If there’s one thing the world still echoes with, it’s the timeless allure of Sindbad the Sailor — a legendary figure of adventure, resilience, and discovery. Oman’s Royal Opera House Muscat has set a stage worthy of the myth, launching its 2025–2026 season with "Sindbad: The Omani Sailor," the world’s first grand opera performed entirely in Arabic. This groundbreaking production isn’t just a performance; it’s a voyage into new artistic waters, firmly anchoring Oman on the global cultural map.
The season is rich with traditions and daring innovation. Sindbad’s odyssey guides audiences into a space where myth meets modernity, and local stories resonate internationally. Critics note that a season capturing imaginations does more than entertain — it transforms. With this debut, Muscat’s arts scene promises an epochal leap into storytelling’s new realm.
Sindbad: The Omani Sailor — A Cultural Triumph
The opera’s origins tell a compelling story. Crafted by a pan-European team in collaboration with local talent, featuring music by Egyptian composer Hisham Gabr and libretto by Nader Mohamed Salah El Din, "Sindbad: The Omani Sailor" is a daring fusion. It blends Arabic musical maqamat with symphonic grandeur, inspired stage designs reflecting Oman’s deserts and mountains, and costumes that evoke Oman’s heritage.
What makes this production extraordinary isn’t just its aesthetics or score but its intent. Umberto Fanni, Artistic Director of ROHM, explains, “This opera is about claiming our narrative, reimagining Sindbad as an Omani hero, and sharing that story globally — in a language that echoes our roots but speaks universally.” The production reflects Oman’s cultural confidence, with Sindbad’s journey beginning and ending in his homeland yet resonating across borders.
Adding sensory magic, the opera introduces a world first: a custom fragrance by Oman’s legendary perfume house Amouage. Diffused through the theatre, it immerses audiences in a multisensory experience with jasmine, oud, and desert air — transforming the opera into an expedition for the senses. This layered storytelling elevates the form into one of art’s most immersive experiences.
The performances slated for October 3rd and 5th feature top Arab voices accompanied by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. It’s a bold statement: an opera embodying Oman’s rich storytelling traditions with a contemporary voice, showcasing Arab artistry at its finest.
A Collective Season of Classic and Contemporary
As Sindbad takes the stage, the rest of the season sails through a sea of cultural treasures. Opera lovers can anticipate Puccini’s “Tosca” in January, performed by the Azerbaijan State Opera and Ballet Theatre, renowned for its passion and political intrigue. In April, Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” offers a playful contrast with spirited performances by the Oviedo Filarmonía Orchestra.
The Arab music segment continues this vibrant tradition. Oman’s Diana Haddad celebrates Omani Women’s Day in October, backed by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra Ladies’ Ensemble, highlighting women’s voices and the power of music to inspire change. Gulf stars like Rabeh Saqer, Khalid El Sheikh, and Ahmed El Jumairy bring regional melodies into the spotlight, blending heritage with innovation.
Cross-cultural collaborations underscore the season’s vision: music as a universal dialogue. The Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra’s performance alongside Oman’s Traditional Music Ensemble begins the season, while Russian folk melodies performed by the Ossipov National Folk Orchestra bring the world closer through sound.
For those who love movement, the dance season offers elegance and passion, from the charming “Coppélia” by the ‘Astana Opera’ ballet to fiery Flamenco rhythms in May — showcasing movement’s universality.
More Than Music: Arts that Unite and Inspire
This season is about more than performances. ROHM’s dedication to community, dialogue, and education shines through. From masterclasses with visiting artists to sign-language performances and open house days, the theatre aims for arts accessibility and inclusion.
Family spectacles like “Cinderella on Ice” and “The Underwater Bubble Show” promise wonder for audiences of all ages, sharing the magic across generations. Beyond the stage, initiatives like “Open Doors” programs, artist workshops, and exhibitions like Rhythm of Life, showcasing Oman’s musical heritage, deepen cultural roots and strengthen community bonds.
Ultimately, this season is about forging a collective identity rooted in storytelling told with artistry and passion. The debut of “Sindbad,” inspired by Oman’s ancient myth and modern innovation, symbolizes this new chapter. It demonstrates that stories — sung in Arabic, played in orchestras, or danced on stage — are bridges uniting everyone.
Fanni states, “We are creating moments that will inspire generations and stimulate dialogue for years to come. That’s the power of art.” In Muscat, that power is alive, guiding audiences on a voyage of discovery that redefines what regional cultural institutions can achieve.
Tickets go on sale starting September 1st, and anticipation for the season is at an all-time high. This journey promises to be not just an artistic celebration but a catalyst for cultural dialogue, shared human experiences, and regional pride. As Oman opens this new chapter of artistic innovation, it invites the world to witness the power of storytelling — a timeless voyage that unites us all through the universal language of art. All aboard for a season of stories, spectacle, and shared human spirit.
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