I saw Muscat: "If only the people of Oman came"

As soon as the plane lands in Oman, and you set your feet at the airport, you will remember a solid hadith from the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) saying: “If the people of Oman had come, they would not have insulted you or beat you.” Their bounty, and that they respect those who come to them, and only good is seen from them.

After I visited Oman, I am taking you today on a simulated tour of my observations in the capital, Muscat, in the hope that my pen will be able to convey my feelings and thoughts in a way that befits what my eyes witnessed of the good standing of the country….

As for Muscat, which is warm, beautiful, and deep, there the National Museum awaits you, which tells the story of the emergence of the state, in a special corner that watches minute details of the fragrant history, about the Al Busaidi family, about the late Sultan Qaboos, how the rule was transferred and the will he left.

Between galleries equipped with the latest technology and display tools that simulate artificial intelligence, screens, audiovisual and written narratives, the museum presents the Sultanate of Oman through several pavilions that show the superiority of the Omanis in building boats, riding the sea, extracting pearls, oil and wealth, and opening trade routes, so you see forms of housing, food, spices and stones. Al-Karimah, gets acquainted with the frankincense tree and its uses, saffron, sweets and barbecue. She witnesses the different terrains and seasons and their abundance, then she meets architecture and buildings, reaching the wing for Oman relations and its international and Arab presence. There she feels the weight of the country and the place of Jerusalem and Palestine in the heart of Oman and its people.

After a wonderful dose of history mixed with civilization and progressiveness, you visit the Royal Opera House, the House of Musical Arts. I did not know before the visit that there is resonant Sultanian classical music that pleases the ears, pulls the mind and soul with an authentic Arabic flavor. The Royal Opera House is like a musical art museum that provides us with tools Musical instruments and unique collectibles, and get acquainted with the story of the Sultan with music and art. The Royal Opera House is a pride for all Arabs with all its Omani details, from engineering designs between Arabism and modernity, between carved wood and heavy, soft Austrian Swarovski crystal, which was specially designed for Oman, hanging in the corridors of the place, silk carpets and seats. The animation is in the theater, while the marble is a witness to the core of civilization and the beauty that pleases all people.

As in most capitals of the world, there is the old popular market "Muttrah Market". There you must try perfumes, spices and frankincense, and buy what you like in simple ways and beautiful narrow alleys filled with the scent of incense that flies between the past and originality and the preservation of the Omani heritage in small shops And the stalls displayed on the doors, it is beautiful that as soon as you leave the doors of the market, you will find yourself on the banks of the Sea of Oman on the opposite side, and the beaches extend in front of the castle that rises above the market and overlook the extended waters rich in natural resources, which are the waters that constitute the commercial link historically with what is known as the Silk Road . I did not tell you about cleanliness, about commitment, about order, about calmness, sobriety, and individual and collective pride in the national identity in Oman, all this beauty, and I have not yet visited the Green Mountain, nor the Empty Quarter desert, nor Salalah, nor the flowers, nor the sands…..

The Sultanate of Oman, an Arab country in the Arabian Peninsula, its ruling system is monarchy, abundant water overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, it enjoys an inspiring political and economic situation, it is ranked 23rd in oil reserves and 27th in gas reserves, and it is classified as one of the most peaceful countries in the world . The Sultanate of Oman is a founding member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the League of Arab States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Organization for Standardization, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Omani model reflects good investment in human natural resources, especially youth and women, and interest in education, agriculture, energy and diplomacy as tools for the country's renaissance.

It should be noted that the Sultanate of Oman is the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council that enjoys diplomatic representation residing in Palestine. It is worth noting that Palestine hosts 45 accredited resident diplomatic missions, where they are located in Ramallah, 10 general consulates in Jerusalem, and 11 honorary consuls, 10 of whom are in Bethlehem, one in Ramallah, and 56 are non-residents. Of all the member states of the League of Arab States, Palestine has resident diplomatic representation represented by only 5 Arab countries, namely Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and Oman. The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman started its activities in Palestine on 10/30/2018, headed by Chargé d'Affaires Counselor Salem bin Habib Al-Omairi.

So that visits and tourism between the two countries will be enhanced, from Palestine, to Oman, its sultan, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its people with full appreciation and respect.

- Dalal Erekat: Professor of Diplomacy and Strategic Planning, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University.