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Heritage & Culture
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Forts and castles
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Nakhl Fort
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Nakhl Fort is within an hour's drive of Muscat and provides
a morning of sight-seeing. The fort is 350 years old and is set in a gorge, surrounded
by a mountain enclave. In 1990, sympathetic restoration work began, using traditional
building materials and period furnishings. The carved master gate is believed to
date back to the 1830's during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan.
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Al-Jalali Fort
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Al-Jalali Fort perches on top of a rock on the eastern side of the old harbour of
Muscat , overlooking the majestic Al-Alam Palace . Its name is thought to be derived
from the Persian name Jalal.
The fort was originally built in the early 16th century by the Portuguese captain
Melkior Calaca, with more fortifications and towers being added towards the latter
half of the century. Upon its capture by Omani forces in 1650, it was gradually
strengthened and rebuilt into its present form.
Al-Jalali is fortified by two towers, connected by a long wall with cannon slits.
Rainwater was collected in a reservoir. Apart from access over a small bridge and
stairway next to one of its towers, the fort is entirely cut off and cannot be reached
by land.
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Al-Mirani Fort
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The impregnable Fort of Al-Mirani tops the western rocks of Muscat Bay , flanking
Al-Alam Palace . It is thought to be named after one of its Portuguese inhabitants.
The fort was originally built in the early 16th century by the Portuguese, who used
it as their major headquarters during the 60 years of their occupation of Oman .
Towards the latter half of the century, they added more fortifications and towers
to the fort. In 1610 a dock was constructed at the base of the fortification, equipped
with a low-level battering ram to repel attacks from passing ships. In 1650, Omani
forces expelled the Portuguese, and gradually rebuilt and strengthened the fort
into its present form.
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Nizwa Fort
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Nizwa Fort, (
A 'Dakhliyah ) built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'arubi in 1668, is the biggest
fort in the Arabian Peninsula with an exterior diameter of its circular structure
of 150 feet, and over 115 feet high. The fort was once used as the Imam's headquarters
and is a stronghold designed to withstand some of the most aggressive sieges.
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Bahla Fort
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Main feature is its 7-mile long walls which were patrolled
by sentries night and day. The Fort's internal staircases and walls were built of
mud, coated with gypsum and sarooj (a traditional type of mortar) which are as hard
and solid as present-day cement. UNESCO has approved Bahla Fort and Wall for inclusion
in its World Heritage List.
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Khassab Castle
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Located opposite to the seacoast in Welayat Khasab in the
north of Oman . It consists of four buildings surrounded by a wall and it was built
in the sixth century A.D. The Ministry restored it in 1989.
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Jabrin Fort
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Jabrin Fort was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'arubi in 1670 as a defensive
stron ghold and as living accommodation for the Imam. It has rooms and ceilings
decorated with fine carvings. It has two huge towers with walls two metres thick.it
was built by Bil'arab bin Sultan, an Imam of the Ya'aruba dynasty during the 17th
century. It is one of the most impressive forts in the Sultanate and the details
and carvings in the rooms and balconies are most elaborate . Finely painted flowers
and symbols are found on the ceilings in the 'living' rooms. The tomb of Imam Bil'arab
remains within the fort.
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Al Hazm Castle
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Located in Al Hazm town in Welayat Rustaq. It was built by
Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.) in ( 1123 A.H.–1711 A.D.) when he established Al
Hazm town as a capital of Oman instead of Rustaq. The Castle is distinctive from
other Omani Castle and forts by its magnificent shape and massive building. It contains
the tomb of its builder / Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.). It was restored by the
Ministry in (1416 A.H. - 1996 A.D.).
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Sohar Fort
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Located in Harat Al Hajara in Sohar town. Dated back to 179
A.H., It was renovated, to its present shape, in the (Eighth - Ninth century A.H.)
(14th A.H. - 15th A.D.). During the reign of Imam / Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi,
he was able to conquer and expel the Portuguese from this castle. Sohar castle remained
as administration Centre for the ruling Al Busaid dynasty. The Ministry restored
the Fort in 1985 and used it as a museum in 1993 .
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Mirbat Castle
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Dated back to the 19th. century or earlier than that and located
in the Welayat of Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate. This castle played defensive and
administrative roles throughout history. It was restored by the Ministry in 1991
and was officially opened in 1996 on the occasion of the Year of Heritage. It was
furnished and equipped with handicrafts from Dhofar Governorate and from the other
Regions of Oman .
