Stepping curiously into Mohammed al Rubaie's house museum feels like taking a step back in time. As I wandered through rooms filled with intricate and beautiful antiques, an old sandal immediately transported me to my childhood, evoking memories of playing in the dusty streets with friends.
This powerful experience is what makes Mohammed’s collection so special; it’s not just the items themselves but the emotions and memories they reveal.
Mohammed al Rubaie, a keen collector from Oman, showcases an impressive array of antiques and memorabilia. Among his prized possessions are two gold medals celebrating Oman’s 15th and 20th National Days, his first acquisitions that ignited a lifelong passion for collecting antiques. "Every piece is significant to me," Mohammed says. "But the medals from the 15th and 20th National Days hold a special place in my heart, being my first collectibles." Another valuable piece is an old document over 100 years old, belonging to his family and preserved by his grandfather.
Mohammed's journey began during his school days, driven by a fascination with historical artifacts. He started by collecting any old items he could find, storing them in boxes in his room. His ambition was clear: to create a personal museum once he finished his studies. Today, that dream has become a reality.
His dedication and effort culminated in a remarkable achievement last year when he participated in the Kuwait Expo. There, he was honoured by Sheikh Ahmed al Fahad al Ahmed al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Kuwait, for his unique talent and passion.
His exhibition was crowded with visitors at the Expo. He has also participated in events in Oman, where people were impressed by his pieces and offered to buy them, but he refused to part with any of his treasures.
Mohammed's primary focus is preserving items that evoke childhood memories and family heritage. His collection spans beyond Oman, including rare finds from Iran, Yemen, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Friends and contacts help him acquire these treasures, which often involves extensive searching and significant expenses. "I don’t buy just any old piece," Mohammed explains. "I only collect items that truly captivate me. The process is incredibly challenging and expensive, but it’s worth it."
His collection includes vintage items like old drink cans and food tins, historical documents and bank cheques, antique cups, saucers, and plates, some extremely rare, vintage telephones and perfumes, old toys, lighters, and food containers, record players and televisions, leather goods, military medals and badges, and old Omani license plates. These pieces, collected over several years, are invaluable both to Oman and beyond.
When visitors see these pieces, they are often transported back to their childhoods or family histories. "Seeing people’s reactions is incredibly rewarding," Mohammed expresses. "Many light up when they recognise items from their past. It's like they’re reliving those moments." One frequent visitor, Salim, recalls the joy of finding a toy from the 1970s in Mohammed’s collection. "It was like being a kid again. That toy brought back so many memories of playing with my friends." Another visitor, Aisha, was moved by seeing an old perfume bottle her grandmother used to have. "The scent brought back cherished memories of my grandmother’s house. It’s amazing how a single item can evoke such strong emotions."
These reactions support Mohammed’s efforts and fuel his passion for collecting. "People often don’t realize the emotional power these items hold until they see them," he explains. "It’s not just about the objects themselves, but the memories and stories they carry." Mohammed understands the power of his pieces and strives to protect them from damage.
hobbies represent the complexity and challenges of collecting antiques. Each item holds a unique story and often comes with a high price tag. "People might see my collection and think it’s simple, but only those who collect understand the challenges," he says. "I once paid 25 Omani Riyals for a tiny old cup, which is a good deal compared to others priced at 80 Riyals." Despite the difficulties, Mohammed remains passionate about his hobby. His home museum stands as a testament to his dedication, preserving a tangible connection to the past for future generations to appreciate. Through his collection, he not only protects historical artifacts but also keeps the treasure of memories alive.
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