Surrounded by tall peaks and desert on all sides, the port city of Muscat, borders the Gulf of Oman. The name Muscat translates to ‘safe anchorage’ and it is still a city that relies very much on the sea. Trade goods are brought by sea as are tourists on cruise ships. Once ashore, there are historic sites to visit, magnificent deserts to explore, sandy beaches on which to catch some sun and more. Among its more modern amenities you will find shopping malls and serviced apartments. Muscat is a city, quite unlike any other; it has retained much tradition in its general way of life and architecture. There are a limited number of high rises and a uniformity across all buildings. Each one is required to maintain a traditional appearance with a dome or an arabesque window and The Somerset Panorama Muscat, constructed atop the Panorama Mall, is no different.
Royal Opera House, established by Royal Decree, opened in 2001 as Oman’s premier venue for the musical arts and culture. It placed Oman on the international stage. Constructed by the same architects that built the Grand Mosque, another prominent landmark in the region, it is a spectacular creation. A magnificent marble exterior houses an interior of inlaid wood and Arabesque designs. A number of skillfully hand crafted ornaments decorate the corridors and passageways.
The Opera House’s first year in operation brought some of the most famous names in opera and ballet to Omani stage. Each year performances of ballet and dance, family entertainment, jazz, opera and more pack the schedule. The aim is to bring together rich and diverse artistic creations not just from Oman and the neighbouring regions but from across the world. There is even an education and outreach programme that consists of public tours, open houses, workshops, seminars and pre-performance talks in English and Arabic.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
