At the Royal Opera House of Oman - “The Nutcracker” by the New Opera (12/23/2012). Muscat, the capital of Oman - my first Arab city What to see in Oman
Theater opening in Muscat
Royal Opera theatre in Oman - this is another miracle of the East. This symbol of the Renaissance of the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said was created for the cultural enrichment of the country.
Theater opening in Muscat
The grand opening of the opera house took place on October 11, 2011. At that time, it was the only one on the Arabian Peninsula. The Omani ruler is famous for his great love to classical music, so the opening of such an institution was a matter of time. The opera building symbolizes its rich heritage with its architecture. It became the main music center in the country. In the first season, world stars such as Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Andrea Bocelli and others performed on the stage of the Royal Opera House Muscat.
Architecture and construction of the theater
Many famous world firms sought to work on the theater project in Oman. The British company Theater Projects Consultants won. Their development included:
- supervision of construction and external structure of the building;
- landscaping and interior design;
- installation of decorative lighting;
- management of technical elements of the theater;
- formation of proper acoustics.
An important condition during construction was that the theater building should not block the view of the mountains. The architecture had to fit into the background of modern buildings in Muscat, taking into account geographical and national specifics, and this was completely successful. After construction was completed, the outer façade of the theater was lined with mineral mined from nearby quarries.
Royal decoration
80 thousand sq. m constitute the total area of the Opera House in Muscat. Most of this territory is occupied by a magnificent garden, but all the splendor is hidden under the outer shell:
How to visit the Royal Opera House in Oman?
Go to a concert or performance at the Royal Opera - great luck. Ticket prices vary depending on the program and location. Prices start from $35 and up. The dress code for men is a jacket, for women it is an evening dress.
If you want to see the theater building without attending a concert or performance, this is also possible. You can explore the entire Royal Opera complex by purchasing. They are held at the opera every day from 8:30 to 10:30. Muscat Opera Gallery is open from 10:00 to 22:00. Cafes and restaurants – from 8:00 to 24:00.
How to get there?
The Royal Opera House is located in the Shati Al Qurm area. Most tourists come here by taxi as this is the most convenient way.
Oman compares favorably with other Gulf countries. Unlike the “sterile” UAE and closed Saudi Arabia, Oman retained its identity and was able to provide high level life without turning into a concrete jungle or a completely theological state.
Oman has a rich and rich story, so the traveler can expect active excursion routes to the places where the Queen of Sheba reigned and where Sinbad the Sailor set off on his fabulous voyage. Oman is ruled by a real sultan who pays a lot of attention to the environment. The country has many national parks where rare animals are found: Arabian tahr, ash falcon, giant sea turtle, leopard, striped hyena. Oman is also a real paradise for divers, not inferior in the beauty of the underwater world to Egyptian resorts.
In Oman, guests can enjoy impeccable service from comfortable hotels, picturesque and well-kept urban spaces, well-maintained beaches and interesting excursions to historical places.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see in Oman?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.
Considered a masterpiece modern architecture in Oman. The temple was built at the expense of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who in 1993 decided that his country needed its own Great Mosque. Construction was completed in 2001. The building accommodates 6.5 thousand believers, while the external prayer area is designed for 8 thousand people.
Medieval citadel of the 13th century in the city of Bahla (former capital of Oman). It is assumed that the Nabhani dynasty, which was ruling at that time, was located in the fortress. Bahla was part of the defensive line at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar mountains. In the 80s XX century, the Omani government allocated more than $9 million for restoration, but restoration work has not yet been completed.
A very picturesque street on the shores of the Gulf of Oman in the capital of the country. The embankment is decorated with fountains, openwork gazebos, and sculptures. Here is the Al-Alam Palace, built more than 200 years ago. In the evening, the lights turn on and tourists and locals flock to the Corniche to enjoy the evening stroll.
A very unusual building. From the outside it seems that this is a palace, the residence of the royal family or a luxurious administrative building made in the Arab architectural tradition. But this is the place where it sounds classical music world composers. The Opera House is surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens and has a gourmet restaurant on site.
This is the old port part of the city of Muscat. The forts were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. For 60 years, they were their main base and location. After the expulsion of the Portuguese invaders, the Omanis rebuilt some of the structures and still use them for military purposes. Therefore, most of the territory is closed to tourists.
