logo top bar

          

Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan welcome you to Oman, a country located at the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Travel guide for Oman

• Stroll along the beautiful streets of Muscat

• Hike the largely unexplored region of Wadi Shab

• Enjoy the traditional music of Oman

Oman has a long and prosperous history as a maritime nation surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The country’s coastline extends over 3,165 km, and Sinbad the Sailor – who appears in the Arabian Nights – is said to have set sail from the port city of Sohar in Oman.

Maintaining “omnidirectional peaceful diplomacy”

Oman is a peaceful nation, one of few globally with a stance of “omnidirectional peaceful diplomacy.” Under the policy adopted by the late Sultan His Majesty Qaboos bin Said, the country’s foreign policy is based on peace and dialogue, and has maintained a state of stability free from conflict and terrorism for the past 50 years.

Oman’s foreign policy, which contributes to solving problems and maintaining stability not only within the region but also throughout the Middle East, is highly recognized around the world. This fundamental policy has been inherited by the Sultan of Oman His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, and the nation’s presence in the Middle East region continues to grow. As a maritime nation that has extended its interactions with the rest of the world, its people are also characterized by their gentle and open nature. Also, while Islam is the nation’s state religion, it is also tolerant of different cultures and religions.

Muscat, a city surrounded by picturesque mountains

Muscat is Oman’s largest port, located on the Gulf of Oman, and also serves as the country’s political, economic and cultural center. Muscat translates to “a beautiful land floating in a valley” and is surrounded by 2,500-meter-high mountains. As its name implies, the city offers spectacular views.

Muscat’s architecture is characterized by white, low structures with Arabian-style windows and roofs. The uniform cityscape gives a beautiful, chic impression, creating an exotic atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

In particular, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque located in the heart of Muscat has an especially powerful presence. The mosque features majestic Islamic architecture and elaborate carvings, and is decorated with one of the world’s largest Persian carpets. It holds great value not only as a place of worship, but also as an architectural monument.

It’s highly recommended to visit at dusk, when the mosque is beautifully illuminated.

 

Beautifully interwoven sea, mountains and nature

Oman has a diverse natural environment with beautiful seas, mountains and lush plateaus. Let’s take a tour of some of the sites where visitors can appreciate nature’s rich beauty.

Wadi Shab

“Wadi” means river valley in Arabic. There are many such wadis in Oman, with one of the most popular being Wadi Shab, located 150 km east of Muscat. The rugged rocky mountains, clear emerald-green mountain streams and untouched natural landscape attract many visitors.

Falaj Daris

“Falaj” refers to a traditional irrigation system that joins the bottom of a well with a horizontal tunnel. Falaj also means “to share nice things,” an important facet of the infrastructure that has provided people with a sense of well-being for more than 2,000 years in Oman’s desert landscapes.

The falaj irrigation system uses highly sophisticated technology, including civil engineering techniques that utilize slight differences in elevation and sundials to ensure equal control of water volume. It is also a system that symbolizes Oman’s exceptional spirit of “coming together to support one another.”

Of the more than 3,000 falaj irrigation systems in the country, five have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The oldest of these is considered to be the Falaj Daris.

Oman’s music culture

A unique music culture has developed in Oman as a result of the exchange of diverse civilizations spanning India, Persia, East Africa and the Orient. Today, new musical styles that incorporate pop, rock, jazz and other genres are also being created by young artists.

Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM)

The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) opened in 2011 and is one of the most prominent opera houses in the Middle East. It was designed in the name of a former Sultan who had a deep love for the arts. The eight-story structure has three basement levels and five above-ground floors, as well as a theater, art center, gardens and other facilities across the large 25,000 square-meter site.

World-class artists from Spain, Italy, the USA, Japan and other countries have been invited to perform here, marking the facility a symbol of Oman’s culture open to the international community.

Traditional music of Oman

In Oman, there are more than 130 different forms of traditional song and dance that have been passed down orally and through other practical means. Some of the most well-known examples include “Al-Maidan,” a song sung by sailors on long-distance voyages, and “Al-Wahoubi,” a dance performed in desert regions.

Music from Oman – YouTube

 

Lastly, please enjoy some performances by musicians recommended by the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Japan.

  1. The complete operetta, Voice of the Renaissance Anthem, 8 panels, poetry by the late writer: Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Taie – Sultanate of Oman

 

  1. The people were delighted with operetta- the art of AlBaraa – the Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations –

 

  1. Music of Oman (Omani Music)

A collection of songs reflecting Oman’s musical culture in a variety of genres. From folk, country and popular to rock, techno and trance, this playlist offers a wide range of musical expression and harmony with Omani sonorities and instruments.

 

What did you think of your music journey to the Sultanate of Oman? There are still many more places to go! Please look forward to our next destination.

(Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Japan, who also provided photos.)

Min-On Concert Association
-Music Binds Our Hearts-

DONATION