Muscat, Oman

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is located in the northern part of the country near the United Arab Emirates.  Muscat has a mountainous, desert topography and dry, sunny climate.  Compared to India, this is paradise ... excellent roadways, no motor scooters or tuk-tuks, no litter, no traffic jams, lovely homes and and modern shops.  The people are very welcoming and most speak English, although Arabic is the national language.  Our tour visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Amouage Perfume factory, a private museum with an eclectic collection of antiquities, and a delicious buffet lunch at Kargeen Caffe.

The Grand Mosque, opened in 2001, is one of the most elegant and expensive Islamic mosques in the world.  It is constructed of Indian sandstone, has marble courtyards, can hold 20,000 worshipers, and the main prayer hall has the world's largest chandelier and a hand-made Persian carpet that measures 210 feet by 180 feet.  It is visually stunning!

Oman is the only place where frankincense trees grow.  The dried sap from the trees is said to have helpful medicinal properties and is burned for its spicy aroma.

Entering the port of Muscat

Islamic mosque near the port

Outside the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Touring the mosque

Women's prayer hall, much smaller and plainer than
men's prayer hall

Entering the men's prayer hall

Beautiful alcove at end of men's prayer hall

Close up of the dome area of the main prayer hall

Beautiful tile mosaics on the walls

Our guide, Nooh, showing us the ablution process

View of the Grand Mosque from inside

Perfume factory

Display of weapons at Bait Adam Museum (privately owned)

Outside dining area at Kargeen Caffe

at the Muscat Muttrah souq