from 15 to 50 years.
Among highlighted projects is an integrated commercial complex in Hayl Al Yaman, reportedly involving a three‑star hotel and a full-service mall with an investment of about 7.8 million rials. Additional projects include the development of public parks, an open three‑dimensional plaza in Sayh Qutnah and expanded recreational facilities at existing parks.
Cultural programming and regional engagement
The festival also emphasizes cultural heritage and knowledge transfer. A scientific and cultural forum on local crops titled the Fig and Olive Forum will bring researchers and specialists to document the governorate’s agricultural legacy, architecture and environmental features. The conference aims to support heritage preservation and niche tourism development, according to organizers.
In addition, the Gulf Equestrian Forum scheduled from 18 to 22 August will feature riders from Gulf Cooperation Council states, horse parades, campsite experiences, farm visits and traditional arts displays. Officials said the equestrian element showcases the historical importance of horsemanship across Oman and the Gulf and contributes to cultural exchange and visitor attraction.
Youth engagement, innovation and sustainability
A youth plaza dedicated to digital and interactive activities highlights the festival’s aim to engage younger visitors with virtual reality games, interactive challenges and competitive events. Therefore, the festival balances traditional and modern attractions to broaden its appeal and encourage local innovation and entrepreneurship.
Organizers indicated that boosting local production and enabling artisans to scale was central to planning. Festival programming includes workshops and demonstrations designed to transition talents from hobbyist activities to sustainable small businesses, thereby improving long‑term socioeconomic outcomes for communities in Al Jabal Akhdar.
What visitors should expect and practical information
Visitors can expect daily live performances on the main stage, themed family and youth areas, a diverse food and craft bazaar and special weekend programs that cater to families and international guests. The festival schedule, available through official channels, lists ticketing details, event times and safety guidance for outdoor activities and rides.
Meanwhile, local officials highlighted transportation and service readiness, noting enhancements to infrastructure and visitor facilities made ahead of the festival season. Therefore, tourists arriving from within Oman and neighbouring countries are likely to find a broader range of accommodation and amenities than in prior years.
Looking ahead: monitoring outcomes and next steps
Authorities expect the Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 to attract thousands of visitors during its 45‑day run and to generate measurable economic benefits for Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. According to statements from the ministry and local officials, future monitoring will focus on visitor numbers, vendor revenues and the sustainability of newly created enterprises.
Readers should watch for post‑event reports on employment impact, contract implementation and follow‑up investments in the coming months. Meanwhile, the festival’s ongoing schedule through 29 August will provide a live test of how summer festivals can support both tourism growth and community development in Oman’s mountain destinations.
