5 Must-See Sites in Muscat, Oman

As seen on Oman’s national emblem, the khanjar is a short, curved blade worn in special ceremonies. You can find different types of khanjars in souks throughout the region. The khanjar dates back multiple centuries and is a symbol of power and authority. © Pivariz | Dreamstime.com

Muscat’s coastal location on the Gulf of Oman has made the city a port town for centuries. Today, many ports in the city are home to massive yachts and sail boats. One of the most important ports in the city is Sultan Qaboos Port. Muscat has a long history of shipbuilding and you can often spot traditional dhow boats on the water, too. © Waupee | Dreamstime.com

Home to many souqs (large marketplaces), one of Muscat’s most notable is Mutrah Souq. This long-running bazaar sells everything from khanjar to clothing to spices to antiques and more. © Lukasz Kasperek | Dreamstime.com

See the largest mosque in Oman at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Completed in 2001, this massive, stone mosque was made with about 300,000 tons of imported Indian sandstone. Within the mosque lies the prayer carpet, a 21-ton carpet that took four years to make. A 46-foot-tall chandelier, once the world’s largest, can also be found within. The main musalla can hold more than 6,500 worshippers. © Galinasavina | Dreamstime.com

Oman’s premier venue for the musical arts, The Royal Opera House Muscat, built in 2011, comprises a concert theater, cultural market with retail and luxury restaurants, art center for productions, and formal gardens. Iconic performers like Andrea Bocelli and Renée Fleming have performed here. © Typhoonski | Dreamstime.com