Latest news with #WeambintBakhitalKathiri
Muscat Daily
24-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Ittin's "Nova" event blends tourism and culture, with youth-led creativity
Salalah – The Dhofar Khareef season continues to serve as a dynamic platform for empowering Omani youth, encouraging them to showcase their talents, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and engage with the freelance economy. One standout initiative this year is the 'Nova' event, held at the Ittin Plain in Salalah. Running through August 31, Nova has become a key tourist and entertainment attraction for the 2025 season, offering a variety of cultural and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages. Weam bint Bakhit al Kathiri, founder of the project, says that 'Nova' features a diverse mix of commercial and leisure activities. Among its highlights are an 8-meter-high 'Giant Moon' installation, an open-air theater, amusement rides, and a dedicated area for mobile food vendors. Co-founder Hamoud bin Ali Al Sulaimi noted that the concept of Nova is to create an integrated carnival that elevates Dhofar's appeal as a vibrant monsoon destination. The event showcases a mix of Omani and Arab brands and offers a platform for local entrepreneurs and productive families to present their goods to both domestic and international visitors. Ali bin Hassan al Balushi, owner of the 'Qand' project at Nova, emphasized the unique youth-driven approach to the event's planning and operations. 'The success of Nova reflects the dedication of young Omanis who independently organized and managed the event, helping attract large crowds this season,' he said. Al Balushi stressed the importance of continued financial and logistical support for youth-led initiatives like Nova, citing their value in enriching the tourism and economic landscape of the governorate. Youth entrepreneurship initiatives such as Nova not only enhance Dhofar's tourism offering during the monsoon season but also provide sustainable economic and social opportunities. These efforts demonstrate the increasing contribution of Omani youth to the tourism sector and reflect the broader development goals of the Sultanate of Oman under its national vision.
Muscat Daily
23-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Khareef spurs entrepreneurial spirit in Salalah
Salalah – Khareef in Dhofar is proving to be more than a seasonal draw for tourists, offering a platform for young Omanis to showcase entrepreneurial ventures and creative projects. Among the most prominent attractions this year is the Nova Carnival taking place in Attin, Salalah till August 31. Launched as part of Dhofar Khareef 2025, the carnival aims to foster youth participation in tourism-linked businesses, encouraging entry into the freelance market. The event combines entertainment with commerce, providing space for small enterprises, family-run initiatives and local food vendors to engage with domestic and international visitors. Weam bint Bakhit al Kathiri, organiser of the carnival, said it offers activities for all age groups. Key attractions include an 8m diameter model of the Moon, an open-air theatre and mobile carts offering different kinds of food. 'It's designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone.' Hamoud bin Ali al Sulaimi, co-founder of the carnival, informed that the idea behind it is to position Dhofar as a year-round tourist destination by integrating Omani and Arab elements into a cohesive visitor experience. 'It's about showcasing Dhofar's evolving identity through homegrown talent and enterprise,' he added. One of the participating entrepreneurs, Ali bin Hassan al Balushi, who runs a stall called 'Qand', described the carnival as a youth-driven initiative. 'Omani youth are leading every aspect of this – from planning to daily operations – which is playing a major role in drawing crowds,' he said. Balushi stressed the importance of institutional backing for such initiatives. 'Financial and logistical support is essential. These youth-led ventures add real value to Dhofar's tourism and economic sectors and deserve sustained attention from relevant authorities.' Such initiatives are increasingly seen as integral to the development of tourism in Dhofar. By creating new experiences and income streams, these contribute to a more diversified and sustainable tourism offering while reinforcing the growing presence of entrepreneurship in Oman's local economy. Youth-led projects like Nova Carnival reflect broader national efforts to empower young Omanis and align with the country's wider development goals, officials said.
