General Information » Annual Events » Annual Events

Throughout the year, Oman hosts a number of well-established annual events, some of which have been running for years. The events described below are some of the most popular and most regular features on Oman's social calendar.



Bullfighting

In the true sense of the word, two gargantuan Brahmin bulls butt heads and lock blunt horns sumo-style until one of them stumbles, flees or is knocked out of the arena. Human handlers restrain over-aggressive bulls rather than incite them. The bulls are bred for fighting and winners can fetch up to RO 2,500. Matches start at around 16:00 during the winter months in Barka and As Seeb. Admission is free.



Camel Racing

Time spent watching this traditional sport is an extraordinary experience. Races are spread over several days, with different sprints organised daily for different age groups of camels. The camels are bred and trained for racing; those with Omani bloodlines are the most coveted. Winners can fetch up to RO 250,000. Camel races are held at tracks in As Seeb, Salalah, the Interior and Batinah regions during public holidays and National Day celebrations. Admission is free.



Eid al Adha

Meaning ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’, this four day holiday marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The ritual involves the slaughtering of many animals and the giving of alms and food to the poor. The holiday is celebrated 70 days after Eid Al Fitr.



Eid al Fitr

This Islamic holiday lasts three days and celebrates the ‘Feast of the Breaking of the Fast’. It is held at the end of Ramadan. Check the newspapers, radio and television for exact dates as it depends upon an official sighting of the moon.



Exhibitions

With the increasing importance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism to Oman, the government-owned Oman International Exhibition Centre has seen a full calendar lately. It is located a stone’s throw from the Seeb International Airport and is adjacent to the Golden Tulip Seeb Airport Hotel. See (p.XXX) for a monthly listing of exhibitions.



Fahal Island Swim

Petroleum Development Oman has been hosting this challenging, yet fun, competition every May since 1989. Brave competitors get up at 06:00 to swim four kilometres from Al Fahal Island to the Ras Al Hamra Recreation Centre beach. Anyone can participate; swimmers just need to fill in the entry form, pay the fee of RO 5 and organise boat support.



Horse Racing and Show Jumping

Oman is famous for its pure-bred Arabian horses, which originate from Zad-ar-Raakib, the stallion given by the Prophet Solomon to the Azd tribe. The Oman Equestrian Federation...