Visa requirements may be relaxed for groups visiting Oman during the Muscat Festival, from January 1 to February 2, according to an immigration official here yesterday.

"Tourists on visit visa in Dubai would be allowed to come to Muscat if they are on a group visa," Lieutenant Colonel Hilal Bin Ahmad Al Busaidi, Assistant Director at the Passport and Immigration Department told Gulf News.

He clarified that now all the GCC resident expatriates can get visa on arrival at all borders of Oman, including airports provided they hold certain positions. Oman also gives visas on arrival to citizens of 67 countries. He also added that with growing tourism in the country, the visa procedures have been made simpler and quicker.

Muscat Municipality is working overtime to make this year's Muscat Festival an even bigger event. "We had 2.2 million visitors to the festival sites last year and we hope to increase this number this year with a different look to the annual event being held for the eighth time," Abdullah Bin Abbas Bin Ahmad, President of Muscat Municipality said yesterday while announcing the Festival schedule here.

The Muscat Festival coincides with the Dubai Shopping Festival but Abdullah Bin Abbas does not see the two events clashing. "Dubai shopping Festival has its own identity and in my opinion the events would work complementary to each other as we emphasise on cultural events," he added.

Muscat Festival events are held at the Azaiba Grounds and Qurum Nature Park but cause traffic snarls at both the venues. "We are aware of that and next year we are considering alternative venues for the event," the Muscat Municipality chief said.