MUSCAT -- His Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over the Royal equestrian and camels festival at Al Fatah Square in Al Wattayah yesterday. His Majesty the Sultan was accompanied by King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of Bahrain, members of the Royal family, heads of Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, ministers, advisers, Inspector-General of Police and Customs, head of the Internal Security Service, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, commanders of corps, members of Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, under-secretaries, ambassadors, citizens and residents.
A large number of horses and camels from the Royal Equestrian, Royal Camels, Royal Guard of Oman and Royal Attendants Cavalry, Royal Oman Police and the Sultan of Oman's Armoured Division participated in the festival, besides horses and camels of citizens from the wilayats and friendly countries. The festival included spectacular equestrian and camel shows, accompanied by musical performances by participating bands. The tempo of the festival was set in motion with a salute by horses and camels, followed by a patriotic display. The Japanese Kasaja group presented an equestrian show which depicted the military equestrian skills of the Japanese Army. A polo display and the American Rodeo sport then followed.
The highlights included a parade by beauty horses and camels, a display by the Spanish Alvaro Domecq school, circus horses show, display by horseman Lorenzo and a tableau in which three groups participated. The Moroccan Fantasia group also performed followed by an item depicting the Bedouin life, children's equestrian display and a show by the Spanish Alvaro Domecq riding school. Massed bands comprising 1,350 musicians performed a musical show followed by a show of the military drums corps. Finally, the participating bands gathered, forming the festival's closing tableau.
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