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Al Mintrib Castle
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One of the oldest castles in Welayat Badiya. Built during
the reign of Imam / A'zzan bin Qais Al Busaid ( 1285 A.H. - 1868 ) and was used
in the past as a center for the Welayat. The Ministry restored it in 1989.
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Rustaq Fort
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Is amongst the oldest, is the tallest, and is surrounded
by watch towers. (Al Batinah ) ori ginally known as Qalat Al Kisra, was built in
the 13th century. It has four towers: Al Burj Al Ahmar; Al Burj Al Hadeeth; Al Burj
Al Reeh; and Al Burj Ashiateen (which means, ominously, the devil's tower). A falaj
ran through the fort to supply water to its inhabitants. Should this become contaminated,
the inhabitants were able to rely on a well. There are many rooms to this fort and
it also boasts a mosque, weapons' room, prison, and reception area.
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Al Khandaq Castle
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Located in Hamasa town in Welayat Buraimi. It was
called ( Al Khandaq ) because of the ditch surrounding it . It is a square shape
building with four circular towers and a main gate surrounded by high fences . The
Ministry restored it in 1994.
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Barka Fort
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Barka Fort is perhaps the most impressive of Oman 's massive sand fortresses. Here
an inscription records the name of Ahmad bin Said, the first imam of the Al-Bu Said
dynasty, and victor of Oman 's final battle with the Persians.
A major landmark on Al-Batinah coast, the fort is located a few hundred meters from
the shore of the Gulf of Oman , and dates back to the reign of Imam Saif bin Sultan
Al-Ya'arubi. It features a unique octagonal tower with two restored watchtowers
at the rear, which were once part of the defensive town wall
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Qurayyat Fort
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Just inland from the sea, roughly 80 Km from the Capital city
of Muscat , Qurayyat Fort sits on the outskirts of a breathtaking mountainous road,
protecting the Wilayat centre and surrounding palm plantations.A unique triangular
watchtower, perched atop a small rocky islet, stands guard over the harbour area.
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Sadah Fort
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Sadah Fort dates back to the era of Sultan Taimour bin Faisal Al-Bu Saidi, perhaps
earlier as suggested by the inscriptions on the lintel. The fort is the easternmost
of a string of fortifications protecting the coast of Dhofar .
Despite its remote location, Sadah is a prosperous community, boasting a thriving
traditional abalone fishery and a history of lucrative frankincense trading. The
homes of wealthy myrrh merchants still stand on the foreshore of the town.
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Al-Hillah Fort
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Al-Hillah Fort, notable for its distinctive plasterwork motifs, is situated at the
heart of Al-Buraimi Oasis, Al-Buraimi Governorate.
The strategic location of Al-Buraimi on the overland route between Sohar and the
Arabian Gulf made it a focal point of constant conflicts in past centuries.
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Al-Khandaq Fort
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Located in Hamasa town in Wilayat Al-Buraimi, the fort provides an excellent example
of an Omani trenched stronghold.
The use of a defensive trench or dry moat is an ancient strategy which was employed
in the protection of Omani cities, castles and fortresses in pre-Islamic times.
The fort was restored in 1994.
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As-Suwaiq Fort
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Located in the Wilayat of As-Suwaiq, west of Barka on the Gulf of Oman , the fort
is distinguished by three round corner towers and a square keep in the fourth corner
in the style of pre-cannon architecture.
In the early 1800's the fort was famously defended by the wife of the Suwaiq Wali
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Bait An-Nuaman
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Amidst farmland and palm groves to the west of the town of Barka in Al-Batinah Region
stands Bait An-Na'aman, an elegant example of a 17th-century fortified palace. The
construction of the stronghold is among the many achievements of the political and
economic renaissance that took place under the rule of the Al-Ya'aruba Imams.
The building is a two-storey square structure with round towers rising three stories
high in each corner.
The lobby leads to a main hall with rooms on both sides and a staircase leading
to the second floor. The south-western tower is characterised by a unique dome-shaped
ceiling.
Serving as a guesthouse for distinguished travellers, the rural stronghold of Bait
An-Na'aman continued to be used until a few decades ago.
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Ibri Fort
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Ibri is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Oman . Ibri Fort, a remnant of the
original walled city, is a robust structure built to withstand time and a harsh
environment.
