Visiting Bait Al Zubair Arab hospitality is legendary; medieval poets wrote about it and minstrels sang of the golden deeds of generous and welcoming hosts. Omani people are renowned for their hospitality, and this is characteristically reflected at Bait Al Zubair Museum, situated in the very heart of Muscat, Oman’s historic capital city. Bait Al Zubair Museum opened its carved wooden doors to the world in 1998, exhibiting an outstanding private collection belonging to the Al Zubair family, which represents the rich cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. It is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Oman and offers a great introduction to a fascinating country and people. BAIT AL BAGH — THE MAIN MUSEUM BUILDING This two-storey building houses information regarding the Al Busaidi dynasty, with portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and some of his predecessors. There are also four galleries on the ground floor that exhibit excellent examples of khanjar (Omani dagger), male and female attire, traditional swords and firearms, antique jewellery and household articles. On the first floor there is an area for temporary exhibitions and a library. BAIT AL OUD This three-storey building contains a large exhibition hall and reception area on the ground floor, with early European maps of the Arabian Peninsula and typical Muscati furniture on the first floor. The second floor includes early prints of the Arabian Peninsula and photographs of Muscat with an exhibit of historic cameras. BAIT AL DALEEL A restored and renovated old house that symbolises the true essence of vernacular architecture in Oman. This attraction allows visitors to step back in time and experience how Omanis lived over 100 years ago, and includes a majilis (guest lounge), bedrooms and domestic date store. Bait Al Dalaleel also houses the museum coffee shop and art gallery – showing Omani artists work that can be purchased. You can have a light lunch there and sample Omani coffee, juices, sodas and ice cream. GIFT SHOP Welcome to the museum’s gift shop where you can discover a myriad of treasures. The gift shop offers a wide range of handicrafts, books, postcards, jewellery, scarves, clothing, perfumes and much more. Each item in the gift shop has been carefully designed or selected to represent Oman and the museum collection. OPENING TIMES Bait Al Zubair Museum is open from Saturday to Thursday, 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. Special timings apply during holidays and the Holy Month of Ramadan. ENTRY FEE There is a nominal entry fee, however admission to children below 10 years old, pre-booked official delegations and educational groups is free. Entry fees are doubled for special openings of the museum and during national holidays. Photography is not permitted within the museum in order protect the collection, and cameras should be left at reception. Visitors are asked to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking within the museum. Facilities include landscaped gardens, washrooms, a gift shop and a coffee shop. LOCATION Bait Al Zubair Museum is located in the historic city of Muscat close to Al- Alam Palace. Driving from Muttrah Corniche (with the sea on your left) follow the road to Muscat (Sidab and Al Bustan), go straight across a round-about in Riyam and under the Muscat Gate Museum that is over the road. Keep on the right side of the road, the road then bends to the right and as it bends to the left, there is a parking area to the right that you can turn off the road to park. There are clear signs to Bait Al Zubair here, if you cannot find parking in this area there are other options around (see the picture below). WORK EXPERIENCE