Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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OMAN
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

48 hours in Muscat

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1 - Royal Opera House for musical performances


A state-of-the-art opera house exists in Muscat where world-class operas and musicians perform round the year. The opera house complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens, luxury restaurants and an art centre for musical, theatrical and operatic productions.


 


2 - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque for its architectural grandeur


This mosque is a real feast for the visual senses. The lavishly decorated mosque with its archways, courtyards, chandeliers, ornate doors, white marble floors and manicured lawns is an architectural marvel. The elegantly carved arches lead to the courtyard and from there you can enter the huge main prayer hall, entirely decorated in white, blue and gold. An opulent Swarovski crystal chandelier hangs from the dome and the floor is covered with a handmade Persian carpet spanning 4,263 sq metres.


 


3 - Oman Aquarium


Built inside the Mall of Muscat, the aquarium is first of its kind in Oman and likely the largest in the Gulf region covering 8,000 square metres of the mall and spanning three floors. The Oman aquarium showcases around 1,000 types of Omani fishes and 30,000 marine animals including sharks, lobsters, turtles, rays, local corals, penguins and crocodiles. The main tank has a walk-through tunnel for visitors to get an up-close and personal look at the variety of fishes inside.


 


4 - Amouage Perfume factory for its luxury scents


For a sniff of something exotic, head to Amouage factory where the most valued perfumes in the world are found. Amouage is a home-grown perfume brand that uses exotic ingredients like frankincense, roses, saffron and spices to make their trademark scent. Take a tour of the factory during which the guide explains the perfume production process.


 


5 - Golf for sport lovers


Muscat has become the new golf destination in Oman and hosts three 18-hole grass golf courses located at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Al Mouj Golf and Ghala Valley Golf Club. For those wanting to learn the game, each course also has an academy staffed by qualified golf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the early stages. The climate makes golfing most popular in Oman between the months of September and May.


 


6 - Explore Omani art and culture


The historical forts and castles of Oman are the country’s most striking cultural landmarks and a major draw for visitors today. Walk up to the gates of the Sultan’s ceremonial Al Alam Palace and get an insight into Omani life by visiting the Bait Al Zubair Museum or National Museum.


 


7 -  Sailing and dolphin watching


Oman is a sailor’s delight as it houses several world-class yachts, cruises and a stunning marina. Take a coastal tour of Muscat and sail deep into the sea to watch hundreds of dolphins jump in the air acrobatically. There are also dive centres for professional divers to experience the beautiful marine life.


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