Within its walls is the beautifully restored Friday Mosque, which continues to serve
the people of Ibri to this day.
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Bait Ar-Radaidah
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The 17th century bastion of Bait Ar-Radaidah is some 24km from Nizwa at the beginning
of Wadi Mu'aiden in A'Dakhliyah.
Combining the traditional elements of defensive and native architecture, its thick
turreted perimeter walls of mud brick belie an elegant interior, featuring polylithic
arches, painted ceilings and elaborate plasterwork
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As-Sunaisilah Fort
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The fort stands high on a knoll overlooking the harbour and the boat-building yards
of Sur in Ash-Sharqiyah Region.
For more than 300 years, the fort has witnessed the continuous interaction between
the people of Sur and the sea. The design of the fort is a true reflection of the
architectural style of that era, with an overall archetypal square plan with round
towers at each of its four corners.
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Bilad Sur Fort
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Bilad Sur Fort in Wilayat Sur, A'Sharqiyah Region, stands proudly among lush groves
of date palms.
Strategically sited inland from the sea and a defence against raiding invaders from
the interior, the fort is part of a comprehensive network of regional defences that
originally comprised five fortresses and numerous watchtowers.
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Jalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort
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The fort of Jalan Bani Bu Hassan was built as part of a defensive system and was
originally part of a vast protective barricade for the city. The city itself is
famous for its Arabian horses and skillful equestrians that perform on special occasions
such as weddings, festivals and other ceremonial occasions.
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Entrance Fees
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Adults: 500 Baisas
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Children 6-12 years: 200 Baisas
(100 Baisas when accompanied by family)
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Special holiday discount for Eid al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and National Day, and on April
18th (International Heritage Day):
Adults: 300 Baisas
Children 6-12 years: 100 Baisas
Official Visits and School Groups are free
For more information about forts visit :
www.mhc.gov.om/english &
www.omantourism.gov.om
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Archaeological Sites
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Ubar : It lies in Shisr district, south of the Empty Quarter desert
some 170 kms north of Salalah. Islamic sources refer to it as the home of the Azd
people and record that the overland frankincense and incense trade route passed
through the Empty Quarter . Carried out surveys and exploratory work on the site
found pottery, glass, incense containers and fragments of chess set which dates
it from the 1st century BC up to the early and middle Islamic period. It would appear
that the site flourished as a trade centre up to the beginning of the 16th century
AD when it ceased to be of commercial importance following the collapse of the frankincense
trade.
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Sumharam : It is adjacent to the lagoon on the coastal strip in Taqa,
40 kms east of Salalah. Historical sources and archaeological exploration indicated
that the history of this city spans several eras ? some dating back as far as the
1st century BC to the 3rd century AD and others date from the 4th century BC. Inscriptions
in the South Arabian alphabet give clues which indicate the city was built to reinforce
its people's control over the frankincense trade. Coins also found indicate it was
the site referred to as Sumharam and the port of Moscha in two Greek texts dating
from the period between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
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Al-Bleed : It lies on Salalah's coastal strip and covers an area of
640,000 square metres. During the Middle Ages the town played an important role
in world trade through its harbor and links with the ports of China , India , Sind
, Yemen and East Africa, as well as with Iraq and Europe . The area was inhabited
from the end of the 5th and beginning of the 4th millennia BC. The city was re-established
in the 10th century AD
The main archaeological discoveries in al Baleed include the great mosque which
has around 144 pillars. It has outbuildings, a minaret and is believed to have been
built during the 13th century AD and remained in use until the 17th century AD.
The city is surrounded by a moat.
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Ras Al-Hamra : The site was discovered by archaeological survey conducted
in the 1970, but the actual excavations started in 1980. The site dates back to
the middle of the fourth millennium BC.
Excavations revealed the presence of settlements built of sand, shells, fish bones,
ash, and coal. The findings contain fishing tools, hooks made of shell, while the
net - sinkers, Hammers and Axes were made of stone and women's ornaments made of
shells.
It is noted that the skeletons discovered in the site were buried in a sitting position
facing the sea (the source of subsistence); some of the skeletons were grasping
pieces of pearls. The site was called (The early Omani Fishermen Civilization).
