How to Visit Popular Omani Attractions with Muscat Holidays

Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is quite different from other major cities of the countries located in the Middle East. You can easily make out the difference upon seeing the architectural style of the buildings, which reflect the traditions of the country. This makes it even more attractive to the tourists, who feel mesmerised by the unique beauty of the city. At various times in history, the city was ruled by several powerful empires. However, since His Majesty Qaboos bin Said became the Sultan of Oman, its capital has undergone rapid infrastructural developments.

A must-visit attraction while enjoying your cheap Muscat holidays is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It has been constructed using 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone and is spread across a vast area of 40,000 square metres. The mosque comprises of the main 'musalla' or prayer hall as well as a 'women's musalla'. The Sultan himself inaugurated this grand mosque in the year 2001. Among the highlights of this mosque is a 14-metre-tall chandelier above the praying hall. It was manufactured by an Italian company called Faustig and is the world's largest chandelier.

You'd also like to visit the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman during your Muscat holidays, which was opened in the year 2016. The museum showcases the country's journey from the earliest settlement of humans in the region to the present day. It occupies an area of about 13,700 square metres and comprises of several galleries like the Maritime History Gallery and the Arms and Armour Gallery. Temporary exhibitions are housed in a gallery dedicated to such exhibitions, which has a total area of 376 square metres. You'll also find a fully-equipped learning centre and a conservation facility.

The Royal Opera House Muscat is yet another majestic attraction you must never miss during your luxury Muscat holidays. Abbreviated as ROHM, this opera house is located in the Shati Al-Qurm district and can accommodate up to 1,100 individuals. The entire complex was built on the orders of the Sultan and features landscaped gardens, cultural market, luxury restaurants and a concert theatre. The first season of the ROHM was a great success with performances by Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, and Andrea Bocelli. Arab artists, such as Majida El Roumi have also performed at this opera house.

Having a history of more than 200 years, the Al Alam Palace was built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed, the 7th direct grandfather of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It was rebuilt in the year 1972 by the current Sultan as a royal residence. Many of the official functions are held in this palace. You won't be allowed to enter the palace, but photographs can be taken near its gates. The word 'Al Alam' literally translates as 'The Flag' in the Arabic language. The palace has a humble design but features surfaces of polished marble. It is also a ceremonial palace and is used to receive visitors of great importance. One such distinguished guest was Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands who was received by the Sultan at this palace in 2012.

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I'm Amanda, and I work as a content strategist for Home and Away Holidays, which provides affordable holidays to the world's most exotic destinations.