Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern development nestled between the Arabian Sea and rugged mountains. As one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Muscat boasts a rich history that stretches back over a thousand years, with influences from Portuguese, Persian, and Islamic cultures evident in its architecture and traditions. The city’s historic forts, grand mosques, and bustling souks offer a window into its storied past, while its commitment to preserving cultural identity remains strong in the face of modernity.

In recent decades, Muscat has evolved into a vibrant urban center that retains its charm and authenticity. With its clean, orderly streets and whitewashed buildings framed by dramatic natural landscapes, the city presents a unique aesthetic rarely found in the region. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Oman, hosting government institutions, international businesses, and renowned cultural venues like the Royal Opera House. Whether exploring its scenic coastline, ancient neighborhoods, or thriving commercial districts, Muscat offers visitors a distinctive and enriching experience.

Muscat Experiences

Al Mouj Golf Club - Muscat, Oman

Al Mouj Golf Club

Legendary golfer Greg Norman, who designed the first sea facing championship
Links course of the Sultanate, has captured the true essence of the beautiful and
scenic Omani landscape through his visionary design philosophy, thus positioning
Oman as a premier international golfing destination. The course offers truly unique
characters with each hole featuring something different from the last. He and his
design team were mindful of maintaining the panorama of the ocean and the
spectacular vista of the Hajar Mountains.
On a clear day you almost feel as if you can touch the mountains. The course is
designed in such a way that it can be played by the world’s best players and the
average golfer.

La Vie - Muscat, Oman

La Vie

La Vie golf course has been designed by the internationally acclaimed golf course
designer, Paul Thomas, of David Thomas Associates. The company’s design
portfolio is impressive and includes golf courses at La Manga West (Spain), Seve
Ballesteros Golf Club and the Top Players Golf Club (Japan).
La Vie’s naturally undulating terrain could have been sculpted by nature
exclusively with a golf course in mind. Built in its own distinct corner of Muscat’s
rugged hills and etched by canyon-like wadis, the 18 holes have been designed to
complement all of the natural features, while the lush green fairways and greens
provide a startling contrast to the rugged desert terrain. The wide green fairways
offer some relief for the ‘errant’ tee shot but to score consistently well, the
generously sized greens demand accurate approach shots from the correct
position on each hole.

Ras Al Hamra Golf Club - Muscat, Oman

Ras Al Hamra Golf Club

Ras Al Hamra is an 18 hole layout and is unique in Oman as the first completely
floodlit golf course. Clever placement of multiple tees with large double greens as
well as alternative locations create a layout varying from 5,400 to 6,500 yards for
which is great fun to play. This semi-private facility is a desert style course amongst
an arid wadi and coastal hillsides, next to the Gulf of Oman.
It was originally opened in 1969 as a sand course but has been redesigned as a grass
course with established trees and native shrubs planted throughout so that the
landscape resembles the barren and rocky feel of the surrounding Omani
environment.

Ghala Golf Club

Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountain range between Al Ansab and Ghala, the
course is a tight valley course which at times can be unforgiving but for the average
golfer can still yield some great scores.

Jebel Sifah Golf Club

Seamlessly intergrated into the spectacular scenery and natural landscapes Jebel
Sifah Golf Course is special. The course with its natural wadis and strategic green
side bunkers, will challenge experienced golfers, whilst remaining playable for
beginners.

Recommended Restaurants

  • The Edge
  • The Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant
  • Ramssa Restaurant

Recommended bars

  • Fire and Ice
  • Club Safari

Hospital information

  • Burjeel Hospital Oman +968 24 399777
  • Aster Al Raffah Hospital +968 22 496000

Phone providers (available at the airport)

  • Omantel
  • Ooredoo

Things to bring that you may not think of

  • Portable Cooler – keeps drinks cool on the course
  • Reusable Ice Pack – keeps you cool on the course
  • Electrolyte powder

Other

  • Courses have locker rooms and showers to use – bring a change of clothes
  • Tips in restaurants are not expected. Some restaurants have service charge. Tip if you feel service is good
  • Otaxi & Taxi Muscat – Ride hailing apps in Muscat

Muscat City Tour

Embark on an unforgettable Muscat city tour, where the rich heritage of Oman seamlessly blends with contemporary sophistication. Begin your journey at the awe-inspiring Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture, intricate chandeliers, and handwoven Persian carpets. Continue to the bustling Mutrah Souq, a traditional market filled with the scent of frankincense and the sparkle of silver jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. A stroll along the Mutrah Corniche offers breathtaking views of the harbor, with its blend of old forts and modern yachts. You’ll also visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Oman’s cultural past, including traditional costumes, weapons, and household items.

Next, head to the heart of the city to admire Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of His Majesty the Sultan, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani. The tour continues with scenic drives through the city’s pristine roads framed by rocky mountains and sparkling sea views. Optional stops may include the Royal Opera House Muscat, showcasing Oman’s dedication to the arts, or a coastal photo stop at Qurum Beach. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a nature lover, Muscat offers a diverse experience wrapped in warm Arabian hospitality.

5 STAR OPTIONS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kempinski Muscat

Kempinski Hotel Muscat is a five-star beachfront resort located in the Al Mouj district of Oman’s capital. Opened in 2018, it features 310 elegant rooms and suites, blending modern design with Omani heritage. The hotel offers 11 dining venues, a luxury spa, multiple pools, a bowling alley, and a kids’ club, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

Mandarin Oriental Muscat

Mandarin Oriental, Muscat is a luxury beachfront hotel in the Shatti Al-Qurum district, opened in 2024 as the brand’s debut in Oman. It offers 103 rooms and 47 suites blending modern style with Omani design, along with five unique dining venues, a serene spa with a hammam, two pools, and a grand sea-view ballroom, making it a refined destination for both relaxation and events.


4 STAR OPTIONS
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crowne Plaza, Muscat

Crowne Plaza Muscat is a beachfront hotel offering 200 stylish rooms and suites with sweeping views of the Gulf of Oman. Guests can relax at the double-deck infinity pool, enjoy private beach access, and dine at five restaurants, including Persian and Italian options. Its scenic location and leisure amenities make it a popular choice for a relaxing stay in Muscat.

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