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Muscat – A City from the Tales of the Arabian Nights…
Muscat, the capital of Oman, has a unique fairytale charm in my view. It looks like something straight out of the Tales of the Arabian Nights, but with a modern twist. Enchanting palaces, forts perched on rocky cliffs, lush green oases, white architecture, scenic coastlines, and spice-scented bazaars create a distinctive atmosphere of this city. I began my exploration in the eastern part of Muscat, often referred to as the Old City. It’s the most iconic area of the city, home to numerous government buildings and elegant villas. However, the highlight here is Al-Alam Palace, one of the six residences of the Sultan of Oman. Used mainly for ceremonial purposes,…
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – UAE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world. It can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers, and the entire complex covers the area of 22,412 m². The mosque was inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president, who envisioned it as an open space for people of all faiths. In line with the Sheikh’s vision, the mosque symbolizes the Islamic message of peace and tolerance and reflects the Emirates’ culture of dialogue and openness. He also intended the building to unite all religions and connect the past with the present. Construction began in 1996, and Sheikh Zayed’s…