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Bat Tombs : Located to the east of Ibri. Archaeological excavations
commenced in 1976. UNESCO listed the site in 1988 as World Heritage. Two types of
cemeteries were discovered in Bat Necropolis: Umman - Nar Tomb and the "Beehive
Tomb", dated back to 3000 B.C. Important
findings include objects of red pottery ware and other red color pottery of good
quality decorated with horizontal black lines in addition to pottery objects with
holders for hanging some of carnelian beads and copper flakes were found in the
site.
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Ras Al-Jinz : It is located in Sur. Excavations started in this site
in 1985. It is a settlemen t consisting of several buildings made of sun - dried
mud bricks. The most important findings are: A pinkish potsherd bearing a four -
sign inscriptions of Indus Valley Civilization; and a Frankincense burner made of
limestone dated back to the year 2200 ? 2100 B.C, two objects of stone vessels made
of Porphyry dated to the early Egyptian Civilization and different collection of
necklaces and stamp seals.
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AlManzifah : It is located in the lower part of Ibra (Sufalat). Although
the buildings are crumbling, it is clear what an impressive town this was. There
are four storied houses with elaborately designed crenellations. The arches and
plasterwork display fine craftsmanship. The wooden doors are substantial with handmade
bolts and nails complementing the intricate carvings.
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Wadi Dawkah : Wadi Dawkah is part of a chain of sites that have been
historically linked to the Dhofar region's frankincense and incense trade. It lies
beyond the northern slopes of the Dhofar mountain range some 35 kms north of Salalah
and here frankincense trees (Boswelia sacra) grow in abundance.
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Bait Al-Qufl : Or 'House of the Lock' is a miniature stronghold built
of local stone to store supplies of grain, dates and other items crucial to the
survival of the household; a form of architecture unique to Musandam. The roof is
made from timbers of acacia, covered with a mix of earth and gravel with an edging
of stone blocks. Inside, the floor is about one metre below ground and there are
raised slabs for storing goods. Entry is difficult as the heavy door extends to
the sunken floor, opens inwards and is deeply recessed. It is secured by an elaborate
locking system which gives the structure its name.
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Qalhat : The original town stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, but
today only remnants of the city walls remain. In the 13th century, it was the main
port of trade with the interior and was famous for its export of horses to, and
import of spices from India . In the 14th century, the town was destroyed by a major
earthquake. When the Portuguese occupied the area in the early 16th century, they
made the town their outhernmost stronghold until they were evicted towards the end
of the century. The town soon declined to become an outpost of Sur. The tomb of
the holy lady, Bibi Maryam, stands high upon the cliff top. Now crumbling, it was
once a splendid edifice, its domed interior covered in glazed colourful tiles.
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Mosques
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The Ground Mosque
In 1992 Sultan Qaboos directed that his country of Oman should have a Grand Mosque.
A competition for its design took place in 1993 and after a site was chosen at Bausher
construction commenced in 1995. Building work, which was undertaken by Carillion
took six years and four months.
The Mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. The main musalla (prayer
hall) is square (external dimensions 74.4 x 74.4 metres) with a central dome rising
to a height of fifty metres above the floor. The dome and the main minaret (90 metres)
and four flanking minarets (45.5 metres) are the mosque's chief visual features.
The main musalla can hold over 6,500 worshippers, while the women's musalla can
accommodate 750 worshippers. The outer paved ground can hold 8,000 worshippers and
there is additional space available in the interior courtyard and the passageways,
making a total capacity of up to 20,000 worshippers.
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Zawawi Mosque : This mosque was built by Sheik Zawawi. The dome
is shaped like an inverted lotus and is made of pink marble covered in 22-carat
gold leaf.
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AlMuthmar Mosque : Located in Sumail
The first mosque in Oman (the Islam's spreading out point into Oman )
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Al Muzara'ah Mosque : Located in Sumail
Built in 1567 AD
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Nakhl mousque : Located in Nakhal
Built in 1586 AD
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Al A'ali mosque : Located im Manah
Built in 909 AD
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Al Halilah Mosque : Located in Ibri
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Abu Baqarah Mosque : Located In Shinas
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Qasr Mosque : Located In Sumail
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Al Jamia Mousque : Located In Jalan Bani Bu-ali ,Built in the 17th
century
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AL Shuathnh Mosque : Located in Nizwa
Built in 1529 AD
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Old Souq
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Muttrah Souq
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One of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman is in Muttrah, on the Corniche. Gold and
silver jewellery is found in abundance as well as numerous wooden carvings, ornaments
and spices. Muttrah souq is a maze of pathways leading in and out of each other.
