Ahmad Bin Majid sailor story
Oman Aquarium is built based on the adventures of the famous Omani seafarer Ahmed Ibn Majid.
Ahmed ibn Majid was an Arab navigator, cartographer and poet born in 1421 in Julphar, known in present day as Ras Al Khaimah. Raised in a family of seafarers, at 17 he was an excellent ship navigator. His exploits became popular through-out the region and he was fondly called “The Shooting Star” for his strength and bravery as a sailor.
Known to be the first Arab seaman, Ibn Majid wrote many books on oceanography. The Fawa’dh fi-Usl Ilm al-Bahrwa-al-Qawaidah (The Book of the Benefits of the Principle of Seamanship) is considered as one of his best works. He also wrote Kitab al-Fawa’id (Book of Lessons on the Foundation of the Sea and Navigation)
He was famous in the West for allegedly helping Vasco da Gama find his way from Africa to India, which created an important route between Portugal and India.
Oman Aquarium follows Ibn Majid on his adventures around the Indian Ocean to as far away as Africa and Indonesia and back to Oman.
Experience the famous sailor’s historical adventures in contemporary time with Oman Aquarium as we follow Ahmad ibn Majid’s famous route. We start in Salalah, where there is lush green vegetation and colourful freshwater fishes like Tilapia swim through the flooded wadis of the Khareef. Then move towards the mountains and deserts of Muscat where many land-based species of wildlife reside. Next meet marine creatures like sea turtles that live along the Omani shorelines and the Post of Sur. Finally, sail through the Omani Seas towards the Asian Rainforests and the African coast, before you explore the deep blue sea.
Come aboard for an exciting adventure as we meet animals that Ahmed Ibn Majid encountered along his journey!
Bon Voyage!