Mutrah Souk – Mutrah souk is a traditional Arab market selling a variety of souvenirs, jewellery, frankincense, perfumes and garments. Many guests find it enjoyable to bargain with the many vendors around. After wondering around the souk, we shall grab lunch nearby then proceed to the museums.
The National Museum
The National Museum
The National Museum – like the bait al Zubair Museum, was built to display Oman’s cultural heritage. The museum opened its doors in 2016 and showcases the earliest human settlement in the Oman peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day. The modern museum houses 5,466 different artefacts in 14 different galleries and offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a learning centre, conversation facilities and several temporary expeditions.
Forts Al Jalali & Al Mirani
Forts Al Jalali & Al Mirani
The 16th Century Portuguese Forts Al Jalali & Al Mirani – The forts were built by the Portuguese empire in the 1580’s to protect the harbour after coming under attack twice by the Ottoman forces. The Jalali fort once served as Oman’s main prison but this ended in the 1970s and was later converted and restored in 1983 into a private museum.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – The mosque completed in 2001 is constructed out of 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers. It was the sultans gift to the nation to mark his 30th year of reign. The hand-loomed Persian carpet in the main hall is the 2nd largest of its kind, the carpet took a total of 600 women 4 years to weave and is lit up by the largest chandelier in the world
The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House
Royal opera house – Built on the royal orders of the sultan due to his passion for classical music and arts, the royal opera house was officially opened in 2011. The opera house displays contemporary Omani architecture and breathe taking interior design. The main hall and the theatre can accommodate up to 1,100 people and are open daily to the public.