'Household' goods make up the bulk of the souq, but browsing through some of the
smaller shops may result in a lucky find. Bargaining is a must, however. Gold and
silver are well priced and mainly sold by weight. Good buys are
silver khanjars (the traditional Omani dagger, worn by men) and incense
burners .
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Nizwa souq
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Nizwa souq hosts a lively cattle market early each Friday morning where cows, goats
and sheep are auctioned. The obstinate behaviour of the animals often provides great
amusement for the spectators. There is an abundance of local handicrafts and produce
in the covered souq. Silversmiths can be seen hammering patterns into the hilts
of khanjars and women sell the birka, a glittering, embroidered facemask worn by
local ladies.
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Sinaw souq
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Sinaw souq is best visited early in the morning on weekends. It has similar ware
to Nizwa souq, including a cattle market. Some of the silver shops sell the old
silver Bedouin jewellery, but you have to look hard. This is actually the new souq,
the old one being situated to the rear. The old one is now abandoned.
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Ibra souq
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Ibra souq is open to all, as long as you are female! It is a fairly recent innovation,
opened in 1990 and is held on Wednesday mornings. It is the only souq in Oman which
lends itself totally to the needs of women. Lotions, cosmetics, powders, textiles,
perfumes and henna are amongst some of the items on sale .
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Al Dhalam Souq
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Al Dhalam (darkness) Market in Muttrah is one of the most popular bazaars in Muscat
. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where
the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers need lamps to know
their destinations.
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Falaj
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Means a system for the distribution of water and is commonly used to describe the
irrigation channel system downstream of the water's source. Some of them were built
more than 1,500 years ago, whilst others were built at the beginning of the 20th
century. The genius of the Omani builders is evident in the way they tunneled into
the ground to a depth of dozens of meters in order to gain access to the groundwater.
These channels were truly a miracle of engineering at a time when mechanical equipment
was not available. There are now over 4,000 aflaaj scattered throughout the country
Aflaaj can be divided into 3 types:
1. The Dawudi: these are long tunnels dug into the ground.
2. The Aini: these derive water from a spring, including a hot spring.
3. The Ghayli: a channel tapping a flow in the upper gravels of a wadi.
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Falaj Daris
Located in Al-Jeela village, Willayat Sur is an Aini falaj fed by Wadi Shab and
this is a remote village. It is the main water source of the village with a total
length of its open (not covered) channel of (161) meters, which starts from the
wellhead and ends at the water catchments basin and is used for irrigation of plants
such as palm and pomegranate and some other seasonal plants. The cultivated area
is estimated to be 10034 square meters while the total demand area is 14000 square
meters. It is also used for other domestic purposes.
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Falaj Al-Khatmeen
Located in Niabat Birkat Al-Mauz, Willayat Nizwa. It is one of the most important
Daudi falaj fed by Wadi Al Maiden, which is characterized by its abundant flow during
rainfall. It is of a total length from the mother well up to Sharia (the point at
which water first appear on the surface of the earth) about 2450 meters. It is very
accurate in its distribution of the falaj water and permanent flow throughout the
year. One of its channels passes through one of the famous forts in Oman called
Bait Al-Radidah which was build during Yoruba era during the period 1649-1711. Therefore
it is one of Niabat Birkat Al-Mauz archeological features.
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Falaj Al-Malki
Located in Willayat Izki and it is another archeological feature inscribed in the
World Heritage List. It is one of the most ancient falaj in Oman . It is called
after Malik bin Fahm Al-Azdi and one of the largest falaj in terms of its branches
which total to 17 branches. It irrigates a large area of plants and palm trees gardens.
It is divided into two divisions one to irrigate Al-Nazar area and the other Al-Yemen
area which are considered ancient archeological sites in Oman . Due to climate conditions
of the area in terms of low rainfall in addition to severe pressure faced by the
reservoir feeding the falaj as a result of development expansion, the falaj water
flow declined particularly during droughts, but the structure and the falaj channel
are still in good condition and it was provided by a number of support wells to
flow in its Sharia so as to enhance its water flow, but still the falaj water deficit
is great.
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Falaj Al-Mayser
It is one of the Adai deep falaj, where the depth reaches 50 meters under the surface
and it is one of the most important falaj in Willayat Al-Rustaq with a large flow
of water. The total length of its channels is 5783 meters. It is characterized by
its permanent flow as it is fed by two different wadis comprised of sedimentary
layers. Local people, who are estimated to be 7000 people, depend on this falaj
for irrigation of their agricultural land which its area is 1133698 square meters.
