TURATH: THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF OMAN A collaboration between Bait Al Zubair Museum and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat
Oman is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and worldwide celebrated Omani hospitality. To further highlight the depth of the Omani heritage, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, one of the Sultanate's premier resorts, has partnered with Bait Al Zubair Museum to offer an array of curated experiences that showcases Omani culture through different experiences.
Founded in 1998 and nestled in Muttrah, Bait Al Zubair Museum is a private entity owned by the Zubair Corporation. It houses the Zubair family’s extensive collection of Omani artefacts, a collection that spans several centuries and stands as one of the finest private collections available. The museum's ethnographic artefacts vividly depict the specialized skills inherited through generations, painting a detailed picture of Oman’s society, both historical and contemporary. The Shangri-La complex in Muscat, consisting of a family-friendly resort, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and an adult-only clifftop retreat - Shangri-La Al Husn, invites guests to dive into a series of immersive experiences around the vibrant tapestry of Omani artistry, architecture, culinary delights, leisure and wellness retreats as well as guided tours with the world’s sole Frankincense Sommelier. The Essence of Oman is a gateway to the nation’s abundant heritage presenting a haven where traditions and modernity blend seamlessly.
Pop-up Museum and Art Gallery To introduce Oman’s rich heritage to visitors of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Bait Al Zubair has introduced a mobile museum and an art gallery in Al Bandar hotel. Situated on the hotel's first floor, the space features a diverse range of art by renowned Omani artists, traditional crafts, delicate calligraphy, modern masterpieces, and historical artefacts. Designed with meticulous care, the exhibits offer visitors a captivating glimpse into Oman's rich artistic heritage. For a deeper exploration, guests can opt for guided tours, or take a shuttle coach to the main Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muttrah, where they can delve further into Oman’s cultural legacy and the Zubair family's vast private art collection.
GUIDED TOURS Step back in time with our guided tours, where the past and present of Oman seamlessly intertwine. Our expert guides provide insights into the nation's history, traditions, and cultural progression. True to Omani hospitality, each tour begins with the ceremonial serving of coffee and dates, a symbol of Omani generosity. This tradition is so significant that in 2015, the act of serving coffee was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Tours Bait Al Zubair Museum
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Museum and Art Tour Experience Oman’s rich culture with a personalized tour of the different halls of the museum, once the home of the Zubair family. Delve into the rich Omani heritage displayed through traditional costumes and artifacts, to the fascinating world of Frankincense, its incense, roses and musical instruments. Indulge yourself with authentic Omani cuisine, including Shuwa, Kabsa, Kabouli, Halwa, and a selection of dates.
Conclude with an art tour followed by a coffee session with a seasonal artist presenting his paintings (seasonal workshop and may vary).
Tuesday | From 10.30am – 4pm | OMR 20 per person inclusive of the return shared transfers to the museum Meeting point for guests at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah: Al Bandar hotel at 10am
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Museum & City Tour Embark on a journey through the museum, once the home of the Zubair family, exploring its many halls filled with cultural treasures. Delve into the rich tapestry of Omani heritage, from traditional costumes and accessories to the fascinating world of Frankincense, its incense, roses, and musical instruments. Treat your taste buds to authentic Omani delicacies, including Shuwa, Kabsa, Kabouli, Halwa, and a selection of dates. Conclude the tour with a leisurely walk-through historic Muscat, where you will discover iconic sites, forts, and architectural marvels. Wednesday | From 10.30am - 4pm | OMR 20 per person inclusive of the return shared transfers to the Museum Meeting point for guests at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah: Al Bandar hotel at 10am
Tours Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Join Khalid, the world's sole Frankincense Sommelier at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, as he takes you on an incredible route discovering the history, architecture, and art of the resort, deeply rooted in Oman’s cultural heritage. Every tour at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah culminates at Turath Café, the unique Omani-inspired café offering a delightful array of locally-infused treats and beverages. 3.
Frankincense Tour Step into the captivating world of frankincense. Dive deep into its rich history, tracing its significance along the ancient Silk Route. With Khalid, our dedicated Frankincense Sommelier, uncover the mystique surrounding of this treasured resin. Wander through the resort to the frankincense garden, see firsthand the trees that produce this aromatic gem, and learn about the delicate art of its harvest and benefits.
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday | 4pm - 5.30pm | OMR 10 per person
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Art Tour Oman's rich artistic heritage as it unfolds across the intricate tapestry of Al Bandar, Al Waha, and Al Husn — the three distinct wings of the resort. Decorated with a diverse range of artworks by talented artists, every corner of the resort brims with creativity. At Al Bandar, Sarah White's "Ancient Gateway" stands as a testament to architectural history, while the captivating photographs by His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair echo nature's allure. Journey through Al Waha and encounter the contemporary Omani masterpieces of Hassan Meer, a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Al Husn, the pinnacle of elegance,
houses Anwar Sonya's vivid portrayal of a wedding scene and the calligraphic masterpieces by pioneers like Mohammed Al Sayegh. Each piece encapsulates the spirit of Oman, beckoning guests to immerse themselves in the nation's cultural legacy for years to come.
