On the glorious occasion of the
47th Renaissance Day of Oman Sweets of Oman etxtends its most humble greetings to our Sultan
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Sultan of Oman and our best wishes to all the people of Oman
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A tribute to 47 years of commitment
Congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the people of Oman on the occasion of its 47th Renaissance Day
UNITED ENGINEERING PROJECT CO. LLC.
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His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and the citizens of Oman on the occasion of the 47th Renaissance Day.
Foreword
Emerging Oman Oman, centuries before 1970 was considered the ‘hermit’ or otherwise the Middle East’s best kept secret. Today we see a different Oman emerging from its shell at an intense pace. We see how the government concentrates on the development of the citizens and infrastructure with uncompromised efforts and how greater importance is given to tourism at a cautious and controlled rate. Oman earns its name as a must see destination in 2012 by Lonely Planet and National Geographic. It is also Said Al Mahrooqi Arabia’s Tourism Capital. Given that, the current estimates of tourist arriving in Oman are over 50,000 per year. In many ways however, Oman remains one of the most traditional countries in the Gulf. The country’s modest yet dramatic stretch of mountains, untouched beaches, well preserved architecture and without a doubt friendly and hospitable residents make it a pleasant nation to live in. This book is in honour of the natural beauty, culture and diversity of the Sultanate of Oman. The Legacy orchestrates her beauty with vivid and scenic pictures from immaculate beaches, spectacular forts, thriving villages, her unique heritage and so on. More importantly, the book celebrates and salutes the architect of modern Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, on 47 years of unparalleled progress and prosperity.
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Renaissance Man
In the late twentieth century Oman witnessed the political, economic and cultural rebirth of the country. Retaining its traditional flavour, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said turned Oman into a modern state in tune with global environment, which has become an inspiring story for all of us.
Cultural Haven The Royal Opera House Muscat opened its doors in 2011 and brought internationally acclaimed ballets and theatres to the country
Charismatic dagger
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Once worn in self-defence, today, the khanjar is a fashion accessory as well as a symbol of status and authority in Oman
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Encouraging crafts
Exploring the past
PACI supports the craft industry by providing necessary equipment, maintenance of craft sites and covering the cost of research
Abdul Latif Al Balushi’s private collection is well worth a visit. As an ace chronicler, he tells enchanting stories about Oman from the past
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Sweets of Oman, a dessert discovery
Engineering for a better future
Situated in Oman, and backed by the commitment of a skilled workforce, Sweets of Oman is taste and excellence that aspires to international standards.
UEP is one of the leading – E.P.C. Electromechanical contracting organizations in Oman. It is a group of energetic & enthusiastic technical graduates in electrical, electronics & instrumentation trades, under the excellent team.
Contents Incredible Dhofar
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The Dhofar governorate enjoys a distinctive natural diversity where the coast seamlessly blends with the desert
Photogallery: Beautiful Oman
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Renaissance Man His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is known for his wise governance and able leadership and was called by many as ‘The Renaissance Man’. In the late twentieth century Oman witnessed the political, economic and cultural rebirth of the country. Retaining its traditional flavour, His Majesty turned Oman into a modern state in tune with global environment, which has become an inspiring story for all of us.
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Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
The very thought of Oman conjures up in mind a land of pristine beauty, date palm trees and rugged mountains. In this land of exotic beauty, on November 18, 1940, Sultan Qaboos bin Said was born in Salalah, the lush green city of Dhofar governorate, south of Oman. He was the only son of the late Sultan Said bin Taimur, the eighth direct descendant of the royal Al Busaidi line founded in 1744 by Imam Ahmad bin Said. His mother, Miyzun bint Ahmed Alma’ashani, was daughter of sheikh of the Bayt Mu’ashani clan of Dhofar’s dominant Qara tribe. The newborn was named Qaboos after the brave warrior prince of the legendary Lakhmids, a name he validated throughout his lifetime. Birth is a significant event for any family and for a nation it can be equally significant as Sultan Qaboos’ contribution has shaped the course of Oman and has a significant bearing on its history.
Early years: Values instilled His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ early life was spent in the royal premises in Salalah, where he received private tutoring from local teachers from the Madrasa a’ Sayyidia School, Salalah’s only educational establishment. Inquisitive since his childhood, Qaboos loved exploring his surroundings. Chests, books, rugs - all that were there in the palace room intrigued him and hence he found them worth exploring. The early years in the palace was the most carefree for the young Sultan. But this eagerness to learn lingered on throughout his adulthood. One of his favourite leisure activities as a child was to study books and maps of Oman and travel in his imagination from one country to another. A British staging post was established not far from Salalah, when the young prince was three years old. This
became one of the strategic points along the air routes from Europe to the Middle East and India. Heavy American aircraft transporting ammunition through Iran to the Far East and Russia started to land regularly in Salalah. The young Qaboos enjoyed watching from his window the dark grey freighters and the fighter planes, swift and accurate as falcons, landing and taking off with surprising precision. Young Qaboos was drawn to common people and learn from life. He enjoyed encounters with desert dwellers, fisherman and merchants as he realised that these were his best teachers. His peers often commented on the close attention the young Qaboos paid even at chance meetings with countrymen during his all too infrequent trips outside the Al Husn Palace. When he was 16, Qaboos was sent by his father Sultan Said bin Taimur to a private school in England in 1958. He spent two years in Suffolk doing groundwork for admission in The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst of Britain, from where he graduated in 1962 as an officer cadet. He then spent a year with a British infantry battalion on duty in Germany and then held a staff appointment with the British army. Sultan Qaboos said about his realisations after he received the military training. “The values that I absorbed have remained with me forever afterwards. I learned that discipline is not just something one imposes on others; it is something that one has, above all, to apply to oneself, if one is to be a worthy leader of men. I also learned the true meaning of service: that is, to give, and not to expect to receive, and that it is the team, and not oneself, that matters. I learned that with responsibility comes obligation.” Having completed his military service, His Majesty studied local government in England and then set on a tour around
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the globe. On his return to Oman, he studied Islam and Omani history for six years in Salalah. But his aspirations went beyond that. Qaboos wanted to bring change to the prevailing socioeconomic milieu of the country.
Slice of history Until the mid-19th century Oman was a leading maritime state in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf region. But by the early 20th century Oman’s rulers became dependent on British support. The country faced slow growth and its society disintegrated when many Omanis moved out to more wealthy lands. This downturn was stemmed by Sultan Qaboos’ father when he became Oman’s ruler in 1932. By 1960, Sultan Said retrieved his dynasty’s glory and consolidated his sovereignty all over Oman. But when oil was discovered in Oman’s interior in 1964, it was then when Said decided to restrict the petroleumdriven modernisation that was changing the face of the rest of eastern Arabia. His conservative stance triggered opposition from all corners. On July 23, 1970, through a bloodless coup, the 29-year-old Qaboos bin Said ascended Oman’s throne.
