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Oman
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Muscat – a brief overview
A straggle of whitewashed low-rise building stretching almost 25km along the Omani coastline, recent years have seen Muscat engulf its suburbs in a Dubai-style building frenzy. Unlike the Emirati city, however, most of the newcomers are less than three storeys high, while the historic Muttrah district retains all of its old-world charm.
Just as charming is the old Corniche, a picturesque stretch of seafront fringed by 18th-century balconied buildings and overlooked by the imposing 17th-century Mutrah Fort. But whether you’re in the Old or New Town, Muscat’s friendly locals and surprisingly clean sandy shoreline are bound to please.
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Top 10 sights in Muscat

Muttrah Corniche
Muscat
Oman
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One of the prettiest stretches of seafront in Muscat, the Corniche is lined with old balconied buildings overlooking the harbour and thronged with vendors selling everything from fish to carpets.
Bait al-Baranda
Perched on the end of the Muttrah Corniche, Bait-al Baranda is a tiny museum charting the cultural life of Muscat from its home in a restored 1930s villa.
Wadi Shab
Muscat
Oman
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The closest of Oman’s many wadis (riverbeds) to Muscat, Wadi Shab is close to the village of Tiwi and boasts dramatic sheer rock walls and pools of striking emerald green water.
National Museum
Muscat
Oman
Tel: +968 24 701 289
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Opening times:
Daily 0930-1330 and 1700-1900
Thanks to Oman’s past as the hub of an East African trading empire, there’s no shortage of striking jewels, whether on ruby-encrusted necklaces or set in the hilts of the museum’s collection of elaborate swords.
Omani Society for Fine Arts
Shatti al-Qurm
Muscat
Oman
Tel: +968 24 694 969
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Opening times:
Sat-Thu 0900-1300 and 1600-1800
Housed in a converted 19th-century villa, the Omani Society for Fine Arts combines the work of local contemporary artists with big-name modern painters from around the world.
Bait Al-Zubair
Dedicated to Omani life in centuries past, Bait az-Zubair boasts a fine collection of antique household items, as well as an impressive amount of ceremonial daggers and silver jewellery.
Qasr Al Alam
Oman
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Opening times:
Closed to the public
Protected by Forts Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani, the imposing Qasr Al Alam palace is home to Oman’s ruling dynasty and was built on the site of a former British embassy. Huge and sprawling, it is closed to the public but well worth a look.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Muscat
Oman
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Opening times:
Sat-Thu 0800-1100
The third largest mosque in the world, Muscat’s main place of worship was built by Sultan Qaboos in the 1930s. Home to an impressive crystal chandelier and a vast carpet that took 600 women four years to create, it’s open to non-Muslims but women have to cover up.
Amouage Factory
Opened more than a quarter of a century ago, Muscat’s Amouage produces some of the most expensive perfumes in the world.
Nakhal Fort
al-Batina
Oman
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Opening times:
Sun-Thu 0830-1630
A 40-minute drive from central Muscat, this impressive 17th-century fort sits amid palm orchards near the old village of Nakhi and boasts its own museum and a weekly goat market.
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Country information
Country overview
Desert camel treks, luxury camping under the stars and 4-wheel drive wadi safaris through mighty canyons are some of the adventures awaiting the visitor to Oman. From quiet mountain villages, where time has stood still, to magnificent UNESCO forts, swaying date-palm plantations, tempestuous blow holes and beautiful beaches, these are the kinds of images afforded by the fascinating country of Oman.
The German Foreign Office, das Auswärtige Amt, publishes regularly updated general and country-specific travel information on its website (auswaertiges-amt.de). Here, you will also find safety advice and information about particular risks and travel warnings, in other words, the department’s urgent appeals not to travel to a country or a certain region of a country at all if it can be avoided.
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman occupies the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula and a total area of 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles or roughly the same size as Italy) including the coastal islands of Masirah, Halanyat and Salama, plus Musandam and Madha, which are completely surrounded by the United Arab Emirates.
It is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the northwest, the Republic of Yemen to the southwest and the United Arab Emirates to the north.
Oman has 2,092 km (1,300 miles) of coastline on the Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The interior is covered by a vast expanse of desert with around 82% of the landmass occupied by deserts and valleys. The Hajjar mountain range, which occupies around 15% of the country’s landmass, forms an arc extending from the northwest of the country to the southeast. The highest mountain is Jabal Shams, at around 2,980m (9,777ft).
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 3154134
Population Density (per sq km): 10
Capital: Muscat.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani descendents from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by Oman’s large expatriate workforce.
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR) = 1,000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OMR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are used.
