Overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is one of the most beautiful metropolitan destinations in the Arabian Peninsula.
Before 1970 the Sultanate of Oman’s capital, Muscat kept its fortress style gates locked at night with a curfew imposed from sunset to sunrise.
However, under the leadership of the country’s new and charismatic ruler, His Majesty Sutan Qaboos bin Said, Muscat’s gates were opened to lead Oman into the 21st Century.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
North of Muttrah at Ghubrah, the Grand Mosque stands like a pearl in the centre of the city, a gift from Sultan Qaboos to his people, it was opened in 2001 and is the second largest mosque in the gulf.
The courtyard is of white marble, the imposing doorway features carved verses from the Koran, a prayer hall lit by 35 Swarovski crystal chandeliers and five towering minarets symbolising the Five Pillars of Islam, the highest of which stands 90 metres tall.
Perhaps the most impressive though is the prayer mat, taking 600 iranian weavers four years to tie 1.7 million knots in 28 colours. The mat spreads across 4,300 square metres and weighs 21 tonnes. The Grand Mosque is opened from 8am to 11am, excluding Fridays, to visitors.
Where to shop
Muttrah Souq
To experience the soul of Muscat, you should really spend a day at Muttrah, winding along the Corniche.
There are fishermen rolling their nets at dusk, fresh produce marketplaces, Indian and Arab restaurants and of course vibrant souqs. The oldest marketplace in the capital is Muttrah Souq. Brush up on your bargaining skills because it’s all part of the experience here.
There’s loads of Arabic Exotica packed into labyrinth like lanes such as gold, silver, textiles, pottery, dates, incense, spices, frankincense and sandalwood.
Muscat Grand Mall
If you’re after brands like Zara, H&M, Charles & Keith, and Body Works, you’ll find all of them at Muscat City Centre or the Grand Mall.
Muscat’s forts
Fort Al Jalali
The Portuguese, who occupied the city for 150 years build Oman’s most magnificent fortresses during the late 16th century.
Built on two hills overlooking Muscat’s harbour, the paired forts – Al Jalali to the east and Al Mirani to the west.
Grab a bite
Ubhar Bistro
Catch a show at the Royal Opera house and for a post show feed, make sure to pay the modern Omani restaurat, Ubhar, a visit.
Ubhar offers an avante-garde menu featuring camel meat, but don’t worry there are more traditional meats on offer. You absolutely must try their famous frankincense ice cream and halwa pastries.
Mumtaz Mahal
It’s been said that in Oman they eat Omani at home but they eat Indian when they go out. Try one of the best in town, Mumtaz Mahal, specializing in Northern Indian Mughlai cuisine. It also offers a great view perched atop a hill overlooking Qurm Nature Reserve.
Where to stay
Only 15 minutes drive away from the airport and enjoying a prime beachfront location is The Chedi Muscat. It’s an exclusive 21-acre resort that features clean, minimalist lines.
It’s simple yet elegant and would put you into the right mood for relaxation.
There are symmetrical gardens, manicured hedges and pools of water creating a Zen calm. The suites are modern but hark back at Omani sensibilities, it’s truly stunning.