Ascension to the throne Very similar to his famous ancestor Imam Ahmad, the founder of the Al Busaidi dynasty, Sultan Qaboos inherited a stagnant, conflict-ridden country. But like him, Qaboos had been able to bring peace and stability to Oman within a short span of time. In between, he had to quell insurgency in the south and political dissatisfaction in the north. Alongside, he had to build infrastructure, too as he had inherited only the basic rudiments of a modern state in July 1970. In his first address to the nation, he declared that the country would be unified as the Sultanate
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Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
of Oman, with a new flag, and that he would bring an end to restrictions on freedom of movement. He urged Omanis who had left home to come back to contribute to the development of the country and to harness their talents and expertise to set up a modern government. He pledged, “I promise you to proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government. My first act will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities. I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future.” During the first decade of Qaboos’ reign, he exerted his sovereignty over Oman’s political system, and quelled internal conflicts. British, Jordanian, and Iranian troops rallied round the new Sultan, who channelised most of his oil revenues to military reinforcement. At the same time, Qaboos began to lay the institutional foundation for his country by implementing facilities for a modern port, airport, road system, education and healthcare, housing and a communication network. At the beginning, Oman’s development focused on facilitating petroleum production and basic infrastructural requirements such as ports, roads, hospitals and schools. Economic diversification emphasising private enterprise involvement came much later. Though he consolidated his power within a short span of time and transformed his country from an unstable and regressive state to socio-economic modernised entity, the military expansion remained a high priority for the country. In 1980, an Omani-American defense relationship was initiated, which was followed by the financing of the process of modernisation of Omani military bases by the United States of America. By 1985, Oman’s military mustered well equipped troops, including air and naval units, plus police and internal security units. Once internal bickerings and instability were quelled within his country, the Sultan sought to strengthen Omani relations
abroad, not only with Gulf States but nations across the globe. Pursuing a pro-West foreign policy, not abandoning Oman’s independence, he garnered support from neighbouring countries and the West. Qaboos, who is globally reputed as a moderate Arab and Islamic leader, adopted an independent foreign policy based primarily on Omani political and economic interests, rather than on any ideology. In a quest for improving long term peace and stability in the Middle East, his role was often progressive than traditional which at times had drawn flak from conservative Arab leaders. In 1981, he was actively involved in forming the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an alliance among conservative Gulf countries to create a joint security front in the region. Later, he called for dialogues between Israel and Palestine to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict. In 1993, in the aftermath of the Gulf War, Qaboos signed the last of the border treaties with Oman’s neighbours, including Iran, emphasizing the shared responsibility of Iran and Oman for the Straits of Hormuz. Quite evidently, Sultan Qaboos has adopted a policy of peace all throughout. The aim was to enhance and retain Oman’s prosperity in a protected Gulf region. Oman has also spearheaded the founding of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation.
Larger issues On his way to consolidation, Qaboos started devoting more attention to larger political and development issues at home. Qaboos’ policies and way of functioning are influenced by four factors: his military background; his appreciation of Omani history and culture and the will to Omanise the Sultanate; his desire to balance the tradition of royal sovereignty with the
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demands of popular participation in government; and his love for the environment. In 1974, Sultan Qaboos bin Said introduced major changes to the cabinet when members of the Omani commercial establishment, mostly hailing from Al Bu Sa’id regime, were brought into the government. Their support helped to maintain centralised authority under the Sultan. By 1976, in the wake of a financial crisis and a World Bank study of the Omani economy, Qaboos contemplated on structuring economic development and make it more organised by approving the first comprehensive five-year plan. He felt the need for building Oman from the ground up. The country had no tradition of the majlis (a gathering for discussion) that is otherwise a part of traditional leadership in the Arabian Peninsula. In 1975, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos launched “Meet the People” tours in which he and his ministers and other government officials took up residence in some part of the country to hear and deal with local complaints. The intention was to develop grass root connection. Sultan’s absolute monarchy was balanced by the opinions of a circle of advisers selected from the ruling family, Omani entrepreneurs, and influential British, American, and Arab experts. This possible step towards democratisation was institutionalised in October 1981 in the appointment of a State Consultative Council (Majlis al Dawla) which is the Sultanate’s first representative consultative body. It comprised government officials, business community, and popular representation, all appointed by the Sultan, to discuss social and economic matters. A decade later, this body evolved further when Qaboos replaced it by the Majlis al Shura. Qaboos had always remained aware of the political tradition of shura, or consultation, a central tenet of Oman’s Ibadi school of Islam. A significant change with the new
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Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
body was that the representation came exclusively from the common people. The selection process at first involved local nominations and royal appointment but ultimately evolved into direct election by universal adult suffrage. Although confined to social and economic issues, the Majlis reviews all proposed legislation and can propose laws. Referring to the expanded regulatory and legislative powers granted to the Council of Oman with its two component bodies of the State Council and the Consultation Council, His Majesty had expressed his hope to see the Council take a decisive step forward. In November 1996 Qaboos made announcement for Basic Statute of the State, Oman’s first constitution-like document. While the document upholds the sovereignty of the Sultan, the document ensures personal rights and freedoms, tempered with duties. Many of the general provisions of the Basic Statute have been implemented, most notably the judicial reform, which established a much more independent judiciary, and legislation expanding personal freedoms, such as the legalisation of labor unions in 2006. An important matter addressed by the Basic Statute was the question of succession. The concept of collective decision-making by the people and the government has been evident in His Majesty’s political thinking. From this understanding, Oman’s population, both men and women, have been provided with full access to education and economic, social and cultural developments, with the Basic Law of the State ensuring the freedom and rights of all citizens. Open meetings at the state level ensures that popular participation is encouraged. In November 2002 the right to vote was granted to every Omani citizen, both men and women, above twenty-one years. In another development, the Supreme Court was created in the following year.
The Legacy
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Meanwhile, in 2000, the Sultan marked his 30th anniversary, celebrating the creation of a thriving and stable modern state that was ready to keep pace with the new trends of a new millennium. Having been transformed into a modern state in just 30 years, Oman’s challenge was to embrace an expanding private sector along with the robust public sector to enhance Oman’s progress and prosperity. On October 31, 2011, addressing central issues of public concern in his speech at the opening of the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) fifth term in the wilayat of Manah in Dakhiliyah Governorate, Sultan Qaboos expressed his confidence in his people and urged them to work diligently and be aware of their responsibilities and duties. Sultan Qaboos’ speech also touched on the consultation process in Oman. He explained that it was established on firm principles which would ensure it evolved naturally, in a number of stages, in direct response to the demands of each successive stage of national development. It was, he noted, designed to meet the needs of the Omani community and, as part of a clear-sighted vision of the future and of the steps needed for its Implementation, which will keep pace with Omani society’s aspirations towards greater participation in shaping national decision making. The need for freedom of expression which is one of the crucial elements of Omani society. His Majesty emphasised on balance and moderation and expressed that intolerance for different views are unacceptable as they carry with them the seeds of their own destruction. “The State’s laws and regulations guarantee every Omani the right to express his opinion and to contribute constructive ideas to enhance the march of progress in the country,” he said. “We have always believed it is important there should be a
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wide range of different ideas and opinions, and that people should not be prohibited from thinking freely, because this is the evidence of a community’s strength and its ability to benefit from these opinions and ideas to serve its aspirations for a better future and a finer, happier life. However, freedom of expression does not mean that any one party has the right to force its opinions on others or suppress the rights of others to express their ideas freely, since this has nothing to do with democracy or law; and keeping up with the times does not mean imposing ideas on other people,” Sultan Qaboos added.
