People in Oman can look forward to experiencing and celebrating American cuisine and products through October under the Discover America Festival.

The festival, designed to highlight the strong economic relationship between the US and Oman, has returned for the fourth year. The official launch reception of the Discover America Festival 2018 will be on October 8 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel. The Oman American Business Center (OABC) will host this event for member companies, festival partners, and other VIPs, with special guest H.E. Marc J Sievers, US Ambassador to Oman.

Presented by OABC, in partnership with the US Embassy, the festival will feature over a dozen events, promotions, and activities across Muscat’s hotels and retailers. The event, planned in coordination with the 150-member companies of the OABC, will highlight regional American cuisines at themed events such as a Big American Brunch – ‘Taste of the American South’ – and an evening BBQ event with a movie screening on the beach.

H.E. Sievers expressed his support for the many upcoming events highlighting the strong commercial relationship between the US and Oman. “The Discover America Festival is a celebration of the strong brand recognition US products enjoy in Oman, almost all of which enter duty free under the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement,” he said.

Hotels across Muscat will highlight their American flavours and imported beverages from the US. “Members of the OABC, and especially the hotel members, have been planning very creative and unique events for Discover America,” said Rebecca Olson, executive director, OABC. “Many people don’t realise the variety of cuisines available in the US – we’re proud to help OABC’s member hotels highlight everything from Tex-Mex to Cajun foods this month, and hope the Oman public will come taste the many flavours and delicacies presented.”

After the launch event, promotions and discounts would be available to the public for the rest of the month. Retailers will offer sales and promotions on everything from burgers and ice cream, to scented candles and workout gear, said Rebecca.

“Some hotels have month-long special menus featuring American foods or specialty beverages. And as is true every year of the festival, Lulu Hypermarket will present a large display of US products, showcasing all of the many US brands the store has to offer,” she added. Events, discounts and other initiatives of the festival will be promoted via social media (@oabcoman #discoveramericaoman) and on oabc.org/discoveramerica

From Muscat Daily.