Muscat

A jewel of modern Islamic art. A melting pot of Islamic, Middle Eastern and Omani architectural styles. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decided that the Omani people deserved a Grand Mosque. After a competition to choose the best design, work began in 1995 and lasted six years. The Grand Mosque was inaugurated in 2001. Its rich interior houses two treasures, a majestic one-piece handmade Persian carpet and a spectacular Swarovski chandelier. It is divided into four sections: the main prayer hall reserved for men, a smaller prayer hall for women only, a library, which houses twenty thousand volumes on science, Islamic culture and humanity, and a reading room where meetings and seminars take place. It has a total capacity of twenty thousand people, making it the largest mosque in Oman.

Bait Al Zubair is a museum located in Old Muscat, Oman. The museum features an extensive collection of ancient weapons, including khanjar, household items and costumes. Outside the museum is a large-scale Omani village and souk. Since 1998, when the house was converted into a museum, the folk arts and traditions of the Sultanate have been on display in all their glory in this beautiful former home of Sheikh Al Zubair, a local dignitary who served three sultans as a minister and advisor. Funded by its founders, the Al Zubair family themselves, the museum displays the private collection of Omani objects assembled by various members of the family over several centuries and is considered one of the most interesting collections in the Sultanate to date. The museum consists of 5 separate buildings, a café and a souvenir shop. It extends outside into a garden with elements of local culture, such as a reproduction of the famous Omani irrigation system called the falaj.

The Sultan's official palace is a stunning example of contemporary Islamic architecture, and is surrounded by lush gardens on the beautiful Mutrah harbour. Built in 1972, the palace offers a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture. The palace is the official residence of the Sultan of Oman, although it is often used to accommodate distinguished guests visiting the country. The Sultan usually resides elsewhere, but the Omani flag hoisted at the main entrance indicates that Sultan Qaboos is at the palace. It is the hub of a long pedestrian boulevard lined with manicured gardens and lavish official buildings with gleaming white marble walls. The front of the building displays four majestic gold and blue columns, and is adorned with elaborate arches, mosaics and carvings fit for a sultan. The palace, gardens and surrounding official buildings are an interesting example of contemporary Arabic style, while approaching from the right you can see parts of the old city walls and watchtowers that line the hillside. It is also flanked by the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, vestiges of the Portuguese invasion of Muscat in the 16th century, which can also be seen from the boulevard.

Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest in the country. It occupies the historic centre of the city, dating back more than two hundred years. A small city within a city, with its streets, alleys, squares and gates, as if it were surrounded by a wall. On one side of the main gate, you will find the seafront, the Corniche, and on the other side the souk, which opens onto the rest of the city and is where many of the Omanis from the surrounding areas come in.

At the Amouage Factory and Visitor Centre, you will discover the world's most expensive perfume, which is inspired by the rich and colourful heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. They have the capacity to produce approximately 25,000 bottles per week. The two-storey building was opened in December 2012 and is open to visitors. Amouage is the luxury perfume brand of the royal family of Oman.