Retaining Omani flavour From a broader national perspective, Qaboos never wanted to sacrifice Omani traditions and identity at the altar of socioeconomic change. His value system is reflected in many aspects of life. In all spheres of Oman’s long-term development strategy, the Omani citizen is the top priority. For a sustainable development of Oman, they are the nation’s most precious resource and developing this human resource is one of the important features of Qaboos’ leadership. Sultan Qaboos stressed on the fact that people are the cornerstone of any development process designed to promote human happiness, decent living standards and guaranteed security. Oman has a free market or laissez faire model of economic development. In a bid to develop an alternative source of economy, there was a rapid expansion of all economic sectors which resulted in an influx of expatriate labour from workers to managerial level, required for their knowledge and expertise. Sultan Qaboos has encouraged the adoption of Omanisation programmes that emphasise the creation of a highly skilled Omani workforce developed through education and training programmes that would eventually create a strong
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Omani workforce and replace expatriate labour. It should be mentioned here that in most of the industrial sectors Omani workers are now visible and Omani women are increasingly being appointed to government positions. Sultan Qaboos said, “The forthcoming stage will witness, with God’s permission, even greater focus on providing more opportunities for youth to enable them to expand their knowledge,” His Majesty said. “Education is the cornerstone of progress and development, and in order to produce a responsible, aware generation endowed with expertise, skills and aspirations towards a higher level of knowledge, a comprehensive assessment of the country’s educational progress needs to be carried out in order to ensure that those aspirations become realities and enable people to benefit from the available job opportunities in the public and private sectors.” Sultan Qaboos also encouraged the development of myriad cultural and religious institutions. One of them was the Ministry of National Heritage, entrusted with developing a national cultural museum and archive, publishing historical and religious texts, preserving historic buildings, and promoting national handicrafts. Qaboos also began funding the construction of mosques and various religious institutes throughout the country. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the capital area is one of the largest in the world. Qaboos, all along had maintained the traditional character of his country, preserving low-rise heritage and historical buildings.
Man of varied interests With cautious steps in the beginning, Sultan Qaboos transcended to a different level in course of time. With assurance, forceful speeches, calm demeanour and well groomed appearance, he has presided over an era of
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unprecedented change, continuing with the transformation of Oman and fostering stability in the region. Dignified, soldierly, and somewhat withdrawn, Sultan Qaboos has an appreciation for music and reading and a love of fast cars, horses, and well-appointed palaces. His Majesty is a man of diverse interests. An enthusiastic horseman since childhood, he enjoys playing tennis. He has keen interest in weapons and military equipment and he is an adept marksman. A voracious reader, he has studied a variety of subjects ranging from religion to astronomy and the environment, languages, literature and history. The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, established in 1985, reveals his passion for music. His Majesty also attaches great importance to culture and science in Oman itself. The magnificent Royal Opera House Muscat was inaugurated in Muscat in October 2011. His Majesty opened the Sultan Qaboos University Cultural Centre as part of the Sultanate’s 40th National Day celebrations and the foundation stone was laid for the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Centre in Salalah. It is true that being a head of the state, military affairs and political matters have taken away much of Qaboos’ attention, but his interest in the natural environment has resulted in Oman being recognised as one of the few developing countries in which conservation and anti-pollution policies have been initiated during development period. As early as 1974, when Qaboos was grappling with political issues, he promulgated Oman’s first environmental law and created an office for conservation of the environment. The flora and fauna surveys were commissioned by the government, and the first nature reserves in Jabal al-Akhdar and the coastal wetlands at Qurum were established in 1979. The major conservation effort by Oman was the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx. The oryx was hunted to extinction in its natural habitat in 1972. The Omani government, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and American zoos, reintroduced a herd of oryx to
the Jiddat al-Harasis region of central Oman. Apart from the oryx project, Qaboos has taken up the cause for conserving marine environment. Governmental programmes have focused on sea turtles in the Ras al-Hadd nesting area and coral reef preservation. All these efforts have catapulted Oman to international limelight. Sultan Qaboos received the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) award for conservation in 1989, and was invited to deliver the keynote address at the 1992 Earth Summit. Two years later, the oryx reclamation project received United Nations World Heritage Site status. In the same year, Oman was elected to the IUCN governing council and in 1996, Qaboos was awarded its Philips Memorial Medal in recognition of his environmental activism in 1996 by the IUCN council. Every two years since 1991, UNESCO awards a new winner the Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation in recognition of Qaboos’ personal commitment to environmental issues. To promote cultural harmony, a number of academic chairs have been established in the name of Sultan Qaboos for the study of Arab and Islamic civilisation. There are chairs at 16 of the world’s leading universities, including – among others - Harvard and Georgetown in the United States, Cambridge in the United Kingdom, Melbourne in Australia, Utrecht in the Netherlands, Beijing in China, Tokyo in Japan and Lahore in Pakistan, as well as several universities in Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries. In the field of education, an agreement signed in March 2003 with Melbourne University for the creation of this Chair is one example in a series of endowments to prestigious universities throughout the world. In December 14 2005, a chair was created for Water Management and Economic Diversification at the Roosevelt Academy affiliated to Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The Dutch government launched HM Chair in recognition of His Majesty’s contributions and efforts in the field of international peace and cooperation, and development of the
Sultanate as a modern state under his leadership. In the home front, Royal Decree No. 18/2011, issued on 27th February 2011, instituted the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature and provided for the formation of its board of trustees. There are two versions of the Sultan Qaboos Award; the first of which is awarded by His Majesty for culture, arts and literature in the Sultanate and the Arab region, while the second is specific to Oman. One winner is chosen for each of the three categories, which means there are three winners annually – one cultural, one artistic and one literary. The Sultan Qaboos Award for Voluntary Work was launched to encourage and highlight the role of the voluntary sector in serving the community. The non-government voluntary organisations are vehicles of the Sultanate’s sustainable social development. The Award is also designed to promote co-operation and a sense of social responsibility. Initially, Oman’s physical or administrative infrastructure was at a bare minimum, and Sultan Qaboos, with his vision, did the admirable task of turning an undeveloped country into a formidable modern state. It is true that Oman had begun to exploit its oil reserves in the late 1960s, but its health services, education, housing and communications were rudimentary. Today the scenario is very different with marked improvements visible in every sphere of life. There is no denying that Oman has undergone a political and economic transformation under Sultan Qaboos’ rule, thanks to his modernisation drive. It has been 43 years since Sultan Qaboos came to power and will always be remembered as the founder of modern Oman. The uniqueness of Oman’s socio-economic fabric under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said lies in its preservation of traditional values, rooted in its Ibadi version of Islam and at the same time adapting to a contemporary lifestyle. The Sultan’s visionary and strong-willed leadership, together with the human resources represented by the people of Oman, has resulted in the country’s unprecedented growth.
