Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan begins Oman visit
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan began his visit to Oman on Thursday as part of his Gulf tour, marking the first official trip by a Kerala leader to the Sultanate in 26 years.
Vijayan will inaugurate the Indian Community Festival (ICF) at Al Amerat Park in Muscat on Friday at 6 p.m. The three-day event, organised by the Kerala Wing of the Indian Social Club Oman, will celebrate India’s cultural diversity under the theme “Be Humane, Let Peace Prevail".
About 700 artists, both expatriates and locals, will perform traditional Omani and Indian art forms representing various linguistic regions. The festival will also feature a science exhibition and a live concert by Kerala-based band Kanal. Entry is free for the public.
Prominent guests expected at the inauguration include Lulu Group Chairman M.A. Yusuff Ali and Gulf Engineering Founder Dr. P. Muhammed Ali, along with several officials and business leaders from Oman.
On Saturday, Vijayan will travel to Salalah to meet Indian migrant workers. During his stay, he is also scheduled to hold meetings with Omani business leaders to explore partnerships in investment, education, healthcare, and technology.
Officials said the visit highlights Kerala’s appreciation for its global diaspora and aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties with the Gulf region. Oman hosts a large expat community from Kerala that continues to contribute significantly to the state’s development.