Obverse. Photo © Banknote World
  • 1 Rial 2012, KM# 174, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, Muscat Arab Tourism Capital
  • 1 Rial 2012, KM# 174, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, Muscat Arab Tourism Capital
  • 1 Rial 2012, KM# 174, Oman, Qaboos bin Said, Muscat Arab Tourism Capital, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

In late 2011, Muscat was bestowed the title of Arab Tourism Capital by the Tourism Ministers of the Arab League. This recognition reflects the strides taken in Oman's tourism sector, particularly in Muscat, which serves as the nation's capital and primary entry point.

The unveiling of the Muscat 2012 Brand Mark took place on January 21, 2012, during a lavish ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, attended by the Arab League's Tourism Ministers. This Brand Mark emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive branding competition, with the honor going to Mona Al Ma'ashani from Taqah, Dhofar. Drawing inspiration from the colors of the Oman Brand Mark associated with culture and heritage, the design incorporates Arabic calligraphy of "Muscat," featuring iconic landmarks such as the cornice, along with imagery of an Arabic coffee pot (dallah) symbolizing hospitality.

Obverse

Depicts the National Emblem of Oman dividing denomination in Arabic and English, surrounded by the country name inside a circle, with the legend "Central Bank of Oman" outside both in Arabic above and English below.

The national emblem of Oman is an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the 18th century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. The emblem is featured at the canton on the Flag of Oman.

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎‎, Persian: خنجر‎‎, Turkish: Hançer) is a traditional dagger originating from Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved sword shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on the country's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It is also utilized in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

البنك المركزي العماني
سلطنة عمان
ONE RIAL ريال واحد
SULTANATE OF OMAN
CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Reverse

Depicts the logo of the event (an Arabic coffee pot (dallah) as convey hospitality over the cornice of Muscat), inscription in Arabic above and English below.

A dallah (Arabic: دَلَّة) is a traditional Arabic coffee pot used for centuries to brew and serve Qahwa (gahwa), an Arabic coffee or Gulf coffee made through a multi-step ritual, and Khaleeji, a spicy, bitter coffee traditionally served during feasts like Eid al-Fitr.

مسقط 2012
مسقط عاصمة السياحة العربية ٢٠١٢
MUSCAT ARAB TOURISM CAPITAL 2012

Edge

1 Rial

Muscat Arab Tourism Capital

KM# 174
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Mayer Mint GmbH Germany

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