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Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
Cultural Haven The Royal Opera House Muscat opened its doors in 2011 and brought internationally acclaimed ballets and theatres to the country The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) opened amidst a huge fanfare in 2011. His Majesty the Sultan, on the occasion of the opening of the Opera House, said, “Oman throughout its long history has played prominent roles in various cultural fields and the time has come now to cap that rich march by means of adopting concepts of international culture and by effective contribution to its promotion. Towards that end, we have established the Royal Opera House Muscat as a centre of cultural radiation for the Omani people and all humanity. We have sought to foster the constructive role of Oman in the dialogue among civilisations and in enriching cultural exchange and strengthening bonds of permanent friendship and co-operation. We are sure that the Royal Opera House will play a significant role in disseminating world heritage and reinforcing the principles of peace, co-existence and understanding among all nations and peoples through art events that express a common human cultural heritage of strong meaning and deep impact.” As promised, the inaugural season is witnessing a series of theatrical treat for the connoisseurs of art and culture in this country, as the best performances from around the world are being staged here. The Royal Opera House has added one of the most significant feathers in the cap of the sultanate. It is a successful
effort to reach out to the world through art. In the whole of the Middle East and the entire Arab world, the Royal Opera House offers the sole and the best venue for performing art. It is also an exclusive and a much sought after destination of global music and theatre. The Royal Opera House, in true sense, is the manifestation of Oman’s continued tryst with varied artistic genres and contemporary forms. The artistic programme of ROHM’s inaugural season focused on opera productions, ballet performances and music concerts. The production of two operas Turandot and Carmen have been specially commissioned and are now owned by ROHM. For the Grand Opening Day, Giacomo Puccini’s last masterpiece Turandot, featuring the Arena di Verona Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet was performed under the direction of the legendary Maestro Franco Zeffirelli. Later, George Bizet’s Carmen was performed by the famous La Verdi Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of the world renowned Gianni Quaranta. The American Ballet Theater, accompanied by the world-renowned State Hermitage Orchestra, will make its first trip to the region to perform Don Quixote. Other exceptional and historic ballet performances include: Giselle by Teatro Alla Scala Ballet Company, accompanied by the Accademia alla Scala Orchestra; Shim Chung – The Blindman’s Daughter by the Universal Ballet of Korea; and the popular Swan Lake by the Mariinsky Ballet
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different languages for every programme that is being housed. This screen can be used for voting, accessing information on future events of the Royal Opera House and many other things.
accompanied by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra. Oman has also proved that it has the ability to attract world famous performers such as Placido Domingo, Franco Zeffirelli, Andrea Bocelli, Renee Fleming and Magda al Roumi, among others. The inaugural shows have won widespread acclaim and rave reviews from the international media for hosting these world renowned performers. Most of them performed for the first time in the Middle East, and according to the opera diva Renee Fleming, “in this magnificent venue”. The landmark building is an iconic symbol of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s on-going dedication to support the cultural development of the sultanate and a commitment to global outreach and dialogue through the arts. Furthermore, this historic cultural effort is unprecedented in the region. This promises to be a world-class performing arts venue that will serve as an incubator for creativity and
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Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
innovation for generations to come. ROHM is distinguished by an august and stately architecture that represents Oman’s proud heritage. Its technical facilities are state-of-theart. Set in the ideal location of the Shatti al Qurm area on an 80,000sqm plot, the Royal Opera House will act as a multi-purpose theatre house to enrich Omani culture. The project is His Majesty’s gift to the nation and will be used for various high profile activities, be it operas, plays or musicals. The Opera house has a seating capacity of 1,100 with a 32m-high fly tower that facilitates theatrical works of all sorts. Eng. Hamid Ghazali, who is very passionate towards the completion of His Majesty’s vision, said in an earlier interview that the project will be a milestone in the cultural history of Oman. The Royal Opera House in Muscat is at par with the world’s best theatrical environment. In fact, the ROHM has a feature that is not available yet, in any other opera house – a seven-inch libretto attached to every seat in the theatre. There is an interactive screen that gives subtitles in four
The challenge for the international destination design firm WATG was to design a unique and distinctive upscale venue for a 1,000-seat concert hall in a new urban district which could also be used for musical, theatrical and operatic productions. The architectural character of the building was influenced by the grand style of modern Omani palaces, and reflects their outward design features and circulation patterns. The front entrance is an expansive palm-treed piazza backed by five tall, arched entryways into a hall that forms the central focus of a colonnade designed to create a grand feeling of entrance. The structure was finished in locally-sourced limestone and complementary stucco. The venue incorporates a movable acoustic shell within the stage area and adjustable proscenium elements to create alternative acoustic configurations and stage formats to suit the various requirements. These elements provide a unique, adaptable volume control arrangement which gives unparalleled natural acoustic potential. Formal landscaped gardens, a cultural souq with retail, food and beverage outlets, and an arts centre, gives the venue its holistic appeal. One of the objectives of ROHM is to encourage local talents in music among the young generation. Every opportunity will be provided to demonstrate the musical skills of the youth and to develop their ambitions to perform in a worldclass environment. Throughout the inaugural season, ROHM will host various activities including open houses for the public featuring free performances, backstage tours, pre-performance talks with artists and experts in the fields of music and opera, and workshops for children and adults.