General business opening hours
Sun-Thurs 0800-1300 and 1430-1700. Government office hours are Sun-Thurs 0800-1400. All offices are closed on Fridays.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Al-Isrà wal-Mi`radsch (Night of Ascension): 22 March 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 to 25 May 2020
Renaissance Day: 23 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July to 2 August 2020
Muharram (Islamic New Year): 20 August 2020
Mahlid al Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 October 2020
National Holiday: 18 November 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Al-Isrà wal-Mi`radsch (Night of Ascension): 11 March 2021
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 14 to 15 May 2021
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 21 to 23 July 2021
Renaissance Day: 23 July 2021
Muharram (Islamic New Year): 9 August 2021
Mahlid al Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 19 October 2021
National Holiday: 18 November 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Muscat
Most of Muscat’s bars are to be found within hotels, with little beyond late-night coffee shops available elsewhere. Those in the market for luxury lounges will be spoilt for choice, and there are plenty of English-style pubs.
Nowhere, however, is cheap.
Trader Vic’s
Muscat
Oman
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The Polynesian-themed Trader Vic’s does cheerful luridly coloured cocktails by the goldfish bowl.
John Barry Bar
Muscat
Oman
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Nice for a quiet drink, the John Barry Bar boasts live piano music and a varied drinks menu.
Rock Bottom Cafe
Qurm
Muscat
Oman
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Muscat’s only bar specialising in live rock ‘n’ roll also doubles as a steakhouse situated in the Ramee Guestline Hotel.
Kargeen
Muscat
Oman
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There’s no alcohol on the menu but there’s a great atmosphere and plenty of strong coffee.
Pavo Real
Muscat
Oman
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A Mexican-themed bar that turns into a club as the evening wears on.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Muscat
Thanks to its seafaring past, Omani food is unusually spicy but retains a Middle Eastern simplicity: Think meat and rice plus lashings of strong Arabic coffee.
While finding international fare in Muscat isn’t hard, it’s well worth dropping into one of the little cafés that dot its boulevards to sample some of the local cuisine.
The Beach
Muscat
Oman
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Price: Expensive
Fresh seafood cooked in fire pits and a romantic beach location.
Mumtaz Mahal
Muscat
Oman
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Price: Expensive
Authentic Indian food in a beautiful setting overlooking the picturesque Qurum Natural Park.
D’Arcy’s Kitchen
Muscat
Oman
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Price: Moderate
For your burger or brunch fix, D’Arcy’s Kitchen is second to none.
Ubhar
Muscat
Oman
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Price: Moderate
Despite the quirky menu (101 ways with camel), Ubhar is a stylish place to eat.
Bin Ateeq
Muscat
Oman
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Price: Cheap
It doesn’t look like much from the outside but the Omani food on the menu is second to none.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Muscat Festival
The biggest event in Muscat (if not Oman) is this annual month-long festival held in several outdoor venues around the city. The festival showcases Omani and neighbouring Arabic culture with poetry recital, traditional dancing and craft displays. The event also attracts dance and acrobatic acts from other countries and includes fireworks and shopping stalls, mainly from the subcontinent and Far East.
Ramadan
April 23 – May 23, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
During the Holy Month of Ramadan tents are erected in hotel gardens for people to break their fast after sundown with a selection of Omani favourites like harees (thick cereal dish) and sweetmeats like halwa (sugar and rose water confection).
National Day
November 18, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Muscat celebrates national day with patriotic fervour with street lights, flags, camel races and public holidays. The 40th anniversary of the Renaissance (the period ushered in by the much beloved current Sultan) is celebrated in royal style.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Muscat
Like those of the neighbouring UAE, Muscat’s hotels tend to veer between extreme luxury and modestly comfortable.
Nevertheless, budget options are there for those who want them while those in search of something special will be spoilt for choice.
The Chedi Muscat
Way No. 3215
Street No. 46
Muscat
Oman
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Category: Expensive
Muscat’s grandest hotel boasts every sort of luxury imaginable.
Grand Hyatt Muscat
Muscat
Oman
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Category: Expensive
Huge and comfortably appointed with the usual high standards you’d expect from the Hyatt chain.
Al Falaj Hotel
Greater Muttrah, 113
Muscat
Oman
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Category: Moderate
Classic Omani décor meets Maldives-style service in this centrally located hotel. Good value.
Park Inn
Muscat
Oman
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Category: Moderate
Run by the Radisson hotel group, the Park Inn is central and very comfortable indeed.
Mutrah Hotel
Muscat
Oman
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Category: Cheap
The first hotel ever opened in Muscat, the Mutrah has seen better days but knows how to look after its guests.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 03:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
15°C
wind speed
4.375 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
25°C / 16°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
25°C / 17°C
Monday
18.01.2021
26°C / 18°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
26°C / 18°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
26°C / 19°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
26°C / 20°C
Friday
22.01.2021
26°C / 20°C
Climate & best time to visit Oman
Because Oman is so large and the terrain diverse, the climatic conditions are as varied as the geography. The most popular time to visit is from October to April when the weather is warm and sunny and temperatures range from a very pleasant 25°C (77°F) to around 35°C (95°F) during the day. It is cooler at night, ranging in temperature from 17°C (63°F) to 19°C (66°F).
