In this article, we experience Oman through the ages in four steps:

1. The museum of the same name, which was only recently opened
2. The huge fort of the former royal city of “Bahla”
3. The beehive tombs of Al Ain and
4. The beautiful Wadi Dam

And off we go!

Oman across the Ages

The museum “Oman across the Ages” is a fascinating modern multimedia museum. It is never boring. It only inspires. For example, the 360° video panorama of Oman’s bird life is created using 5 digital projectors with complicated light corridors. From our point of view, it is a must-see – and we only saw it because other travelers we met pointed it out to us.

The museum was only opened 3 years ago, still under Sultan Qaboos. It shows the natural treasures of Oman and the landslide development of the country under Sultan Qaboos, who died in 2020 after a 50-year reign. Under his rule, Oman transformed itself from a backward, neglected third-world country into the modern Oman of today.

The architecture of the museum is classically modern and is designed to reflect the nearby mountain range in the background of the museum. But let’s not mince words, let’s go around and into the museum.

Outside

Parking lots

There are covered, shaded and ventilated parking spaces not only for cars, but also for coaches and trucks. The museum can be entered from here without being exposed to the burning sun. We have never experienced anything like it.

New major projects

At the beginning of the museum, new large-scale projects are presented in detailed models.

Photogenic architecture

Who can see a ramp leading up one storey in the first picture?

Land and nature

Many multimedia exhibitions explain the land and nature as well as the climatic conditions. These are presented in impressive pictures and short films on huge screens.

Development of the country

Bahla Fort

The fortress and the village of Bahla are surrounded by an eleven-kilometre-long city wall. The exact date of construction is unknown, but is estimated to be the 17th century. The builders are also unknown, but it is assumed that the Nabhani dynasty built the fortress. In 1987, the fortress was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In connection with this, a restoration of the very fragile complex was started. Today, the fortress of Bahla is one of the most important cultural sights in Oman.

We take our time to visit this huge fortification. The complex is winding and you can see that it has been constantly expanded and changed. From the upper floors, you also have a great view of the town of Bahla and the oasis.

During the tour, we have a nice encounter with an unlikely couple of whom we unfortunately don’t have a picture. Dr. Renata Holzbachova from Prague and Philippe Benet from France. A scholar and an artist. The two of them write travel guides in English and French, for example about Prague, Vienna, Thailand, Lebanon and so on.

Al Ayn Beehive Graves

On a ridge along the Wadi Al Aya, there are around 19 beehive tombs in various states of preservation. With the reddish folds along the ridge and the glowing limestone of Jebel Misht in the background, the site is breathtaking. We visit the tombs in the perfect late afternoon light.
The effect of erosion and harsh weather conditions has affected some tombs more than others, but surprisingly many of them have been preserved, as no restoration work has been carried out to date.

It is estimated that these tombs are around 5,000 years old, making them the oldest burial sites on the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to the burial mounds, there are quarries and stone-cutting workshops dating from the same period. This indicates that quite large settlements once existed in this area. In addition, the different sizes, shapes and complexity of the tombs indicate a strongly hierarchical society.

Wadi Dam

Not far from the beehive tombs is the Wadi Dam. It is a long gorge with a reservoir at the upper end. Unfortunately, there was not much water in the wadi when we visited. But it is still worth seeing. In particular, the number of visitors here is manageable and the wadi is a peaceful end to our trip through Oman.