Stretched between bare rock mountains and blue sea, Muscat is set like a string of pearls along a forty kilometre stretch of the Gulf of Oman coast on the south eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula. Muscat consists of a number of distinct districts, each with its own character, separated from each other where mountains shoulder between them to meet directly with the ocean.
A convenient and effective way to see Muscat and surrounds is by car. Hire cars and petrol are cheap, roads are well maintained and drivers generally courteous. Traffic is light outside rush hours, and the use of roundabouts, rather than traffic lights, normally ensures a smooth journey.
In fact the roundabouts are attractions in themselves. Beautifully landscaped, they feature arches, cupolas, clock towers, statues of animals, and giant reproductions of traditional Omani artefacts such as incense burners, coffee pots and khanjars, traditional Omani ceremonial daggers. Roadside verges are attractively maintained with manicured grass, bougainvillea and beds of petunias.
Rarely more than five kilometres wide from sea to mountains at any point, Muscat is an easy city to navigate. The major artery of Sultan Qaboos Street runs through the centre, linking the various districts and providing a convenient point of reference. Parking is rarely a problem and roads are well sign-posted.
Things to do in Muscat:
- Meander through the Qurum Heights diplomatic district with its winding roads, elegant villas and dramatic cliff top ocean vistas
- Take in panoramic views of sea in one direction and city in the other from the Ras Al Hamra headland
- Visit the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the architectural highlight of Muscat
- Drive to Muttrah, where Oman’s history as a great seafaring nation comes to life, park the car and promenade with locals along the corniche
- Wander at dusk through the twisting, narrow alleyways of Muttrah’s enchanted Al Dhalam souk
- Stroll through the walled and gated city of Old Muscat, with its forts, castles and palace
- Head to the famous Al Bustan Palace hotel and enjoy lunch on its beachside terrace
- Take a scenic one hour drive through the foothills of the Western Hajar mountains to the fishing village of Quriyat
- Journey two and a half hours inland to Nizwa, with its seventeenth century sandstone fort where each Friday people in a vivid array of traditional fashions converge from outlying communities to participate in the weekly market and livestock souq.
Most international car rental agencies have branches in Muscat and there are a number of local agencies which offer slightly cheaper rates.
Vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. Most foreign drivers licences are recognised but it is also useful to have an international drivers licence. Police must be notified in the case of even the slightest accident, driving under the influence of alcohol is considered an extremely serious offence and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
Muscat can be reached by car from Dubai or Abu Dhabi in about 4-5 hours through the Hatta or Buraimi border crossings.
A one month single entry visa can be obtained at the border for 6 Omani rials (16 USD) by non-Gulf residents. Gulf residents do not require visas for stays of less than three weeks. Oman also has a common visa facility with Dubai whereby visas for entrance to Dubai held by most foreign nationals are recognised for entrance to Oman.
Visiting motorists need to ensure they are covered for car insurance in Oman or purchase temporary insurance upon entry. This is available from a booth just beyond the border crossing in Oman, but only with cash payment in UAE dirhams or Omani rials. The cost is about 10 USD a day.