From May to August, it is very hot and humid at the coastal areas, while the interior generally remains hot and dry. Between May and September, the southern Dhofar region has its own microclimate. Known as the khareef, the area catches the Indian Ocean’s monsoon season and temperatures can be 10-15°C (18-27°F) lower than the rest of the country. Most of the rain falls during the winter months and varies according to the region. Other than in Dhofar, it is rare to see rain between May and November. The coastal areas and the interior plains average 20-100mm (0.8-4 inches) of rainfall annually but this can rise to around 900mm (35 inches) in the mountains. It is common to see snowfall on the highest mountain peaks during the winter.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 30 °C | 10 °C | 24 °C | 19 °C | 73 % | 26 mm | 2 | 9.5 h |
Feb | 35 °C | 9 °C | 24 °C | 19 °C | 74 % | 19 mm | 2 | 9.8 h |
Mar | 41 °C | 12 °C | 27 °C | 22 °C | 69 % | 9 mm | 1 | 9.0 h |
Apr | 43 °C | 15 °C | 31 °C | 25 °C | 66 % | 9 mm | 1 | 11.1 h |
May | 44 °C | 21 °C | 35 °C | 29 °C | 59 % | 2 mm | < 1 | 11.6 h |
Jun | 46 °C | 25 °C | 36 °C | 31 °C | 73 % | 1 mm | < 1 | 11.9 h |
Jul | 45 °C | 23 °C | 35 °C | 30 °C | 78 % | 2 mm | < 1 | 9.2 h |
Aug | 42 °C | 23 °C | 32 °C | 28 °C | 82 % | 2 mm | < 1 | 10.4 h |
Sep | 42 °C | 21 °C | 33 °C | 28 °C | 75 % | 0 mm | 0 | 10.7 h |
Oct | 40 °C | 15 °C | 32 °C | 26 °C | 71 % | 2 mm | < 1 | 10.5 h |
Nov | 35 °C | 12 °C | 29 °C | 23 °C | 70 % | 9 mm | 1 | 9.6 h |
Dec | 33 °C | 10 °C | 25 °C | 20 °C | 71 % | 18 mm | 2 | 8.6 h |
year | 46 °C | 9 °C | 30 °C | 25 °C | 72 % | 99 mm | 8 | 10.1 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +968
Telephone
Public telephones use phonecards which are available from petrol stations, supermarkets and some smaller shops. They are available in denominations of 1.5, 3 and 5 Rials. It is cheaper to make outgoing international calls between 2100 and 0700.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is variable.
Internet
There are a few internet cafés in Oman’s main cities. All the luxury hotels have business centres with Wi-Fi.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Muscat
Key Areas
Like the rest of the Gulf, Muscat is fond of its mega malls but there are plenty of traditional shopping spots to browse. As you’d expect for a nation built on trade, Muscat’s ancient Mutrah Souk is a treasure trove of colourful babouche slippers, silverware and spices, including local favourite frankincense. Just as unique is the oudh-heavy output of Muscat’s Amouage perfume factory, while Shatti al-Qurm is home to a gallery selling beautiful handmade crafts.
Markets
Mutrah Souk is the main market and sells everything from traditional silver daggers to filigree jewellery and beautifully crafted metal tea sets.
Shopping Centres
Muscat Grand Mall is the biggest and is home to most international chains, as well as a few luxury local boutiques. Also worth a look are the Sultan Centre and the Zakher Shopping Mall.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A small gift, either promoting your company or country, is well received. Dignity and respect are key in Omani culture and public criticisms are rare. As far as dress is concerned, it is important that women dress modestly beyond the hotel grounds, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving offence, although this is not strictly followed by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach.
Collecting seashells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public, but generally no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate; smoking is banned in public places in Muscat. Homosexual behaviour is illegal.
Photography
Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography’ signs exist in certain places and must be observed.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Food & Drink
While tap water is generally safe to drink, most Omanis drink bottled water and this is widely available. You can safely drink carbonated drinks in cans and bottles. Outside the capital area and main towns, you should boil or sterilise water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Use iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. Avoid ice cubes in your drinks.
Food bought in the main supermarkets can be regarded as safe. Outside the capital area, milk may be unpasteurised and if so, should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
It is advisable to avoid food and drinks bought from street vendors. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended, the latter particularly for those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, may have sexual contact with locals or be exposed through medical treatment ie, for an accident.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Hussain, FirazathAl Massaraat Medical Centre
P.O. Box 853
PC 116 Muscat
Sultanate of Oman
Tel. +968-2456-6435 / 2457-1033
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.