Muscat – Oman, the hidden Gem of Middle East
Muscat – Oman, the hidden Gem of the Middle East
Muscat is the capital city and is the most populated city in Oman. Muscat sits on the Gulf of Oman. surrounded by mountains and desert. The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. With history dating back to antiquity, it mixes high-rises and upscale shopping malls with clifftop landmarks such as the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, looming over Muscat Harbor. Low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat’s urban landscape. Muscat’s economy is dominated by trade, petroleum, liquefied natural gas and porting.
The Omani rial uses currency code OMR and is the currency of the Sultanate of Oman. The OMR is pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of 1 rial to US$2.6008.
Muscat features a hot, arid climate with long and very hot summers and warm “winters”. Annual rainfall in Muscat is about 10 cm (4 in), falling mostly from December to April. In general, precipitation is scarce in Muscat, with several months on average seeing only a trace of rainfall.
Sultan Qaboos Port serves as one of the most important ports of Muscat Government , which is well known for being sailing of many commercial ships and boats. Here also, the traditional boats of Arabian Peninsula named Dhows can be also seen. The main airport is Muscat International Airport. The Muscat area is well serviced by paved roads and dual-carriageway connects most major cities and towns in the country. Several forms of public transport are popular in Oman. Most popular are the “Baiza” buses. These are relatively inexpensive and service all major roadways, as well as a wide and loose network of smaller byways in the greater Muscat metropolitan area, opportunistically dropping off and picking up passengers at any location. Taxis, color-coded orange and white, provide semi-personal transportation in the form of both individual hire and the same opportunistic roadway service as Baiza buses. Taxis will also generally take passengers to locations out of the city, including Sohar, Buraimi, and Dubai.
Muscat can satisfy all types of travelers as it has everything to offer from Luxury, Beaches, Adventures, Food, history, and culture.
Major Attractions
Most of the major attractions in Muscat are within the city limit. Some of the best things to do in Muscat are :
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
No one will be able to miss this architectural marvel as it is right in the center of the city. The largest Swarovski crystal chandelier is installed in the main prayer hall of the mosque and the second-largest hand-woven carpet in the world. It’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in Muscat.
Royal Opera House
The royal opera house is the center of excellence in global cultural engagement in Muscat built with a vision of promoting cultural tourism in the country. Opera Galleria, a shopping mall with premium luxury products is attached to the main building so it can be considered also as a lifestyle destination for fine quality branded product shopping.
Al Alam Palace
Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman. It is located in the old Muscat area. The palace has a history of more than 200 years. A recommended Photo Stop while in the city.
Mutrah Souq & Corniche
Mutrah in the old Muscat was once the trade center of Oman because of its proximity to the Old port of Muscat. Stretched alongside the Mutrah cornice is the famous Mutrah souq, which still retains the vibe of a traditional Arab market. Numerous shops are lined on both sides of the walkway selling Arabic and Indian artifacts. Few antiques and traditional textile shops are of the interest of most of the tourists visiting here.
Forts and castles
Visiting forts and castles is definitely one of the best things to do in Muscat. Constructional methods and unique materials used make the forts in Muscat unique. The best way to have a close encounter with the ancient Arab culture and foreign invasions in the country is to visit the forts and castles. There are a handful of them within the City and also in its close proximity. Some of the best forts to visit while in Muscat are:
Mutrah Fort
Mutrah fort build by the Portuguese in 1580, this fort used to guard the eastern side of the harbor. One of the best views of the entire corniche and the port can be witnessed from the top of the fort.
Nizwa Fort
One and a half-hour drive from the city of Muscat is the cultural city of Nizwa which was once the Capital of Oman. Because of the cultural significance and the deep-rooted history, Nizwa Fort is considered as the best fort in the whole of Oman and one of the most visited tourist spots too. The fort is surrounded by the Old market of Nizwa “the Nizwa Souq” and it is famous for the Friday market which is still happening in the old fashion. Rather than just a Fort, it is built like a castle. Surrounded by the Al Hajir mountain ranges, the views from the fort are breathtaking. It’s an amazing example of Omani culture and history.
Nakhal Fort is situated in the Al Batinah region of Oman, a little more than a 1-hour drive from Muscat. Overlooking the Nakhal Town. Surrounded by the orchard of palm trees the battlements provide a beautiful view of the Batinah region and also the old Nakhal village below it. The fort houses a museum exhibiting historic guns. The Fort also hosts the weekly goat market to date. The natural warm springs of Ain A’Thawwarah is very close to the fort.
Beaches and Wadis
Muscat is very famous for its beautiful clean beaches with turquoise water. The city of Muscat is constructed along the coastline of the country therefore the city has beach access every few kilometers. Beaches in muscat are very swimming friendly as the waves are weak or mostly there are no waves. Some of the best beaches to visit while in muscat are:
Qurm beach
Located in the very heart of the city fringe with many upscale hotels and restaurants Qurm beach is one of the most popular beaches among locals and tourists. This long stretch of sand can be accessed from multiple points. There is a well-maintained park with manicured grass and plants making it a good family picnic spot.
Qantab beach
Just outside the chaos of the city, a 20-minute drive from the city center, Quantab beach is popular for the boat rides, which will take you along the coastline of Muscat. You will go through the famous rock arch formation on the sea and can choose to do camping in some remote beaches which can only be accessed by a boat.
Wadi Shab
Located in the Al Sharaqiya region in Oman, Wadi Shab is one of the most popular wadis near Muscat which is just a 1.5 hours drive from the city area. The long hiking trail in the deep canyon can be accessed by crossing the first water body on a boat which is the first step into the wilderness. There are a number of big pools on the way and the most exciting one will be the last one which can only be accessed by swimming through a narrow passage in between the rocks. A minimum of 3 hours hiking is recommended to enjoy the most of Wadi Shab.
Bimmah sinkhole
Bimmah sinkhole is not a Wadi but a large crater believed to be formed by an asteroid strike. Surprisingly it formed a large water pool which is 30 meters below the surface which can be accessed through some steep steps. Cliff jumping into the pool is popular among the thrill-seekers even though no jumping warnings are displayed there. The turquoise water in the pool is ideal for swimming too. It is located in a not so populated area near the sea and the beaches near to it are ideal spots for night camping.
Snorkeling and Dolphin watching
A popular location for Dolphine watching in Muscat is Bandar al Khairan. But the best-recommended location for snorkeling is Ad Damniyat island which is a two-hour cruising from the Muscat mmainland. A popular location for Dolphine watching in Muscat is Bandar al Khairan. But the best-recommended location for snorkeling is Ad Damniyat island which is a two-hour cruising from the Muscat mainland. The coral reefs here are considered to be one among the most beautiful in the world.
Dhow Dinner cruise
Enjoy the dinner in a traditional Dhow, which is a kind of boat used for sailing in seas. Enjoy some traditional Arabic and Indian cuisines on the deck of the traditional sailing vessel while enjoying the view of the beautiful coastline of Muscat.
Muscat is always considered among travelers as a place to enjoy a relaxing getaway rather than a busy and happening vacation. With lush greenery, beautiful mountains, cliffs that are kissing the sea and the number of surprises this Oasis has to offer will blow the mind of every traveler. No wonder why Muscat is called “the hidden Gem of the Middle East”.
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