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craft
Charismatic dagger Once worn in selfdefence, today, the khanjar is a fashion accessory as well as a symbol of status and authority in the Sultanate of Oman Khanjars are traditional, curved, defensive weapons worn centre belt by Omani men as a badge of office and as head of the family. They are worn by civic dignitaries, heads of government, scholars of religion, ministers and the leader of the country. The khanjar is an iconic Omani emblem. It is established as Oman’s ethnographic weapon, alongside the famous Omani kattara sword. The khanjar is a dynamic weapon which was frequently used in the past during warfare. It not only fiercely slayed the enemies but was also used to climb forts, skin hide and cut meat. These traditional Omani daggers are
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made by silversmiths in time-honoured designs handed down through the ages. Here in Oman, it is against the law for a style to be introduced unless it is one of the laid down, historical, true Omani patterns of old. A khanjar comprises several parts. The scabbard core is wooden, covered in leather which has been expertly hand stitched with silver wire in patterns specific to the local area. The ring or belt section comprises layers of leather covered in filigree or plate silver with big silver rings which may indicate its provenance. For example, in Omani khanjars the seven ringers
belong to the Sharqiyah region, while daggers from the other regions have four rings. The mark of a good sheath is the inlaid silver rings. However, there is no special significance attached to the number of rings on a khanjar. It depends on personal preference, but it is a status symbol as the rings are expensive and usually a wealthy wearer sports seven rings. Above the ring or belt section the scabbard is plated with hand worked and decorated silver plate, while below the belt section silver is applied by silver stitched patterning or plate work. Omani khanjar patterns are usually geometric and floral. The hilt is either worked in simple silver or decorated with silver pins forming a myriad design hammered into the horn grip, topped with geometrical silver rectangles. In some handles the entire hilt is covered in highly decorated silver while in others it may be left quite plain depending on the regional style. Attaching the entire weapon to the waist is a beautiful hand-stitched leather belt. Less expensive cloth belts hand woven in traditional geometric designs are also used. Belts are also made of locally made webbing, sometimes interwoven with silver thread or belts of leather covered by finely woven silver wire with handsome silver buckles, and a knife with an ornate handle of silver thread is often stuck into a simple leather pouch
and is fitted to the hilt by melted pitch which acts like powerful glue to fix the tang into the handle. On the end of the curved scabbard the Omani khanjar is decorated in a small crown often adorned with a silver cluster of mulberry inspired from the wild fruit tree which is common in Oman. It can take up to a month to make a quality khanjar and craftsmen adhere to the regional designs handed down from generations. The khanjar comes in three basic styles or designs – the Sa’idiyah, Dakhliyah (Omaniyah) and Sharqiyah (Suriyah), but they have numerous variations derived from personal choice and contemporary trends. The Sa’idiyah khanjar has a narrow hilt and is the largest and most expensive, while the Dakhliyah khanjar has a very wide handle and a sheath of ivory or horn worked with silver. Variations such as the one called Nizwa use a silver T-shaped hilt while the Sur khanjars are smaller in size and use gold instead.
behind the sheath. The more expensive sheaths are of woven gold thread or a combination of gold and silver. But there are also the simpler ones made of plain leather with some silver worked into it.
The blade of a khanjar is also an indication of its worth. Old blades are never discarded but worked into a new one. The curved iron or steel blade has a reinforcing spine in the centre
The khanjar is a distinguishing feature of the Omani personality as well as an important symbol of male elegance. It is one of the most important national symbols, used in the seals of the Omani government, its currency and on its flag.
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craft
Encouraging crafts PACI supports the craft industry by providing necessary equipment, maintenance of craft sites and covering the cost of research Under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the country has witnessed comprehensive development in all regions of the sultanate. This has included developmental structures and achievements in the handicrafts industry. In this regard, the efforts of the Public Authority of Craft Industries (PACI) play a role. PACI continues to execute integral structural projects in the handicrafts sector through the development of the environment of handicrafts and the craftsmen community. The launch of the handicrafts card and the licenses of the handicrafts projects are a positive step for the craftsmen to avail information
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and services in addition to facilitating the execution of the government transactions electronically. The sultanate, represented by the PACI, organised activities related to the intellectual rights protection and continuous development in an international forum called ‘Certification and Registration of the Traditional Knowledge and Forms of Abstract Cultural Expression’. Sultan Qaboos Competition for Handicrafts Excellence Sultan Qaboos competition of Handicrafts Excellence is aimed to
enhance the creative competence of the craftsmen, which will contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the country. Integral Handicraft Centres To boost the crafts industry, PACI concentrates on training programmes for the craftsmen. Handicraft production centres are established all over the sultanate. This year witnessed the establishment of a number of projects like the Palm Tree Project in Rustaq. A weaving and paints centre was launched in Haima. The first centre of its type, it was opened to enhance the handicrafts capabilities in the textile industry. A training centre for craftsmen producing earthenware and pottery was opened in Saham, and a training and silver production centre was opened in Sinaw, to encourage the silver industry. Training and Handicrafts Rehabilitation The third of March is known as the Omani Handicraftsman Day. This year, the craftsmen were provided with equipment, developing sites and handicrafts communities, and provided raw materials and production supplies. Handicrafts Licenses The authority launched the handicrafts cards and the handicrafts projects
licenses this year. The card provides a number of services including updating the data pertinent to craftsmen and provision of opportunities in training. It also ensures participation in exhibitions. The aim of the licenses is to provide all facilities to investors in the handicrafts sector.
Various Participations PACI, in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos Cultural Institute in Washington, held an International Folklore Market for Handicrafts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The participation for the second time in
a row was a first for any of the GCC states. Locally, PACI participated in the activities of Muscat Festival 2011. This included showcasing the activities of an Omani village with its traditional lifestyle and skills in craftsmanship.
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heritage
Exploring the past
Tour of the museum
job in 1991 to chase his dream which gradually became the purpose of his life. Since the last two decades he has been collecting a variety of antiques. He leaves no stone unturned to collect a rare piece when he stumbles on a clue. It is his astuteness that helps him to track down rare objects in remote corners of the world. The artefacts are displayed in five galleries and Balushi does extensive studies on each object. Take for example one of the precious pieces of antiquity here, the encased ivory chessboard, which was a gift of the then monarch Sayeed bin Sultan to the seventh president of United States, Andrew Jackson in 1833. The letter written by Sayeed Sultan for this occasion is placed just beside the original gift. It took 20 years of rigorous research work to finally discover the precious piece.
Abdul Latif al Balushi had started off modestly with collection of stamps, and coins when he was a student four decades ago. But, in course of time, his passion for collecting relics from Oman’s past has transcended him to a different level. He became a collector of maps, coins, banknotes, documents, photos, manuscripts and rare priceless objects, which offer a unique insight into the life and times of Oman. Latif gave up on a regular government
Balushi is the collector, curator, researcher, interior designer and investor - all in one for Bait Adam. Such a huge collection calls for big investment, too. Balushi has done it all singlehandedly and invested a fortune, without any support from public or private sector. But he has no regrets. There may be moments of self-doubts, but it is his zeal that keeps him going. With a positive mindset he says, “If Government of Oman wants any of my artifacts, I am ready to handover.”
Abdul Latif Al Balushi’s private collection is well worth a visit. As an ace chronicler, he tells enchanting stories about Oman from the past Little did Abdul Latif al Balushi know that his boyhood interest in philately and postcards would lead to other areas of interest out of which a grand repertoire of antiques would develop. They are rare coins, maps, historical documents and artifacts worth seeing - all related to Oman, collected from different corners of the world, sometimes auction houses. Balushi has converted his house, rather a treasure a trove, into a museum in 1999 and called it Bait Adam, named after his son, who is closely involved with him in the operations of the museum. The house is built in Arabic architectural style, befitting the collectibles on display inside.
