 | Muscat today Muscat today is a city that is perpetually on the move. Its dynamism stems from its status as the federal capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its status as the major hub of Oman’s economic activity, Muscat is as famous for its dates, pearls and fish as it is for its fabulous hotels and high rise buildings. New development projects keep springing up and materializing; boosting the tourism industry in particular. The city is far from static. Its face is ever changing. The ancient meets the modern over here. The al Jalali, Mirani and Mutrah forts date back to the 1580s, whilst other buildings |
 | Muscat back then The history of the city of Muscat is rich and is a testament to the resilience of this amazing city which has fallen to many an insincere ruler. One important continuity in Muscat’s history is the fact that through the ages, Muscat has been well-known as an important trading site and port. Muscat is an ancient city. Ptolemy is known to have referred to this famous port as Cryptus Portus. Archaeological findings suggest that Muscat even came into contact with the ancient Indus Valley Civilization as indicated by the Harrapan pottery unearthed there. Muscat’s conversion to Islam occurred in |
 | Chedi Hotel This hotel is located close to the Grand Mosque. Its ambience can best be described as ‘serene and |  | Inter-continental Hotel Muscat This extravagant hotel is a popular choice amongst tourists. The interior is stylish, the rooms more |
 | Grand Hyatt Muscat This lavish hotel has a delightful interior. The décor takes into account Omani culture and the hot |  | Al Bustan Palace Hotel This lavish hotel is world famous. The rooms, the restaurants and the service are excellent. The vie |
 | Shangila’s Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa This lavish resort comprises of three luxury hotels. The ambience can be described as ‘extravagant |  | The Treasure Box This hotel is located in a residential neighborhood in Al Ghubra. The location is excellent; it is c |
 | Omani Heritage Gallery Omani handicrafts are available here. Prices are over the top but the products are of good quality.< |  | Mutrah Souk This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat. The market is busy and popular amongst l |
 | Bait Muzna Gallery This shop is famous for the beautiful traditional and contemporary Omani goods sold here. The produc |  | Khimji Megastore This is a famous shopping arcade in Muscat which sells a diverse range of products. Both Internation |
 | Al Araimi This is a famous shopping arcade in Muscat which sells a diverse range of products. Both Internation |  | Mutrah Souk This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat. The market is busy and popular amongst l |
 | Women’s Expo This is one of Muscat’s most unique and wonderful festivals. The event is held in the Oman Interna |  | Lifestyle Expo This event is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center. It caters to the whims of t |
 | Muscat Festival This event is held annually in the month of January and February and is the best known of Muscat’s |  | Eid Festival This exhibition is held annually; the venue is the Oman International Exhibition Center. The time of |
 | National Day National day in Oman occurs the same time as Sultan Qaboos’ birthday making both occasions more si | | Muscat Festival This event is held annually in the month of January and February and is the best known of Muscat’s |
 | Pizza Express For those on a budget this is a great place to grab some excellent quality pizza. The ingredients us |  | Meknes Restaurant Foodies are unlikely to leave this place disappointed- delicious stews and vegetable dishes are serv |
 | Restaurant This is one of Muscat’s better known restaurants. It is no wonder as mouth watering dishes are ser |  | Sultanah For the ultimate fine dining experience tourists should stop at this extravagant restaurant where th |
 | Tuscany Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Famed amongst the elite of Muscat the I |  | Bait al Bahr Stop for dinner at this fabulous sea food joint. The restaurant looks out onto the beach providing a |
 | Fast Facts -Location Muscat is located in the North East of Oman. To the North and the West of the city lies the Arabian Sea. To the south lie the plains of the Dakhiliya Region. To the East lies the Ash Sharqiya Region. -Dialing code +968 -Emergency numbers Police- 999 -Population 549,000 -Languages Arabic, English, Hindi, Swahili -Time zone GMT/UTC + 4 -Average January temperatures 22 º Celsius (71.6 º F) -Average July temperatures 38.5 º Celsius (100 º F) -Annual rainfall 10 cm Electricity 220/240 Volts, 50 Hz |
