The Sultanate of Oman has something for everyone in 2014, with a variety of activities and events to suit everybody from culture vultures to fitness fanatics. The country's capital, Muscat has a variety of interesting, cultural events throughout the year in particular at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a must to experience a range of musical genres, contemporary and traditional styles and events, www.rohmuscat.org.om. 

One of the most popular ways to see Muscat in 2014 is with the Double Decker Big Bus Tours where tourists and locals alike can explore the city with the 12-stop hop-on, hop-off tours, www.bigbustours.com. 

A new national railway company is also being developed in Oman in 2013. This project is the biggest addition to the transport sector projects within the Sultanate and will go a long way to enhancing trade and investment. The railway is designed for passenger trains going at speeds of up to 200km/hr.

There are a variety of different events at the start of 2014. The New Year kicks off with the Muscat Festival across January and February. As always, the festival will include a number of activities related to Omani heritage and culture as well as fashion shows, food festivals, concerts, special events and fireworks, www.muscat-festival.com.

For those who are looking for something more active don't miss the fifth Tour of Oman cycling race starts 09 February. www.tourofoman.om.

The fourth Oman International Salsa & Dance Festival in March 2014 is a gathering of professional artists, performers, instructors and DJ's bringing salsa to enthusiasts and novices alike. The event is three days and nights of a variety of dances with all-night salsa, BBQ's and pool parties, www.omansalsafestival.com. 

Other noteworthy events for 2014 include:

January
Cultural Theatre Programme - Running from January to March 2014, different groups from around the world perform during these cultural evenings in Salalah. 

February
Oman Food Festival - Held at the Qurum National Park in February, it is a great opportunity to sample traditional Omani cuisine. The festival is run in conjunction with expert chefs and students from the Oman Tourism College.
Traditional Boat Race - Oman's maritime heritage is commemorated with this traditional boat race in February with boats like Dhow Boats, Old Houri, New Houri and Al Shash competing against each other. 

March
Bird Watching - March is one of the best months for bird watching due to the cooler temperatures. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman's different regions: Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird watchers. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

April
Scuba Diving - Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Bandar Khayran, Al Fahal Islands, Damaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. The best time to dive in Muscat and around is from April to July.

July
Salalah Tourism Festival - Colourful parades take to the streets in July while artistic and cultural exhibitions are arranged by organisations such as the Omani Society of Fine Arts, Omani Women's Society, Royal Oman Police and Royal Army. Festival activities include artistic and cultural shows and parades.
Renaissance Day - This celebration gives thanks to the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said began his rule in 1970, transforming Oman into the modern, advanced and industrial country of today. The festival takes place 23 July and celebrations are nationwide.

August
Eid Al-Fitr - An important Muslim holiday on 19 August which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated across the country. The markets of Nizwa, Nafar and Suroor become especially busy.

September 
Turtle Spotting - The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz. These turtles migrate to Oman from the Red Sea and East African Coast.
Golf - Due to the climate, golfing in Oman is most popular from the months of September to May. Muscat now has three 18-hole grass golf courses, with more expected to launch in the near future.

October
Eid Al-Adha - The Feast of Sacrifice is a Muslim holiday and the second of the two Eid festivals on 26 October and commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God. Morning prayers are followed by family getting together and exchanging gifts.

November
Oman National Day - On 18 November Oman will be celebrating National Day. Muscat celebrates national day with patriotic fervour with street lights, dancing and activities for all to enjoy.

December
Motor Show Oman - The Motor Show is an annual international event that showcases the latest car models and auto parts and accessories from the world's major auto manufacturers. It was the first exhibition organised by Omanexpo and will be taking place 02 - 05 December 2014. 


For more information, high-res images or to organise a press trip including one of these events for a commission please contact: 
Oman Ministry of Tourism Representative Office in the UK and Ireland
Felicity Beckett
Tel: + 44 (0) 208 877 4504
Email: felicity@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om 

About Oman - Beauty has an address
A country with an enormous wealth of natural attractions, fascinating culture and warm welcoming people. Oman's greatest attraction is its stunning landscape 3165km of undisturbed Indian Ocean coastline, majestic fjords, magnificent desert expanses and 6000 years of history. Home to a wide range of award-winning five-star and boutique hotels, first-class air, road and telecommunications networks, the perfect destination for leisure, business, conference, incentive travel and film/fashion shoots.