MUSCAT: The National Museum, represented by the Bayt Al Greiza Department, launched its ‘Omani Etiquette’ summer programme on Sunday at Bayt Al Greiza, aiming to instil values of dignity, pride in national identity and appreciation of authentic Omani customs among children and young people.
The programme offers an interactive cultural experience combining knowledge, practical application and creativity.
It is being held in two stages, with the first, from August 16 to 20, targeting children aged 5 to 7, while the second, from August 23 to 26, will cater to participants aged 8 to 12. Activities have been tailored to the respective age groups, allowing participants to learn through practice, exploration and discovery.
The programme introduces participants to various aspects of Omani etiquette and traditions, including the customs of welcoming and bidding farewell to guests, banquet and hospitality etiquette, and national symbols. It also explores the artistic aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy, decorative motifs and royal gardens through art workshops, practical activities and interactive experiences.
The programme further features activities designed to encourage adventure and discovery, including treasure hunts and map-reading exercises. These activities allow participants to apply what they have learned in a lively setting while exploring aspects of Omani heritage and its social and behavioural values.
Hajar bint Ahmed Ambu Ali, Director of the Bayt Al Greiza Department at the National Museum, said the programme builds on the museum’s efforts to present cultural experiences to younger generations through interactive approaches that combine learning and practice.
She said the programme was designed to allow children and young people to experience and engage with cultural values rather than simply learn about them theoretically, helping reinforce values of dignity, hospitality and pride in national identity.
She added that holding the programme at Bayt Al Greiza gives it a distinctive character because of the site’s historical and cultural significance and its architectural and artistic features.
The setting allows participants to learn in a living space connected to the history of Muscat and Oman, while viewing heritage as an ongoing part of contemporary life rather than simply as something from the past.
Bayt Al Greiza also adds a spatial dimension to the educational experience, reflecting aspects of the traditional architectural character of old Muscat and housing collections, artworks, furniture, crafts and other objects that showcase aspects of Oman’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The house was soft-opened to visitors in January this year, providing access to several of its facilities, including the Grand Hall and Banquet Hall in the western wing. The site showcases distinctive architectural, artistic and decorative features reflecting traditional Muscat landmarks and its historical and cultural significance.
Bayt Al Greiza was built on the site of an urban complex dating to 1597, which included the residence of the Portuguese ruler, a factory, a garrison and a church. The name ‘Al Greiza’ is believed to have originated from the Italian title for the Virgin Mary, Della Grazia, meaning ‘Our Lady of Grace’, and is thought to have evolved locally through phonetic adaptation during the period of Portuguese presence along Oman’s coast.