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importance of preserving history. So we have to create this awareness together as history is an integral part of every nation. ’’
Maryam, the little wonder What amazes visitors apart from the antique collection of Bait Adam Museum is the presence of a little girl who greets you with an impish smile as you enter the visitors’ gallery. For next few hours she will be your guide throughout the tour of the museum. She is Maryam, daughter of the respected collector. The 11-year old girl, donning gorgeous traditional Omani attire with wand in her hand, is a delight for visitors. Well conversed in the artifacts of the museum, she delivers in impeccable English. Her proud father informed she is equally fluent in Bulgarian and Arabic. Maryam’s mother hails from Bulgaria.
Balushi’s mission is to preserve vestiges of Oman’s rich history for the posterity. Oman’s awareness for archiving lies at a nascent stage. Balushi says, “The value of historical collection is not accepted in its true worth. Oman’s history is not only
about khanjars, dishdashas, potteries or masars. It is much more than that. Many historical artifacts have been bought over or taken away from our land. We need to bring it all back. But again, awareness is required in our society about the
Cruise liners bring visitors to Bait Adam from all over the globe. Westerners from Europe, from the USA and Scandinavian countries, for whom Omani heritage is very diverse, listens to Balushi’s scholarly commentary with rapt attention. Then suddenly the quiet ambience becomes lively with Maryam’s narration. The father and daughter duo seems to have good
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understanding between them and in sync with each other. Sometimes Maryam picks up the thread where her father has stopped and breezes through the names and tenure of presidents of America one after another without faltering. She leads visitors to rooms where artifacts are displayed and introduces them to the visitors with all little details. People are amused to see a young curator at work. She does her job with élan, in all seriousness. Maryam has become a star attraction being the youngest curator in Oman, and possibily in the world, apart from a museum guide. Al Jazeera, Bulgarian TV and New Zealand TV have featured this little wonder when she was seven. Today at 11, she is more evolved and composed, never awed by the tourists, even when the numbers multiply. She had ushered in 220 guests at a time. What is remarkable is her sense of responsibility and the right attitude to do a job meant for grownups. This seems to be a very uncommon pastime for a girl of her age, which triggers curiosity in our mind as to how it all had begun. Maryam has seen how her father, single handed, takes tourists around the museum and guide them through the galleries, often
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telling stories and anecdotes from the past. Very eagerly, she wanted to help her father. By 2009 end, she became the museum guide during the evening hours after school and during holidays. She had to slog a trifle to learn about
the historical relics in the museum. But being a quick learner, aided by his father’s easy manner of explaining, Maryam found it fun to learn about the curios in the museum in the perspective of Oman’s history.
In every other respect, Maryam is just another 11 year old who has managed to study and play, while doing the museum task. She watches DVDs inside her tree house and plays with her PSP, laptop and pets, a dog, a parrot, turtles, rabbits and
iguanas, and recently a cat. When she grows up, she says that she would be a teacher, but will also work for the museum. Since Bait Adam is named after his son, Balushi has built another section Bait Maryam, a befitting gift to her daughter.
He feels good that both his children are assisting him in running the museum and hopes that both will take this museum further after him and continue with the legacy of preserving Oman unique history. He can be contacted at 99356676.
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Manufacturer
Sweets of Oman, a dessert discovery Sweets of Oman was set up in 1990 to bring locally manufactured, high quality confectionary to the GCC. Today, its brands have become popular with customers in over 45 countries, winning numerous awards and certifications along the way. Made in a stateof-the-art unit situated in Oman, and backed by the commitment of a skilled workforce, the result is taste and excellence that aspires to international standards.
Quality measures Sweets of Oman has ensured that all compliances such as HACCP, BRC, FSSC/ ISO 22000 and Halal are in place to ensure best manufacturing practices and exemplary product quality. Ingredients used are of 100% vegetarian origin. The range is manufactured in a modern manufacturing unit with fully automated lines, and facilities are consistently upgraded to maintain product quality, improve
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efficiencies and reduce cost. The unit plays an important role in strengthening the local economy and creating jobs.
tion warmly, singling out Chiko as “the most amazing toffees” and “the nicest sweets ever”.
Far reaching taste
Chiko, eclairs with flair
Sweets of Oman’s products and particularly its flagship brand, Chiko is currently savored in over 45 countries across the world. Chiko has a strong presence in diverse markets including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the US, Canada and India. Customers have expressed their apprecia-
The colorfully wrapped Chiko confectionary range is a common sight at counters across the GCC. The most popular product from the company is undoubtedly Chiko’s éclairs. These éclairs consist of a soft and chewy caramel exterior, with a melt-in-the-mouth core of mint, milk, hazelnut, honey
or chocolate nestling inside. The classic chocolate and milk centered variants are bestsellers.
Assorted experiences Other than the coveted eclairs, Chiko has an assortment of fudges, sweets, toffees and
chews. These include the caramel chews such as Butter Tops, milk-rich assorted toffees known as Milkies, mixed fruit toffees called Fruit Chews, coffee and coconut treats such as Koffee Toffee and Kokonata, and an array of caramel based delights.
Chiko brand from Sweets of Oman has several exciting new confectionary launches planned for the near future. The brand remains committed to crafting exceptional experiences for sweet-lovers worldwide.
To cater to constantly evolving tastes, the
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engineering
Engineering for a better future United Engineering Projects Co. LLC. (UEP) established in March 1983 is a Limited Liability Company, with 100% Omani Ownership. The company is registered with the commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Sultanate of Oman, with its corporate office at MSQ, Muscat. It has a strength of more than 1000 qualified technical and 100 administrative / finance personnel working together to achieve the goal with high importance on safety, quality assurance & quality Control. UEP is one of the Leading – E.P.C. Electromechanical contracting organization in the Sultanate of Oman. It is a group of energetic & enthusiastic Technical Graduates in Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation trades, under the excellent team.
clients & We are operating from our Main Office at Madinat Sultan Qaboos and has five major regional offices located in Batinah North/South, Dhahirah, Dakhliya, Musandam and Salalah. We also have offices for our ongoing E&I projects at Safah and Mukhaizna for OXY.
UEP adopts an ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System for Construction, Installation, Operation & Maintenance Works of Electrical and Instrumentation for Oil, Gas & Petro chemical Industry.
UEP’s activities are:
UEP, since its establishment in 1983, has successfully completed and commissioned numerous major projects for the Ministry of Housing, Electricity, Water, and Oil Companies as well as for other Governmental and private Sector
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• Engineering, Procurement & Construction Grid station including OHL & Underground transmission upto 400KV. • Testing and Commissioning of Grid Stations upto 400KV level. • Engineering, Procurement & Construction of 33KV/11KV Primary Substation including OHL & Underground Transmission.
• Electrical & Instrumentation Construction works for Oil Fields, Refineries and Petrochemical Factories. • Survey and preparation of drawings, estimates and contract documents for Distribution and Transmission companies. • Live and Dead Washing of Overhead Line and Insulators. • Operation and Maintenance of Transmission and Distribution. • Construction of Highway / Area Lighting, Street Lighting & Decorative Lighting. • Mechanical and Electrical (M.E.P.) Works for Buildings, Factories and Industries.
