Rakhyout Sarb Festival Returns on Nov 4 with New Opening Day Festivities

By the Editorial Team · Monday, November 2, 2026

The annual Rakhyout Sarb Festival will commence on November 4 in Dhofar, featuring expanded cultural performances, new infrastructure like the Shaat Viewpoint and coastal road, and community activities through November 14. This festival plays a vital role in boosting local tourism, enhancing cultural heritage, and providing economic opportunities for residents through events such as business fairs and traditional food stalls.

The annual Rakhyout Sarb Festival is set to begin on November 4 in the Wilayat of Rakhyout, marking the arrival of the Sarb season in Dhofar. Known for its sunny weather, gentle breezes, and flourishing landscapes, this year’s festival promises an expanded program with new cultural and infrastructural highlights designed to attract both locals and visitors.

Now in its fifth edition, the festival has grown steadily in scale and scope. Officials have emphasized the significance of this year’s opening day, which will feature live performances of traditional poetry, music, drumming, and other heritage arts. Ghosn bin Zahir al Abri, Wali of Rakhyout, described the event as unique compared to previous years, with enhanced cultural scenes aimed at showcasing the region’s artistic traditions. Yousuf bin Ahmed Hardan, from the Wali’s office, highlighted that the opening ceremony will be one of the festival’s key attractions.

Alongside cultural presentations, recent infrastructure projects are expected to improve access and support the festival’s objectives. These include the newly completed Shaat Viewpoint and the Rakhyout-Dhalkout coastal road, both of which have drawn significant visitor numbers during the Khareef season and continue to be popular during Sarb. The Wali noted plans for additional developments, including a new road connecting Shahab Asaib directly to Rakhyout. This route aims to reduce travel distance between the two towns from 45 kilometers to 15 kilometers, facilitating easier movement for tourists and residents alike.

The festival schedule extends from November 4 to 14, with main public events concentrated on weekends. Weekdays will be dedicated to community engagement through training programs and workshops designed to enhance local skills. The planned activities include sports competitions such as football and running alongside cultural contests in poetry and Quran recitation, which align with the festival’s broader cultural and social objectives.

Economic opportunities also form a central component of the event. A business fair will be held to provide local entrepreneurs with part-time employment options and a platform to market their products. Food stalls run by residents will offer traditional Dhofari cuisine, including the regional Madhabi meat specialty, catering to festival attendees.

By combining cultural celebration with infrastructure development and economic initiatives, the Rakhyout Sarb Festival continues to establish itself as a key feature of Dhofar’s seasonal calendar, promoting tourism and supporting the local community.

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