This year's edition of fiesta promises bigger and better this year with more games events cultural programmes stalls and children's entertainment.

An official from the organising team said 'The first weekend recorded nearly 20000 people which is a big number. Last year the first weekend figure was around 14000.'

The festival was shifted from the Qurum Rose Garden to Amerat Park and Naseem Gardens a few years ago to accommodate the growing crowds. The number of gates at Amerat Park have been increased from six to ten keeping in mind the huge number of visitors.

'On Friday the main gate alone recorded 6000 visitors' the official said. Keeping safety in mind the event's organisers have installed fire emergency services CCTV cameras even as several ambulances and ROP vans remain on standby.

Muscat Municipality officials go around the venues offering assistance to visitors. Speaking about the theme this year Eng Mohsin bin Mohammed al Sheikh chairman of Muscat Municipality and the main organising committee of Muscat Festival said 'The festival establishes the country's modern vision under the slogan 'Live Oman'.

It signifies the identity of Oman its civilisation heritage and its evolution in the modern world. The festival aims to showcase sultanate's development during the Blessed Renaissance.'

Eng Sheikh added 'This year Muscat Festival will display the best in creativity entertainment education cultural and sports activities.' For many the festival grounds are an ideal place to capture the many moods and atmosphere on lens. Salim Balushi a student said 'I come here just for the fireworks.

They are incredible and an a great opportunity to take good pictures on my DSLR.' Some have not welcomed the entry fee. Sunil Kumar an Indian expatriate with two children said 'The children want to visit it often as there are so many attractions. It would have been nice had the entry fee been lesser.'