A slice of Oman in the heart of Singapore
Arabian art, dance and poetry flow at launch of redeveloped Muscat Street
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Mr Sayyid Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi (left) and Mr Shanmugam looking at a mural of the Jewel of Muscat, a 9th-century dhow, along Muscat Street yesterday. A replica of the dhow is on display at the Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium. -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
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The Al-Majd Dance Troupe performing in front of Masjid Sultan. -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
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Mr Sayyid Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi and Mr Shanmugam embracing each other at the launch of the redeveloped Muscat Street. The project, which began in October last year and was completed in July, was jointly undertaken by Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman. ST -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
Mr Sayyid Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi (left) and Mr Shanmugam looking at a mural of the Jewel of Muscat, a 9th-century dhow, along Muscat Street yesterday. A replica of the dhow is on display at the Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium. -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
The Al-Majd Dance Troupe performing in front of Masjid Sultan. -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
Mr Sayyid Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi and Mr Shanmugam embracing each other at the launch of the redeveloped Muscat Street. The project, which began in October last year and was completed in July, was jointly undertaken by Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman. ST -- ST PHOTOS: NURIA LING
Singapore now has a slice of Oman right in the heart of the city, as the new Muscat Street was unveiled yesterday after being redeveloped to reflect the origin of its name.
Two 8m-high granite arches with ornate Omani carvings now frame the street in Kampong Glam, while granite murals and mosaic artwork line its sides. The street's face-lift, which began in October last year and was completed in July, was a joint initiative between Singapore and the Sultanate of Oman.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam officiated at the launch of the redeveloped street on Thursday, together with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, Mr Sayyid Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi.
Mr Shanmugam said the idea to rejuvenate Muscat street was first brought up five years ago by Mr Abdulla Abbas, the former head of the Muscat municipality. "The idea was to rejuvenate the architecture of Muscat Street to reflect its rich historical links," he said. "I am confident that the rejuvenated Muscat Street will enhance the charm of the entire area, and it will see more visitors."