Royal Palace, residence of ruler Qubas bin Said. Used to receive honorary delegations and heads of state, therefore Free access prohibited from entering the palace. But you can admire it from the Corniche embankment during an evening walk. Al-Alam is almost 200 years old, it was built during the time of Sultan ibn Ahmed.
A small ancient fort surrounded high mountains and tropical vegetation. Rustak looks like a long-awaited oasis among the desert mountains; there are many historical attractions inside the town. In the 17th century the capital of the state was located here for some time. The Rustak fortress, located on a rocky spur, rises above the city and attracts the admiring glances of tourists.
Located near the city of Nizwa. The age of the cave is almost 2 million years. They take you here organized excursions with a guide who will tell you about the origin, rocks and secret entrances to the cave. There are several underground lakes in Al Khut, where a sufficient number of rare species blind fish. There is a small geological museum located near the cave.
Boundless expanses of sand dunes, stretching for almost 190 km. south of Muscat. The dunes constantly change color from rich amber to pale orange and move. On the outskirts of the desert there is a large oasis of Al-Huwaya, where date and banana groves grow. They are watched by several local Bedouin families.
A traditional Arabic colorful oriental bazaar with a classic ambiance: narrow streets, merchants' shops where you can buy anything, endless labyrinths and intertwining passages filled with people. Muttrah is considered the oldest Omani market. Here you can buy aromatic Omani coffee, antiques, sandalwood items, and jewelry.
The museum was founded in 1978 and is a repository of historical and religious relics that are important to cultural heritage Oman. The main building of the museum is three-story, the total area of all its halls is 12,000 square meters. Inside there are 10 galleries, studio classrooms for conducting lectures for schoolchildren, as well as an outdoor cafe for 70 people. The annexes contain a lecture hall and seminar rooms.
The museum's collections are extremely diverse: silver, jewelry, National costumes, weapons, ship wrecks, ancient manuscripts. The most valuable exhibit of the museum is a letter from the Prophet Muhammad to the rulers of Oman, which spread Islam among the inhabitants of the country.
The museum displays not only the personal belongings of the sultans, but also works of art created by them, as well as articles written by them. All antiquities in the museum are exhibited using ultra-modern exhibition technologies, which contributes to a better understanding of the values of Omani culture.
The museum is open every day from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00, except Friday, when it is only open from 17:00 to 19:00.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decided that his country should have its own Great Mosque. In this regard, a competition was held in Oman among architects who had to present their sketches of the future temple. The construction itself began 3 years later, but it lasted more than six years.
This building is a little over 20 years old, but, nevertheless, it is designed in a traditional way. Arab countries style. The main prayer hall is square in shape with a central dome rising to a height of 50. Its construction required 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. In addition to the size of the mosque, everyone is amazed by the huge Persian carpet self made, located in the prayer hall - it weighs 21 tons.
The most notable architectural elements The mosque has a main minaret and four side minarets. To perform prayers, believers can be located both in the main prayer hall and in the external prayer area. In total they can accommodate up to 20,000 believers.
Tourists are allowed to visit this mosque, but subject to certain rules. Firstly, they should not disturb those praying. Secondly, they must be accompanied by a guide. There is one more point: Muslims can visit the mosque at any time, but tourists belonging to other religious faiths can only enter it at certain times. Women will have to wear long clothes to enter.
What sights of Muscat did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Corniche promenade
The Corniche in Muscat, the capital and largest city Oman is one of the most beautiful and interesting streets for tourists to visit. It is located right on the coast of the Gulf of Oman of the Indian Ocean. The area around the Corniche is the historical center of the city. The embankment is decorated with many openwork gazebos, sculptures and fountains; in the evening it turns into a noisy and bright crowd of tourists and local residents. Interesting souvenirs are sold at every turn, and street performers perform.
Opposite the Corniche is the Muttrah market with the interesting architecture of carved houses, where they sell foodstuffs and interesting souvenirs. Also located on the Embankment beautiful palace Al Alam, built over 200 years ago and restored at the end of the 20th century. It is located between two twin forts and today serves as the residence of the ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos. From the Embankment you can clearly see the coastal cliffs, almost on each of which there is a fortress. There is also an observation deck, which is reached by 100 steps. The Corniche is one of the most beautiful places Muscat.
