The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) recently held a highly anticipated media briefing to unveil the world premiere of Sindbad: The Omani Sailor, a landmark Arabic-language grand opera celebrating Oman’s maritime heritage and cultural legacy. The event drew significant attention from local and international media, highlighting the opera's cultural significance and innovative approach.
During the briefing, ROHM’s representatives emphasized that Sindbad: The Omani Sailor is not just an opera but a cultural voyage that showcases Oman’s rich history through a contemporary artistic lens. "This opera is a living voyage of heritage, imagination, and human connection," stated HH Sayyid Dr. Kamil Fahad Al Said, Member of the Board of the Royal Opera House Muscat. He highlighted that the production “embodies our values of courage, openness, and dialogue between cultures,” and underscores Oman’s maritime spirit, with the performance sung entirely in Arabic.
The opera is set to premiere on October 3 and 5 at ROHM, with plans to travel to Europe in 2026. It is a collaborative effort involving prominent international talents, including the acclaimed Egyptian maestro Hisham Gabr, who composed and conducts the work. The libretto is penned by Nader Salah El Din, and the direction is led by Csaba Káel, the Intendant of MÜPA Budapest, fostering a unique East-West artistic fusion.
A notable aspect shared during the briefing was the innovative sensory component—an original fragrance, Sindbad, created in partnership with Oman’s High Perfumery House, Amouage. This scent, infused with notes of honey, black tea, mango, vanilla, and aged sandalwood, aims to transport audiences beyond the visual and auditory experience, immersing them into Sindbad’s mythic world. "The fragrance adds a multisensory layer to the opera, blending sight, sound, and scent into a holistic experience," explained representatives from Amouage. Limited editions of the Sindbad essence parfum will be available starting October 2025 in select boutiques and at the ROHM.
The briefing also featured comments from industry leaders. Sayyid Khalid Bin Hamed Al Busaidi, Chairman of Amouage, remarked, “This collaboration is a powerful expression of Oman’s artistic heritage and identity. It’s about storytelling through both scent and sound, and sharing our culture with the world.”
ROHM’s Director General and Artistic Director, Umberto Fanni, expressed pride, noting that the opera "reflects the depth of Omani culture and its power to inspire globally." He described Sindbad as a moment of national pride and a milestone in Arab contemporary opera.
Director Csaba Káel shared his excitement about the international collaboration, saying, “It is a privilege to work with ROHM on such a significant project. After its premiere in Muscat, we look forward to bringing Sindbad’s magic to Hungarian audiences in 2026.”
This media event reaffirmed Sindbad: The Omani Sailor as a bold artistic statement that elevates Oman’s cultural narrative on the world stage—through groundbreaking music, captivating storytelling, and a multisensory experience that celebrates the Sultanate’s maritime legacy and cultural richness.
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