The falaj is divided in the town into two divisions. The falaj water is pure, where
the EC value 508 MS/cm, pH value 7.61 and temperature 31.9º C and the water flow
is affected by both wadis Al-Fara and Al-Sin flow where it may increase to reach
900 l/s during the rise in the water levels and decreases to reach 100 l/s during
the decline in the water levels.
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Museums
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| The National Museum
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Brief
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Previously known as the Museum of Bait Assayed / Nadir bin Faisal bin Turki, this
museum open in 1978. It contains silver ornaments, copper crafts and samples of
Omani ships, in addition a letter dated 8th century Hijri sent by the Prophet Mohammed
(Peace be upon him) to the rulers of Oman A'bd and Jaifer Sons of Al Julanda, inviting
the people of Oman to Islam.
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Location
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Above Islamic Library - A'Noor Street Ruwi -near the Al Fallaj Hotel
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9.30am – 1.30pm
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Telephone
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968 24701289
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Entry fees
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500 bzs (adults), 200 bzs (children)
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N.A.
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Museum of Omani Heritage
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Brief
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Opened on 17th November 1974, this museum contains detailed archaeological and artefacts
information. The other section contains information about agriculture and minerals,
trade routes, architecture, dhows, firearms, art & crafts of Oman .
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Location
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Behind the Ministry of Information
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Timings
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Sat to Wed 08:00-13:30 hrs,and Thurs 04:00-06:00pm hrs.
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Telephone
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968 24600946
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Entry fees
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500 bzs (adults) 6-12: OMR 0.200, Below 6: OMR 0.100
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N.A.
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Natural History Museum
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Brief
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Opened on 20th December 1985, Gives an interesting tour of Oman 's flora and fauna.
Showcases display the country's indigenous species: mammals, insects, birds, and
the adjoining whale room houses a huge skeleton of a sperm whale which was washed
up on one of Oman 's beaches around 27 years ago
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Location
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Located at Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Al Khuwair
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9.30am – 1.30pm.
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Telephone
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968 24641374
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Entry fees
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500 bzs (adults), 200 bzs (children)
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N.A.
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| Bait al Zubair
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Brief
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Has a vast collection of ancient household equipment, costumes and weapons. Most
of the exhibits have come from the owner's private collection.
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Location
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Old Muscat
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9am – 1pm & 4pm –7pm.
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Telephone
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968 24736688
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Entry fees
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Ro 1.000 (Expel) 500 baz (Omani), 250 baz (childern)
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bazubair@omantl.nt.om
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| Omani - French Museum
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Brief
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The museum was the residence of French Consul known as Bait Faransa. It was presented
as a gift by the Sultan Assayed / Faisal bin Turki to the first French Consul in
Muscat in 1896. It was opened on 29th January 1992 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
bin Said and the late French President François Mitterrand.
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Location
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Old Muscat
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9am – 1pm
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Telephone
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968 24736613
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Entry fees
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500 bzs (adults) and 200 bzs , Under 6: Free
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Evening time f rom October 1st – March 31st.
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| The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
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Brief
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It is located in150 year old Bait Al Falaj fort, the original garrison headquarters
for Sultan Said bin Sultan's Armed Forces. Oman 's military history is explored
using weapons, uniforms, motor vehicles and defense systems. Uniforms, guns ranging
from antique cannons, through early machine guns, to the weapons taken from rebels
in Dhofar, models of vehicles and planes, instruments, medals an ejector seat and
a parachute are displayed. Operated by the Ministry of Defence.
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Location
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Bait Al-Falaj, Al-Mujamma Street , Ruwi.
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Timings
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Sat - Wed: 9:00 - 14:00 - Thu: 9:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 19:00 - Fri: 9:00 - 11:00,
15:30 - 18:00
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Telephone
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968 24312642
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Entry fees
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RO 1 (adults), 500 Bzs (children)
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N.A.
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| The Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre Planetarium
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Brief
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It was donated to the people of Oman by PDO in 1995. The museum takes you to an
interactive journey through Oman 's discovery, extraction and use of fossil fuels.
