Qurayat Maritime Festival begins

QURAYAT — Qurayat Maritime Festival kicked off at the fishing port in the Wilayat of Qurayat yesterday.
The event is organised by the Friends of Peace voluntary group in co-operation with Ministry of Tourism as part of Muscat, Capital of Arab Tourism, 2012.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism and patron of the Festival said the Qurayat Maritime Festival highlights the beauty of Qurayat and its historic link with the sea hailing the efforts exerted by the Friends of Peace group and the residents of Qurayat. The inaugural function was also attended by Dr Abdulmunim bin Mansour bin Said al Hasani, Minister of Information.
Said bin Jumaa al Ghazili, member of Majlis Ash’shura and member of the Group’s advisory committee said the Wilayat of Qurayat was witnessing the first marine festival in its history which is aimed at transmitting past maritime glory to today’s generations.
Being held at the conclusion of Muscat, Capital of Arab Tourism, 2012, the festival constitutes significant support to the promotion of tourism in Muscat Governorate.
The Festival began in the morning with shows staged by folk troupes and sports activities amid large crowd of people of several nationalities.