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General

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is divided into three quite distinctive regions: the old town, Muttrah and Ruwi. The old town's boundaries are marked by gated walls, enclosing the area around the port, the sultan's palace and the harbour.

Muttrah is the residential area, boasting an excellent souk (market), and Ruwi is the modern business centre; hotels are usually situated within these two areas. A must while here is to experience the sunset under the light sea breeze on one of the excellent beaches. Despite its location, modern Muscat appears to be a long way from the desert on which it stands.

Muscat Dress Code

A conservative dress sense is an advantage in Muscat, especially for women, who should avoid wearing overly tight or revealing clothing. The preferred outfit for women is loosely cut trousers or a long dress; a headscarf is necessary only in rural areas.

Local Customs

Certain body language will sometimes offend people in Oman: don't point directly at people and don't show the soles of your feet or shoes directly so that people can see them. Public displays of affection between the sexes, such as kissing, hugging and holding hands, are most definitely frowned upon. It is considered polite not to smoke in public although there are no-smoking signs posted where it is actually prohibited to smoke. Alcohol is not completely illegal, but it is only legal to drink in licensed establishments. Be careful when taking photographs of people, especially women; always ask permission. It is also a good idea not to take photos of anything that could be even vaguely related to the military.

Muscat Dining

Muscat boasts a reasonable variety of restaurants. As well as the often excellent local cuisine, establishments exist offering a range of cooking from Texas chicken to Indian foods. Western styles of cooking are less abundantly represented, but are available within hotel restaurants and in a few other places. The specialities of the region are based around seafoods such as lobster, crab and squid. Note that in restaurants independent of hotels, alcohol is not generally served.

Muscat Tipping Advice

Tipping is not usual in the cheaper areas of Muscat. Expensive restaurants habitually include a service charge, which benefits the restaurant rather than the waiting staff.

Muscat Smoking

In Muscat, it is polite not to smoke in public. However, no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate.

A wide range of climatic conditions can be expected in Oman, varying with the geography of each region. Muscat is pleasantly warm in the winter months from October to March, but in summer is hot and very humid, making air conditioning essential. There is little rain throughout the year.

Muscat Attractions

Jalali, Mirani and Muttrah Forts
Surrounding central Muscat, Muscat

Oman Museum
Ministries Area in Medinat Qaboos, Muscat

Old Muttrah Souk
Located along the Muttrah Corniche, Muscat

Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Central Muscat
Tel: +968 737 288

Al Araimi Centre
Located in the Qurum area shopping district, Muscat
Tel: +968 566 180

Khamis Plaza
Located in the Qurum area shopping district, Muscat
Tel: +968 563 009

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
Located in Ruwi, Bait Al Falaj - behind the Muscat Municipality, Muscat

Marine Science and Fisheries Centre
Between the Al Bustan Palace Hotel and the Capital Area Yacht Club, Muscat

Natural History Museum
Housed within the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, Muscat

Bait Al Zubair
In Muscat to the right of the British Bank, 300 metres past the Old Muscat Gate