Winter Musandam 2026‑2027 season launches, featuring 75 events
The Winter Musandam 2026‑2027 tourism season has been launched, offering 75 diverse events across cultural, sporting and adventure categories. The program starts this winter and targets international and domestic visitors, families, adventure seekers and local businesses.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Launch of Winter Musandam 2026‑2027 season with 75 events
- Timing
- Announced November 2 2026 for the winter 2026‑2027 period
- Who is affected
- International and domestic tourists, families, adventure seekers and local businesses
The details
- Announced by
- His Highness Sheikh Balarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat
Season Launch and Objectives
The winter tourism programme for Musandam, branded as “Winter Musandam 2026‑2027”, was unveiled at a promotional ceremony in Muscat on 2 November 2026. The event was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Balarab bin Haitham Al Said and highlighted the governor’s commitment to positioning Musandam as a leading winter destination. The season aligns with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to boost tourism, support small‑and‑medium enterprises and showcase the region’s natural and cultural assets.
- 75 scheduled events spanning culture, sport and adventure
- Focus on family‑friendly experiences and community participation
- Promotion of Omani heritage, crafts and local products
Key Events and Activities
The programme includes a flagship Musandam Carnival, the Hormuz Strait Festival, Cultural Days, the Kumzar Festival, the Bakhah Lights Festival and a series of sports tournaments for expatriate communities. Additional attractions feature kite‑flying contests, motor‑vehicle races, equestrian competitions, a kite‑festival, and a wide range of adventure options such as zip‑lining, deep‑sea diving, mountain trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, free‑swimming, fishing, camping and paddle‑sports.
- Carnival Musandam and Hormuz Strait Festival
- Cultural Days, Kumzar and Bakhah Lights festivals
- Sports tournaments, kite‑flying and motor‑sports events
- Adventure activities: diving, trekking, kayaking, camping
Economic and Community Impact
The winter season is presented as a platform to stimulate Musandam’s economy and create sustainable benefits for local residents. By encouraging visitors to purchase Omani products, attend craft fairs and use local services, the programme seeks to generate income for small businesses and artisans. The initiative also aims to increase employment opportunities, attract private investment in tourism infrastructure and reinforce Musandam’s reputation as a premier winter tourism hub within the Sultanate.
Organisers stress that the season will foster partnerships between public authorities, private operators and community groups, ensuring that the economic gains are widely distributed and support long‑term development goals.
- Boosts revenue for local SMEs and artisans
- Creates seasonal jobs in hospitality and services
- Enhances Musandam’s international tourism profile
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers can schedule visits to Musandam during the winter months to attend any of the 75 scheduled events
- Existing travel arrangements to Musandam remain unchanged; the new season adds optional activities
- Accommodation demand may rise, so early booking is recommended for those planning a winter stay
Cost and documents
- No new entry fees or visa requirements are introduced for the season
- Standard travel documents for Oman remain sufficient for all visitors
- Most activities are covered by general event tickets; some adventure sports may have separate fees
What you need to do
- Check the official Musandam tourism website for the detailed event calendar
- Book accommodation and transport early to secure availability during peak dates
- If planning adventure activities, confirm registration and any equipment rentals in advance
Who this affects
-
International tourists
The season invites visitors from outside Oman to experience the events and natural attractions
What to do Can attend events; no special paperwork beyond the regular Omani visa
-
Domestic tourists (Omani residents)
The programme targets residents of Oman as a key audience for the winter offerings
What to do Can join events; no additional steps required
-
Families
The schedule is designed as family‑friendly with activities for all ages
What to do Can plan multi‑day itineraries using the event schedule
-
Adventure seekers
A range of adventure sports such as diving, trekking and kayaking are included
What to do May need to register for specific sport events and pay any extra fees
-
Local businesses and artisans
The season aims to support SMEs and showcase Omani crafts and products
What to do Can participate in fairs, exhibitions and supply services to visitors
Frequently asked questions
When does the Winter Musandam 2026‑2027 season start?
The season runs throughout the winter of 2026‑2027; exact start dates for each event are listed on the official Musandam tourism calendar released after the launch.
What types of events are included in the Musandam winter season?
The programme features 75 events, including cultural festivals, music concerts, kite‑flying contests, motor‑sports races, equestrian competitions, and adventure activities such as diving, trekking, kayaking and wildlife watching.
Do I need a special visa or permit to attend the Musandam winter events?
No additional visa or permit is required; travelers only need the standard entry documents for Oman, which apply to all the season’s activities.
How can I find the detailed schedule for the Musandam winter season?
The full calendar is published on the Musandam tourism authority’s website and was included in the promotional materials presented at the launch ceremony.
Are there any costs for participating in the adventure activities?
Most events are covered by general tickets, but certain adventure sports such as deep‑sea diving or motor racing may have separate fees and require prior registration.
What accommodation options are available during the Musandam winter season?
A range of hotels, resorts and campsites operate in Musandam, and bookings are recommended early because demand typically rises during the event period.