Outstanding Manpower Our organization is composed of excellent and well experienced dynamic professionals (Engineers, Diploma Holders), highly skilled technicians, and well experienced personnel. Our Manpower staff consists of: a) Well experienced graduate Electrical Engineers b) Diploma Engineers c) Linemen/Electrical Technician and Substation Technicians (Fabrication Team (Fitters, Welders, etc.) d) Instrument Technicians e) Civil Technicians (Mason, Steel Fitter, Carpenter, etc) f) Administration & Finance Staff g) Omani Employees Forward To the Future UEP has invested in to the future by setting up an in-house fully equipped training centre to give true awareness of the systems and running projects both in Electrical & Instrumentation fields. This training is being conducted by highly qualified personnel with substantial experience in Oil & Gas, Refinery and Petrochemical process plants. Our Projects: Present and Future At present we are engaged in contracts for construction of various 400KV, 132KV, 33KV, 11KV and L.T. O/H lines, Deadline & Live line Washing, Substation and Grid Station Projects and as well various Electrical & Instrumentation
Services in different regions of Oman. We have proven ourselves in the Oil Field as well.
and other persons associated with the company is a first priority.
Health, Safety & Environment Policy
Quality Policy
UEP has strong commitment to the Health, Safety and welfare of its employees and its customers. UEP is dedicated to the concept that all accidents are preventable and philosophically unacceptable.
The policy of UEP is to manage Quality, Engineering and Productivity with the best interests of our Client, Employees and General Public in mind. UEP maintains a firm commitment to provide our Client on time, cost effective engineering, procurement and construction services that reflect uncompromising quality and a commitment to continuous process improvement through the implementation of our Quality Management System.
Accordingly, all employees are committed to a “Zero Accident Philosophy�. All company activities will be conducted in such a way that the Health, Safety & Environment of UEP employees
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tourism
Incredible Dhofar
The Dhofar governorate enjoys a distinctive natural diversity where the coast seamlessly blends with the desert
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Known for its pristine natural beauty, Dhofar, the largest governorate in the Sultanate of Oman, sprawling across one third of its topography, plays a significant role in the country’s tourism map. As the rest of the country’s temperatures soar during summer, the monsoon, locally called Khareef, brings rains to Dhofar, resulting in lush green vegetation. While a major portion Oman has arid desert landscapes which is typical of the Arabian peninsula, its southern region of Dhofar, with its greenery stands in stark contrast. Travellers hail from within Oman and the neighbouring countries to enjoy this cool, refreshing environment. Salalah Tourism Festival is a huge draw during the Khareef that extends from end-July until the beginning of September. There are daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, as well as other Arab Gulf states. Sharing the eastern border with Yemen, Dhofar is a rather mountainous area that covers 99,300 km2. The governorate enjoys a distinctive natural diversity where the coast seamlessly blends with the desert. Here mountains rise to a height of 1,500 metres and then dip into a flat plain that sprawls across sandy beaches stretching for hundreds of kilometres. The ten Dhofar governorate wilayats are: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shalim and Halaniyat Islands,
Dalkoot, Rakhyut, Thamrit, Mokshin and Al Mazuna. Dhofar has been the traditional homeland for many tribes speaking
a variety of South Arabian Semitic languages. The Arab tribes include Al-Hakli (Qara), Al Kathiri, Al-Hashmeis, Al-Yafei, Al-Mashaikhi, Al-Shahri, Al-Mahri, Al-Batahri, and
Al-Barami. The people of Dhofar is as varied as its topography and can be identified as either Jeballi, living in the mountains, or hailing from the mountains, Badawi, living
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in the desert, or from the desert, and Hadhari, living in the cities or settlements. Historically the region was the chief exporter of frankincense in ancient times, with some of it being traded as far as China. Rich in meteorites, the Salalah plain was once a well cultivated area with a sophisticated irrigation system. Today, Dhofar is a blend of traditional Omani heritage and a modern way of living. With a sound infrastructure and modern amenities, the capital city of Salalah is a pointer to this uniqueness.
The evergreen Salalah Salalah receives its visitors with large vistas of grass and water mist. The unique climatic factors make Salalah a magical spot and the jewel of the Arabian Sea. Salalah is an ideal destination for both, leisure and adventurous holidays. Wonderful outdoor pursuits, excellent beaches, coconut palms, banana and papaya plantations make up the most of this city. The city is famous for its rich history, archeological remains and numerous frankincense trees. Most people prefer to take a plane down to Salalah Airport from Muscat and then rent a car from there to reach the Salalah city. But there
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are many who would prefer driving down to Salalah. There are actually nine segments of the road to reach the city and each has its own beauty and challenges. The first stretch is Muscat-Nizwa which covers 174 km of the trip. The roads are wellpaved with scenic mountains in the background as one enters Nizwa. The second part is Nizwa-Adam stretching only for 56kms. Top up your car at petrol stations you drive by lest you get stuck without fuel. The next two are Adam-Al Ghabah and Al Ghabah to Hayma stretches which together cover 318 kms. Driving may get a bit tedious at this point, but the adventurous do not falter. Hayma to Qatbit is segmented into short stretches of journey covering 219kms. Some visitors choose to break journey at the Qatbit Rest House before moving on to Salalah the next day. Qatbit to Thumrayt is a long stretch of 195 kms. The most beautiful part of the drive, and well worth the long span of time it takes, is the final drive through the Dhofar Mountains before reaching the Salalah city.
Icons of Salalah Salalah Frankincense Museum: Situated on Sultan Qaboos Street, the ‘Land of Frankincense’ museum is one of the cultural lifelines of Salalah. Visitors can explore a large archaeological site and the museum displays an impressive collection of artefacts that depict the maritime history of Oman. The artefacts are as varied as the excavated columns
Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
several excavations have been made by a German archaeological team. A broad pathway now meanders through significant ancient structures like the citadel, city wall and grand mosque. The best time to visit the site is in the late afternoon. Al Husn Palace: The palace, known as Al Husn Palace, was originally built by Sultan Turki in the nineteenth century, but has been extended by successive sultans, and it is now a big, modern complex of buildings, overlooking the beach, south of the city centre. It is surrounded on the landward side by a stone wall and entered through big teak doors. The stretch of beach immediately in front of the palace is off limits to the general public, but you can get quite close and take photographs of the palace. In and around the city Ain Homran: The scenic location of this natural spring is an excellent spot for bird watching. Seven different species of eagles have been identified at Ain Homran by a group of international bird watchers. Due to the nature of the place, you will find mosquitoes and insects around, so make sure to apply some cream.
built 2,000 years ago to stone tools used by fishermen. This is perhaps the best place to trace Oman’s history and gain insight into Oman’s prosperous past; a must-see for any visitor to Salalah. The museum is
located in Al Baleed which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Al Baleed archaeological park: Drive along the sea side to reach the UNESCO-listed Al Baleed
Archaeological Park which preserves ruins dating back to pre-Islamic times. It was a major port for exporting frankincense and shipping Arabian horses in ancient and medieval period. Since the 1970s,
Gold souq: A visit to the gold souq is an important feature of the tour of Salalah. A variety of oriental gold and silver is sold here. Most of the gold sold is 24 carat, often softer and better quality than gold purchased in other parts of the
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world. You can shop around for a traditional Dhofari design or have it designed. The Salalah Gold Souk is situated in the Salalah Centre. Magnetic Mountain: At Mirbat you come across a stretch of land where
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you feel the anti-gravitational pull. You can move your car upward along a slope by putting it on neutral and feel a magnet is pulling your vehicle. Car drivers enjoy this wonder of nature.
Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
Mirbat: A quaint seaside town, Mirbat is complete with its own majestic castle, a souk, and the ruins of an old town dating back many hundreds of years. Visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to see
local fishermen bringing in the day’s haul by the seaside which they can buy there and also at the souk. Mughsail Bay: This is a popular beach which lies 40km to the west
of Salalah. Driving down to the beach is enjoyable with desert on both sides. However, once you reach there, the beach provides fantastic views of the sea, rugged mountains and cliffs, blow holes, white sandy
beach and more. The beach offers water sport activities and also has a restaurant located on the beach. Taqah castle: The castle that stands tall in the centre of the town
is well worth a visit. Renovated in recent years by the Ministry of Tourism, Taqa castle is an important historical monument, dating from the 19th century, exhibiting the architectural quality that is worthy
of praise. It is now used as a museum to exhibit old artefacts and handicrafts that speak of its glorious past of the Dhofari town of Taqa. The town being a major shipping port for frankincense and myrhh,
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shelter and you get a feel of the past with coloured paintings of animals on the cave walls. At the end of the wadi, there comes a cave, considered to be the largest natural cave in Oman. Shisr: As a site for ‘The Lost City of Ubar,’ Shisr is on the UNESCO World Heritage List discovered in 1992 by a NASA satellite, having been buried under the desert sands for centuries. Thought to be a major hub on the caravan route between trading cities of the region, the town was reputed to be opulent. It flourished as a centre for trading local fragrances with exotic goods from the East. Ubar’s ancient history was narrated by successive generations of Arab desert dwellers and explorers in a number of ancient books and travelogues. Speculation is rife whether or not the excavated ruins behind Shisr are the famed Ubar of history, though the place bears great historical significance. Artefacts dating back several thousand years have been excavated by archaeologists who are still working on the site.
worth more than gold, had led to a prosperous local economy. Taqah is a favourite destination for Omanis as it represents the birthplace of their beloved sultan, HM Sultan Qaboos. Today, Taqah is a fishing port and reputed for its sun-dried sardines. The village itself is known
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for traditional stone houses. Wadi Darbat: One of the most beautiful valleys in the Arabian Peninsula, Wadi Darbat flows to the sea at Khawr Rawri. After heavy rains during khareef (JuneSeptember) there is an impressive
Celebrating Oman’s 47th Renaissance Day
waterfall at the southern end of the wadi. The area is dense with vegetation. Nomads camp around the valley while their camels graze on the lush pastures. You can often see white storks feeding in this wadi. There are many cave chambers once used by the shepherds as
Wadi Dawkah: Visit the UNESCO Frankincense Nature Reserve at Wadi Dawkah. This site of UNESCO World Heritage Listing is Wadi Dawkah, a protected stretch of over 1,000 frankincense trees situated about 40km north of Salalah. The precious sap from these trees and others across the country fetched the Sultanate great wealth
throughout history, and linked it with other nations through its trade as far as Europe and China.
Legacy of the past Frankincense trail: The frankincense trees have contributed to the prosperity of the frankincense trade in the region for several centuries. Still used in important ceremonies including religious festivals, frankincense also remains a symbol of Omani hospitality. Its fragrant resin is today burned throughout the Sultanate to welcome guests. The Frankincense Trail is a site in Oman that includes frankincense trees and the remains of a caravan oasis, crucial to the medieval incense trade. The Frankincense Trail has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sumhuram: The impressive ruins of the fortress and of the palace of Sumhuram, perched on the cliff of Khawr Rawri, might be the remains of Queen Sheba’s Palace. The ancient port of Sumhuram port was one of the key points to ship frankincense, myrrh and slaves from the 1st to the 7th century. This place is one of the four sites on the UNECSO ‘Land of the Frankincense Trade’ World Heritage List. Archaeologists seek to excavate more of this once flourishing city.
Sumhuram has commanding views over the waters of Khawr Rawri and the ocean, a critical factor in monitoring ships and ensuring the safety of the town from raiders. Nabi Ayoub: Visit the biblical Prophet Job’s Tomb, an Islamic pilgrimage site, known in this region as Nabi Ayoub. In this tomb, perched up on the Jebal Ittin, the remains of the prophet can be found. The walls of the tomb are decorated with verses from the Holy Quran. Next to the tomb a small stone mosque is located where Nabi Ayoub’s right foot print can be seen. Ruins of Khawr Rhori: This is the largest reserve in the governorate of Dhofar. It is attractive to tourists as it contains Khawr Rhori port, famously known as Sumharam. The port was often mentioned in Greek, Hellenic and Arabic historical scrolls, being the main port for the export of frankincense in Dhofar. The khawr (lagoon) is not only a nature reserve, but an important heritage reserve as well, and has been included in the World Heritage List. It helps to maintain the ecological balance by being the natural habitat of many fish, birds and plants.
Other attractions Shop for souvenirs: Al Hafah Souq lies 3km from the city of Salalah. It is surrounded by lofty coconut trees and is the perfect place to buy the best incense, not only in Dhofar, but also in the Sultanate. Al Hafah Souq
is replete with a variety of products, including traditional textiles, gold and silver jewellery as well as many other artefacts. Enjoy water sports: Tourists can enjoy a variety of water sports in
the various beaches of Dhofar. The Arabian Sea has high tides, thus one can indulge in fast water sport activities. Sea fishing is also a popular sport in the Dhofar coasts. You will find varieties of fishes including large shoals of sardines and lobsters.
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Beautiful Oman
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Gateway of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
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A view of the interior of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
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Muttrah Corniche city lights at night
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Beautiful Bilad Sayt
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A traditional boat in the sea of Oman
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Camels sauntering through the Omani desert
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Beautiful Yiti beach
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Amazingly beautiful beach of the coast of Oman
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Lake Hatta
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A view of Al Hajar Mountains
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A birds-eye-view of the village in Wahiba Sands
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Tranquil water of Oman
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Underwater life on the coral reefs of Oman
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Wadi Shab
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A boat in the fjord of Oman
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Fjords in Musandam
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Canoeing through the fjords
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Tranquil waters of Khasab
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