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Location
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On Seih Al Maleh Street , Qurum
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Timings
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Saturday – Wednesday from 7am – 12noon & 1 – 3.45pm, Thursdays 8am – 12noon
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Telephone
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968 24677834
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Entry fees
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Free Entry
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www.pdo.co.om/planetarium
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Children's Museum
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Brief
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Children of all ages can enjoy scientific experiments through hands on experience.
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Location
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Shatti al Qurum near the Qurum Natural Park
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9.30am – 1.30pm
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Telephone
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968 24605368
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Entry fees
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500 bzs (adults) 100 bzs (children under 12 years)
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N.A.
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Bait Al-Baranda Museum
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Brief
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The museum occupies a 19th century house in Muttrah called Bait Al-Baranda (Veranda
House). The name derives from the distinctive feature of the veranda extending across
the first floor. Since its foundation, the building has undergone a series of renovations
before finally being converted to a museum in October 2006 .
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Location
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Muttrah Corniche, Muttrah.
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Timings
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Sat - Wed: 9:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 18:00 - Thu: 9:00 - 13:00
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Telephone
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968 24714262
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Entry fees
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Adults OMR 1.000, Children: 4-12: OMR 0.500, Under 4: Not allowed.
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N.A.
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Salalah Museum
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Brief
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The museum offers visitors a valuable insight into traditional literature through
a rich collection of historic works, in addition to ancient rocks inscribed in Al-Musnad,
an ancient southern Arabic script.There are also coins from the 11th century and
pottery dating back to the Middle Ages.
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Location
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Within the Cultural Centre, Salalah.
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Timings
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Sat – Wed 7:30 - 14:30
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Telephone
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968 23294549
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Entry fees
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Free
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N.A.
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Sohar Castle Museum
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Brief
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Sohar Castle was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 1993. Through
its 6 sections, the museum tells the story of Sohar through the ages: its stories
and legends, relationships with other civilisations, its period as the capital of
Oman , and the critical role it has played in the history of Oman .
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Location
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Inside the Castle of Sohar , Sohar
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Timings
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Sat – Wed 8:00 - 13:30, 16:00 - 18:00 – Thu 9:00 - 13:00
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Telephone
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968 26844758
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Entry fees
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OMR 0.500 (special discounts for groups) – Children 6-12: OMR 0.200, Under 6: Free
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N.A.
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The Aquarium
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Brief
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Children never rally tire of seeing fishes and his on has just undergone major renovations
with new tanks and new species of fish on display.
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Location
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Marina Science and Fisheries Center - Sidab
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Timings
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Mon – Wed : 8 am to 2 pm , Thu : 8.30 am to 1 pm , Fri : 3 pm to 7 pm
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Telephone
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N.A.
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Entry fees
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Free
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N.A.
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Central Bank of Oman Money Museum
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Brief
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Tracing the twists and turns of history behind the world money is the Central Bank
of Oman Money Museum . The prize possession of the currency museum is a silver dirham
dated 81 AH – first coin to bear the name of the country Oman .
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Location
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Central Bank of Oman - Ruwi
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Timings
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Sat-Wed : 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
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Telephone
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968 24796102
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Entry fees
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N.A.
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Nahkl Fort
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Brief
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Operated by the Ministry of Tourism, this restored Fort on the Batinah coast contains
an interesting display of Historic guns. Located one hundred miles southwest of
Muscat , this fort was built between 1670 and 1680 to protect a local oasis and
trade routes passing through the regional capital of Nizwa. The fort and a weekly
goat auction market every Friday attracts local Bedouin are reminders of the past
in an otherwise modern city.
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Location
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Nahkl town 1 ½ hrs from Muscat
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Timings
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Saturday - Thursday from 9am - 4pm
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Telephone
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968 26781384
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Entry fees
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N.A.
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Muscat Gate Museum
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Brief
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The Muscat Gate House Museum , housed in a fort-like building across a road leading
out of old Muscat opened in January 2001. Displays cover Oman 's history from Neolithic
times to the present. There is a special exhibit on Muscat 's water springs, ancient
wells, underground channels, souqs, houses, mosques, harbours and forts.
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Location
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On Muttrah Corniche, Al Bahri Road to Old Muscat
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Timings
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Saturday – Thursday from 9.30 11.30am & 4.30 – 7pm
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Telephone
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968 99328754 (Curator Homaid Al Raji)
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Entry fees
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N.A.
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For more information visit: www.omanet.om
/ www.omantourism.gov.om
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