Arab city ninth stop in worldwide torch relay

A handmade replica of a ninth-century Arab dhow

(MUSCAT, April 13) -- On Monday, the lucky Arab city of Muscat in Oman will be hosting the sacred flame for the first time in Olympic history. The Omani leg of the torch relay will begin at 5:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) from the Al Bustan roundabout and end at Al Qurm Natural Park. According to organizers, the route was planned around the coastal city's main streets and important sites.

The sites picked for Oman's leg of the Chinese torch relay were chosen to represent the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. For example, at Al Bustan round about sits a handmade replica of a ninth-century Arab dhow. Legend has it that over 1,000 years ago, a boat like this made an incredible journey from Oman to the Orient. The sea craft that rests here now began a trip in November of 1980 from Muscat to the Chinese city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province, sailing 9,500 kilometers (about 6,000 miles) in over 7 months.

This portion of the torch relay is arranged with 80 torchbearers who will be carrying the sacred flame through 20 kilometers of the city. At its final destination, Al Qurm Natural Park, the flame will be celebrated with a grand ceremony, completely with song and dance.