Free Event: Explore Oman-Without leaving Sydney

Sydneysiders will be able to explore the unique and colourful culture of Oman without setting foot on a plane, during Oman Cultural Days which will take place from the 26-29 September at the Bayside Grand Hall in the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

During the free, four day event the Bayside Grand Hall will be transformed into a traditional souq or Omani market place from 10am to 6pm each day so that visitors can wander through, taking in the sights and sounds and experiencing the beauty of Omani culture.

Visitors will be able to taste Omani coffee, dates and sweets, dress up in stunning Omani fashion for a photo, try their hand at weaving textiles, get a gorgeous, traditional henna tattoo or watch the professionals building impressive dhow boats.

Stunning Omani fashion will be on parade

There will also be vivid fashion parades showcasing elaborate Omani fashion, traditional script writing demonstrations, performances from an Omani folklore band as well as a huge range of ancient artefacts, shipped all the way from Oman on display. Renowned international sand sculptor, Dennis Massoud will create enormous sand sculptures of Jabrin Fort, Nakla Fort and a Dhow boat in front of the Convention Centre and will also run sand sculpture workshops throughout the day for children.

For those who want to learn more there will be guided tours each day where friendly Omani people will share insight into their beautiful culture, history and country. Inspired visitors will also be able to enter the draw to win a trip to Oman to experience this beautiful country and people for themselves.

The event is being hosted by the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman, Melbourne and is designed to introduce the diversity and beauty of Omani culture to Australians.

The Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Mr Hamed Al-Hajri, explains that the Oman Cultural Days are intended to be a forum for cultural exchange between Australia and Oman as well as an opportunity to showcase the reality of what Oman has to offer.

"Although Oman is a progressive, modern country, the Omani people have consciously maintained their rich cultural heritage passing the incredible art, culture, folklore and craftsmanship from one generation to the next. The event will showcase this incredible heritage and foster understanding amongst the broader Australian population" Mr Al-Hajri said.

The Oman Cultural Days will be free to attend and will take place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from the 26 – 29 September 2011 from 10am-6pm daily.

For more information visit www.omanculturaldays.com.au