The story of the Jewel of Muscat begins with a remarkable discovery. In 1998, divers found the wreck of a 9th-century cargo ship off the coast of Indonesia. The ship was Arab in origin, but its cargo told a different story. It carried a stunning collection of Chinese ceramics and gold. This rare find reveals the thriving maritime trade between Arabia and the Far East during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization.
Ten years later, the discovery inspired a bold project in Oman. A skilled team began reconstructing the ancient vessel using traditional shipbuilding methods. They used no nails or modern tools. Instead, they stitched the entire ship together with coconut fiber ropes. This honored the craftsmanship of early Arab seafarers. The ship was completed after one year of work and named the Jewel of Muscat.
A combined crew of sailors, archaeologists, and historians set sail on a bold journey aboard the Jewel of Muscat. Their goal was to recreate an ancient trade route that once linked Arabia, India, and China. Over five months, they traveled more than 5,000 kilometers by sea, retracing historic maritime paths that once connected great civilizations.
The voyage ended in Singapore, where the ship was presented as a gift from His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to the President of Singapore. Today, the Jewel of Muscat stands proudly in a permanent exhibition, celebrating the rich legacy of Arab seafaring and maritime heritage.
Embark on The Golden Voyage of Sinbad – A Journey Through Oman’s Maritime Legacy.
Set sail on a 12-day cultural adventure through the heart of Oman with THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD. Inspired by the legendary tales of Sinbad the Sailor, this immersive journey explores Oman’s three seas, its storied maritime traditions, and the dramatic landscapes that have shaped one of the world’s great seafaring civilizations. Led by expert guides from Panorama Travels, this unforgettable expedition uncovers the enduring legacy of Sindbad’s voyages—epic tales of courage, trade, and exploration in the face of nature’s fiercest challenges.
Discover the Sultanate of Oman, a hidden jewel of Arabia where rugged mountains plunge into golden deserts, lush oases cradle ancient forts and castles, and hospitality flows as deeply as history. As you traverse coastlines and cultural landmarks, you’ll experience a land where myth meets memory, and tradition lives on in the warmth of its people and the richness of its heritage.