The Gulf of Oman has recently been opened to tourists and is known for its clean and untouched nature and excellent diving spots. Tourists can bask on the beach, watch the rich underwater world or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery.
The coastline of the bay covers an area with cliffs, beaches, bays and islands. Here ideal conditions for diving, which is the main activity of tourists in the bay. The waters abound with a variety of tropical fish, shells and numerous colorful corals. Despite its location close to the open ocean, the bay is safe for tourists. If you adhere to all safety rules, a holiday in the Gulf of Oman will delight you with its beauty and unforgettable impressions.
Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar is part of the Hajar Al mountain range and is one of the most beautiful places in Oman. Nowadays the area is included in the reserve to preserve its natural diversity. The name of the hill is translated as “Green Mountain”, the height above sea level is 3,000 meters.
The name of the hill is associated with the richness of the flora. Due to the height and large quantity The highlands are almost the only green area in a region where most of the land is desert. Here you can find a variety of plants including peaches, figs, almonds, apricots, bananas, dates and many other fruit plants. The area is also rich in lakes, which are surrounded by mountains and villages with plantations and fruit markets. The area allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy beautiful views and tastes.
Khanzhar Mountains
The Al Hajar mountain range is located in the northeast of Oman. The peaks of the ridge reach a height of up to 3,000 meters, and the territory is rich in various representatives of flora and fauna. The total length of the ridge is 500 kilometers.
Due to their cool and humid climate, the mountains of the range are an important part of the region's ecosystem. Also, the ridge is the only place in the region with the habitat of an animal and flora above 2,000 meters above sea level. Meet here different kinds plants, including olive and rice trees, junipers, pomegranates and apricots. No less representatives of the animal world - vultures, vultures, leopards, gazelles and various types of geckos and lizards live here.
Nakhl Fort
Nazl Fort is located near Muscat and is one of the most impressive and picturesque forts in Oman. Each of the tourists who have previously been here will definitely advise you to visit here.
According to historical data, the fort was built in XVII-XVIII centuries, but the first fortifications could have appeared here in pre-Islamic times. Be that as it may, the fort was constantly expanded and strengthened. One of its special features is that during its construction, uneven terrain and natural rocky outcrops were skillfully used. This is why the walls seem much lower from the inside than from the outside. Exquisite carvings run along the ceilings, doors and windows of the fort, and from the upper platform there is a captivating view of the oasis and mountains. Surprisingly, everything was preserved in perfect condition. This was largely because in the entire history of the fortress it had never been stormed by an enemy.
The fort is surrounded by an oasis of date palms, and at its foot is the village of Nakhl. There you can take a walk, relax in the shade and have a picnic.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Muscat? .
Snake Canyon
The tour to the Snake Canyon begins with a trip along the picturesque coastline of the Batina Valley. Then, along Wadi Bani Auf, a hike begins towards this gorge, where the most interesting things begin. You have to swim, climb and jump.
This name was given to the gorge because it resembles a serpentine, but created by nature itself. It seems that it is kind of sandwiched among the rocks. This place can offer you a six-hour walk through waterfalls, mountain pools and boulders. In some places the gorge is so narrow that it is difficult to squeeze between the overhanging rocks.
The spirit of adventure reigns here and will stay with you for a long, long time.
The most popular attractions in Muscat with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Muscat on our website.
Individual and group
Muscat, the capital of Oman, became my first Arab city and therefore surprised me both with its people and with the way the city is organized. It turned out that the principles with which I approach exploring the European cities familiar to me do not work at all in Oman. I’ll tell you what exactly became a discovery for me.
1. Muscat - like the whole of Oman as a whole - has been experiencing a renaissance since the late seventies, when Sultan Qaboos came to power. 40 years ago Muscat was one mile along the sea, but now it is almost 200 km of districts and suburbs stretching along the coastline, surrounded by mountains. The Sultan believes that it is necessary to grow in breadth, not in height, and therefore prohibits the construction of tall buildings. These areas, as can be seen in the photo, are connected by excellent highways, along which lie simple paradise gardens, unlike those in Dubai. On every lawn there are palm trees and flowers, on every lawn there are three Indians swarming with spades and watering cans. I don’t know if there is lighting in the evening, but during the day everything looks so well-groomed that I never ceased to be amazed.
