Muscat, OmanDiscover the Best of Muscat
Summary: Discover the charm of Muscat with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Muscat! If you're planning to move to Muscat, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Muscat has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Muscat.
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the Mutrah Souq, a traditional market. The city also boasts a number of beautiful beaches, such as Qurum Beach and Al-Bustan Beach, as well as a number of parks and gardens, including Qurum Natural Park and Al-Ain Park.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Muscat is vibrant and diverse. Popular restaurants include the award-winning Al-Angham, which serves traditional Omani cuisine, and the seafood restaurant Al-Mazraa, which is known for its fresh seafood dishes. For a more international experience, there is the Italian restaurant La Terrazza, the French restaurant La Brasserie, and the Indian restaurant The Spice Route. Popular bars and clubs include the chic rooftop bar The View, the lively Irish pub The Dubliner, and the trendy nightclub The Beach Club.
Recreational activities in Muscat are plentiful. Popular activities include golfing at Almouj Golf, a championship golf course, and horseback riding at the Royal Cavalry, which offers guided tours of the city. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there is the Wadi Bani Khalid, a stunning canyon with a number of hiking trails, and the Jebel Akhdar, a mountain range with a number of challenging climbing routes. For a more relaxing experience, visitors can take a boat tour of the Muscat coastline or visit the Qurum Natural Park, which offers a variety of activities, including bird watching and kayaking.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Muscat: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"If there is an American Women's Group (AWG), or other English-speaking group of women, join them, even if it doesn't sound like your thing. You will find a vast amount of knowledge, experience and advice, as well as new friends there. Although it sounds exclusive, our AWG has members from all over the world, including our host country, so you will make new contacts from a variety of locations. Also, if you have school-age children, immediately get involved in the school's parent volunteer or PTA program and volunteer for a committee...you will make friends faster, and that will be your saving grace on those days you feel homesick," said one expat living in Muscat.
"Expats in Muscat can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, book clubs, and language exchange groups. Expats can also meet people by attending events hosted by the British Embassy, the American Embassy, or other international organizations. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, such as expat forums, or groups related to their hobbies. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions," wrote a member in Muscat.
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"The Omani citizens appear to be very family oriented, with God (Allah) playing a major role in their lives. Although Islam is the main religion, there are other houses of worship in this country, including Protestant, Catholic, Hindi and others. We are asked to respect the Muslim holidays. However, we are not expected to fast during Ramadan, just to be respectful of their culture and eat in private, etc. The country has moved into the modern age, with cell phones, email and other modern technology and services," commented an expat living in Muscat.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Muscat is generally quite pleasant. The city is modern and well-developed, with plenty of amenities and services to make life comfortable. The cost of living is relatively low, and the climate is warm and sunny year-round. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the culture is diverse and interesting. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from exploring the city's many historical sites to taking part in outdoor activities like hiking and camping. With its excellent infrastructure and strong internet connectivity, Muscat is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely," said an expat in Muscat.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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