Muscat

Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its most important city (1.7 million in the metro area in 2021), inhabited since at least 1000 BCE as a key trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. Unlike the ultramodern skylines of neighboring UAE and Qatar, Muscat follows traditional Arabic architectural styles mandated by the Sultan, creating a distinctive low-key urban landscape. The metropolitan area covers 3,500 km² and includes old Muscat with the royal palace, Mutrah with its labyrinthine souq, and Ruwi as the commercial quarter.

Muscat International Airport is 37 km west of Mutrah with flights from Middle East cities, southern Asia, and several European cities. Public buses operated by Mwasalat depart from the airport terminal ground floor for 1.5 rials (cash only); timetables are integrated into Google Maps. Mwasalat also runs daily buses from UAE cities (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Kalba) and within Oman from Buraimi, Nizwa (2 hr 20 min), Salalah (13 hr), and Sur (4 hr 15 min). The National Ferry Company operates weekly ferries between Khasab and Mutrah (Sultan Qaboos Port) departing Saturdays at 11:30AM, arriving 5 hours later; one-way fares are RO 45/23 for business/tourist class.

Muscat's tripartite division of old Muscat, Mutrah, and Ruwi can be inconvenient as much accommodation is far from sights. Mwasalat operates public buses throughout the city with routes integrated into Google Maps. Taxis are readily available, and car rental is popular for visiting multiple attractions. The walking path C38 connects Riyam Park to Mutrah Souq via a 5000-year-old miner trail, taking 1.5-2 hours.

The Muscat Festival is held annually from late January to early February, celebrating Omani culture with demonstrations, food, dance, music, and entertainment. Summer months (May-September) are extremely hot (35-40°C), while winter (November-March) offers milder temperatures (20-29°C) ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The best time to visit is between November and March.

Budget options include Aywa Guesthouse in Ghubrah North at RO 19 for a double room, Al Waffa Hotel Flats near the Mwasalat bus station at RO 20/night for 2 persons, and Delmon Hotel Apartments in Ruwi at RO 23-75 including breakfast. Mid-range options include Haffa House Hotel from RO 40 with breakfast and free WiFi. Luxury properties include The Chedi (five-star traditional Omani architecture), Grand Hyatt, and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort.

Omani food is heavily influenced by Indian cuisine, centered on richly-seasoned chicken, fish, and lamb with rice. Traditional restaurants include Bin Ateeq (the famous authentic Omani restaurant) and Ofair Traditional Restaurant. Turkish House in Al Khuwair is popular for excellent fish dishes, open daily 11AM-1AM. Lebanese cuisine is available at Automatic (try hummus, falafel) and Left Bank. Fresh fruit juices cost RO 0.500-1.500 at coffee shops and stalls throughout the city.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest in the world, open to non-Muslims Sa-Th 9-11AM; ladies must cover heads, ankles, and wrists. The National Museum (RO 5 adults) illustrates Omani history from Stone Age to present with 3D architecture models. Mutrah Souq is described as the best market in the Gulf for jewellery, traditional handicrafts, and Omani food. Trekking path C38 runs 1.5-2 hours from Riyam Park to Mutrah Souq offering mountain views. Beach options include free public beaches at Qurum, Marjan (good snorkeling), Al Ghubrah, Seeb, and Al Bustan.

Muscat is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates. Women should dress modestly, especially outside beach areas. Emergency services can be reached at 9999 (ambulance, fire, police). Tap water is not safe to drink; always drink bottled water. Some simple restaurants may have water in plastic jugs that tastes like tap water—order bottled water instead.

Friendi offers 1 GB data for 1 week for 1 rial with free SIM card, with coverage throughout Muscat and along main roads. Ooredoo and Omantel have better coverage in remote areas. Omantel Hayyak prepaid SIM cards are available at mobile shops and hypermarkets. Free WiFi is available in public parks including Qurm National Park, Naseem Garden, Al Amerat Park, and Wadi Kabir (limited to 1.5 hr/day via Omantel). Costa Coffee offers free WiFi at five locations. As of 2022, WhatsApp messaging works but video calling in WhatsApp and FaceTime are blocked.

A backpacker budget for Muscat is approximately RO 25-40 per day: budget accommodation RO 19-30, basic meals RO 3-8, local transport RO 2-5, attractions RO 2-10. Public buses cost 1.5 rials from the airport; city bus fares are integrated into Google Maps. Museum entry typically RO 0.500-5. Local currency is Omani Rial (RO); 1 RO = 1000 baisa.

Drive west to Nizwa and explore the Hajar Mountains with UNESCO sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn. Wadi Shab is one hour south with spectacular swimming in clear pools; en route visit Bimmah Sinkhole. Head north to Sohar for diving, visit Ibri, then continue to Musandam Peninsula. Staying in Saiq offers pleasant temperatures April-October. The Damaniyat Islands and Fahl Island are popular diving destinations accessible from Muscat.

Dress modestly in public areas; shoulders and knees should be covered. When visiting mosques, women must cover heads, ankles, and wrists. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Photography of local people, especially women, should be done with permission. The left hand is considered unclean—use right hand for greetings and eating.

From Muscat, continue to Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains for hiking and UNESCO fortresses. Drive south to Sur (4 hr 15 min by Mwasalat bus) for the famous dhow yards and Wadi Shab. Fly or bus to Salalah in the south (13 hours by bus). Head north to Sohar for diving, then to Musandam Peninsula. Intercity buses are operated by Mwasalat with routes to major destinations.