Inside Bait Al Muallem, the Old Nizwa House Turned Cultural Inn

Tucked away in the old streets of Al Aqur, one of Nizwa’s oldest neighbourhoods, there’s a tall, weathered house made of sunbaked mud bricks. It looks pretty quiet and plain from the outside, but inside, it’s alive with stories. This house, over 400 years old, has watched so many things happen—empires rising and falling, dynasties changing hands—every brick having witnessed moments in Oman’s long history. It used to belong to Saif bin Mohammed Al Nabhani, a well-respected scholar known for his calm, kind nature and deep wisdom. His house was more than just a home; it was a place for learning, a space where values were shared and passed on, not just with words but through the way of life itself.

Today, that old house has been given a new purpose. It’s been transformed into Bait Al Muallem, a lively guesthouse that feels like stepping into Oman’s history but in a way that’s welcoming and real. This isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about experiencing something genuine—getting a real taste of Oman’s culture and stories. It’s about connecting with the place and its people.



The idea for this came from Asaad Al Akhzami. He’s someone with a lot of experience in the hotel world, having been a general manager at a big hotel in Salalah. But even with all his success, he felt a pull back to his roots. He wanted to create a place where visitors could truly feel Oman—not just see it from a tour bus or stay in a fancy hotel, but really connect with the heart of the country. His plan was to offer an authentic experience that touches the soul, not just the senses.

Putting that plan into action wasn’t easy. Coming into Nizwa as an outsider and trying to take over a historic house wasn’t straightforward. Local pride runs deep here, and many in the community had reservations. But Asaad was determined. He worked hard to earn trust and respect, and soon, the local community saw that his aim was genuine. Building that trust was key; it was the foundation for everything else.



Every detail of the house was carefully preserved. The original mud walls stayed, the carved wooden ceilings kept their stories, and the arches watched silently as they always had. But comfort had to be part of it too. So, modern touches like air conditioning, soft lighting, and modern bathrooms were added—but with care not to disturb the house’s old-world charm. Asaad calls this “smart authenticity”—keeping what’s genuine while making sure guests are comfortable.

Guests often leave with stories of their own. One fellow told Asaad, “This house breathes, it has a soul,” while another admired the wall markings, thinking they were just decorations, only to discover they’re traditional symbols loaded with meaning. It’s these little details that make the place special.



But Bait Al Muallem isn’t just about sleeping and waking up in a historic house. It’s about bringing the local community into the experience. Women from nearby homes prepare traditional Omani meals, full of flavour and warmth. Elders gather in the courtyard, sharing tales around the fire, passing down a sense of history and culture. Guides dressed in colourful traditional clothes lead tours that show guests what daily life here is really like—beyond what’s written in the guidebooks. Local artisans also take part, sharing their crafts with visitors who want to learn more than just the surface level of Oman’s culture.



When it first opened, most guests were history buffs or those really interested in culture. Now, though, the audience has grown. Young travellers, families, artists, bloggers—people looking for something real and meaningful—are all drawn here. They’re not just looking for a nice place to stay; they want an experience that stays with them, something authentic that helps them understand the country’s true spirit. At Bait Al Muallem, everyone feels like part of the family—welcomed and valued.

For Asaad, this isn’t just about expanding a business. It’s part of a bigger picture—how travel itself is changing. More and more, people want to seek out experiences that are meaningful, that connect them with other people and cultures, rather than just ticking off sights on a list. They want to feel something, learn something, and leave with a story of their own.



Thanks to the success of Bait Al Muallem, Asaad has gone on to open similar inns in Tiwi and Nizwa, called Nomad Inn. More projects are on the way—places in Salalah and Wadi Shab, each aiming to give visitors a taste of Oman’s diverse beauty and traditions. Even plans are underway for a special retreat up on Jebel Akhdar, where guests can get even deeper into nature and culture.