2. Due to the fact that the city stretches very far along the sea, it is impossible to explore it in the usual European way: go out and somewhere in the center and go for a walk. Interesting for tourists objects (main mosque, fish market, souk, i.e. an ordinary market, the Sultan's palace) are very far from each other. Taxis in the city are expensive, you have to bargain with taxi drivers, because... they don't have meters. Parking is not easy, so renting a car and driving yourself is not a good idea. the best option. That is why all the guidebooks, the hotel concierge, and I, following them, recommend taking a private guide with a car to explore the city. He knows how to get there and at what hours, speaks English, and talks interestingly. A guide with a car costs less than traveling from area to area by taxi.
3. This is what old Muscat looks like - a bunch of white houses nestled in a hollow between the mountains. In the foreground, if you look closely, you will see a fort and one of the Sultan’s palaces, the smallest one.
4. Walking around Muscat is pointless - there is no interesting architecture, no interesting cafes, no boutiques, no galleries.
5. The most known species city - embankment along the bay in the Muttrah area. There are 2 yachts of the Sultan, traditional Arab dhows, and cruise ships moor here.
6. The whole of Oman is covered with such mountains. I was surprised, because... I expected to see the desert.
7. Omanis in traditional dress, dishdasha, long dress, and kumma, headdress, in front of one of Sultan Qaboos' yachts.
8. In a street cafe. Dishdasha is worn by 99% of Omanis. White color- the most common and most official, people only wear it to work. The remaining colors are chosen depending on the taste of the owner.
10. A cafe aimed at tourists at the entrance to the souk.
11. Another city view. All these photos were taken literally on one spot.
12. Well, let's go to the market? I’ll say right away that in Nizwa, the old capital of Oman, which I’ll tell you about later, the market is better and more authentic.
13. Notice the beautiful wood ceiling!
14. In the background are nesting dolls in burkas or whatever this part of a woman’s costume is called.
15. Another fragment of the ceiling. Beauty!
16. There are many Omanis and tourists among the visitors. The sellers are mostly Indians and Pakistanis. According to the guide, Omanis are obsessed with shopping, so the market is always crowded with people buying something. Hmm, I thought, what can I buy here? And what is shopping for an Omani?
17. Oils and incense. After my trip to Oman, I now associate incense primarily not with the church, but with this country. Incense is smoked everywhere - in hotel lobbies, at home, in offices. Fantastic smell! Thanks to this trip, I looked at him completely differently.
18. Vases and trinkets. It will look good in a certain style of European interior.
19. I didn’t understand what it was, but it’s beautiful! Oman is also famous for its metal and forged products - you will also see them in due time.
20. Fabrics. Women walk along the streets in abayas, and apparently wear all this luxury under them or at home. There are practically no stores of international brands in Oman; people go to Dubai for shopping. We saw two girls in one of the Dubai malls negotiating a taxi to Muscat. This is approximately 3 hours travel time.
21. Market visitors. It’s hard to photograph people in Oman - a girl with a camera attracts attention, and when they see you, I personally feel uncomfortable filming.
22. Another cafe.
23. Fast food sellers.
24. Where would we be without cats? Sorry, but the old saying about the black master looks at you like you're shit ;)))
25. Remember the fort that was visible in the panoramic photograph? Here he is. More precisely, one of two forts flanking the entrance to the bay.
29. Another city piece.
30. Well, a couple of pictures from the beach in conclusion. This photo shows fishermen going out to sea to fish. They fish mainly at night, so that by morning the fresh catch will be at the fish market. There will also be a story about the market, be patient!
32. And a dad with two daughters on the beach. The girls played in the water and sand in whatever clothes they wore, tights and dresses.
This is what Muscat is like! It took us about four hours to get to know the city, which also included the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the fish market. I repeat once again: if you go to Oman, take a guide. Without his stories about the country, about life, without his knowledge of the entrances and exits to the market, without his comments on the structure of the mosque, it would have been difficult for me. Perhaps, if you are a person accustomed to the East, it will be easier for you, but for me alone (even with my husband!) it would have been both strange and inconvenient to go to many of the places where we came with a guide.
I'll also give you the guide's contact information. His name is Saad Elias, +96892149353, [email protected]. The city tour cost about 30 reais or a little more (multiply by 172). For example, a taxi between areas of Muscat costs 10 reais.