Tuesday | 5pm - 6.30pm | OMR 5 per person Friday | 4pm - 5.30pm | OMR 5 per person
5.
Culture and Heritage Tour
Explore the intricacies behind each design element, from the grandeur of the staircase, the mesmerising chandeliers and the domes echoing mosque-inspired designs to the ogival arches, drawing from Islamic influences, and the detailed Mashrabiya screens. The resort reflects Oman's rich history, encapsulating three quintessential building traditions: 'Al Husn', representing the Fort or Castle, overlooking and protecting its town ‘Al Bandar’ and 'Al Waha', echoing the essence of a traditional village. Thursday, Friday and Saturday | 10.30am - 1pm | OMR 15 or OMR 30 with lunch
Some hidden facts about Oman
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Bahla fort is the oldest castle in the Arabian Gulf region
Jabel Shams has the highest mountain peak in the region
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The finest types of camels in the Arab world is found in Oman
Majlis al-Jinn Cave is the second largest cave in the world
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Oman’s Falaj system is known to be the oldest irrigation system in the world
Old city of Bahla Walls is considered as the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China
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The country is adorned by more than 500 castles and forts
Oman has the largest dam in the Middle East, called the Wadi Dayqa Dam
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Oman’s landscape and scenery is rich with palm and coconut trees
The total length of Oman’s beaches is 3,200km
EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE ESSENCE OF OMAN
Omani Hospitality Experience the warmth and legendary Omani hospitality from the moment you step into the grand lobby of each resort. From the welcoming smiles of Shangri-La's staff to the traditional greeting with Omani coffee, your journey to embrace the Essence of Oman is about to begin.
Turath Café For an authentic Omani
culinary journey, Turath Café stands as a vibrant hotspot, offering a menu inspired by Oman's diverse flavours. With everything from aromatic frankincense to the sweetness of dates and honey, indulge in tempting pastries, cakes, and local beverages like teas, coffees and smoothies. In the afternoon, relish the signature Omani afternoon high tea, presenting an array of treats that celebrates Omani flavours, perfect for both your palate and Instagram.
Luban Spa As the first and the only Luban Spa in the Sultanate of Oman, the treatments are solely based on the virtues of Frankincense. From essential oils to facials, every product carries the aroma and benefits of frankincense and Omani herbs, transporting you to ancient Arabian wellness traditions. For those wishing to take a piece of this experience home, Frankincense products are available at Luban’s retail shop, located on the second floor of Al Bandar.
Omani Celebrated Cuisine Dining across the complex introduces guests to Oman's unique culinary heritage, from aromatic rice dishes to succulent Shuwa and intriguing frankincense-infused delights and beverages. Make it a must to visit Bait Al Bahr for the freshest seafood and catch of the day or head to Al Tanoor for their special Arabic themed-nights.
Sultanate of Oman
Leisure Activities Enjoy exhilarating camel rides on Al Bandar beach or enjoy the traditional Omani music at the Sablah area, in front of Al Tanoor restaurant. Complimentary tours to the city and Old Muttrah are offered on a weekly basis for guests. Embark on a dhow for a mesmerising sunset cruise or search for playful dolphins during our morning boat trips. Dive enthusiasts can explore Oman's vibrant marine life, including majestic sea turtles. Between January to April, witness the nesting of Hawksbill and Green Turtles on the resort's beaches, with hatchings emerging from June to September.
Bespoke Classic Car Collection Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah boasts a private classic car museum, each car narrating a unique story connected to the destination. Guests can visit the museum, partake in guided tours, capture memorable souvenir, or tour the resort in one of the vintage beauties.
The world’s sole Frankincense Sommelier Not-to-be-missed during your stay is a visit with the Frankincense Sommelier, Khalid Al Abri discovering the Essence of Oman. The resort boasts a garden with 21 Frankincense trees established in 2020 and tours are organised for guests to visit the garden as well as discovering the art and architecture stories around the complex, from Al Waha to Al Bandar and Al Husn.
Activity Booking Center +968 2477 6850 guestinformationcentre.slmu@shangri-la.com shangri-la.com/muscat/barraljissahresort/
P.O. Box 644, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Bait Al Zubair Museum +968 22084700
museum@baitalzubair.com www.baitalzubair.com
P.O. Box 257, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
All the tours are subject to availability and may also be weather dependent. Prices may be subject to change.
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