The construction boom that is fast changing the natural coastal landscape of the Arabian Peninsula has yet to arrive in the Sultanate of Oman. Instead, this sleepy country is capitalising on its visitor magnets: stunning scenery and terrific diving (although with Iran around the corner you won't find too many Americans rollicking on the handsome shores or dipping in its temperate waters.) In a region known for huge freezers making ski resorts in the desert, Oman stands out as a bastion of authenticity.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Forget punctuality. Arriving 30 minutes late to a meeting in Oman is acceptable. |
| 02 |
Practice the words for thank you (shukran), hello (salaam aleikum) and goodbye (ma'as-salaamah). |
| 03 |
Make sure your passport is "clean" (ie no Israeli stamps) and valid for at least six months. |
| 04 |
Forget using cabs, they are overpriced. Rent a car at the Muscat Seeb International airport instead. Make sure to book in advance during peak season (November to March). |
| 05 |
Men should not offer to shake hands when greeting women. Women should not expect to shake hands with men. |
| 06 |
If the idea of sunbathing with your clothes on seems bonkers, make sure to book a hotel with its own private beach. |
| 07 |
Keep a lid on any criticism of the Omani people or his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said or you may end up behind bars. |
| 08 |
Do venture out of the capital, Muscat, and visit other breathtaking cities such as Salalah and the Musandam peninsula (a Persian Gulf exclave surrounded by the United Arab Emirates). |
| 09 |
Alcohol is served only at hotels, licensed restaurants and clubs. Drinking in public is strictly prohibited. Non-Muslim nationals are allowed to bring in two litres of alcohol when travelling by air. |
| 10 |
Two-week visas can be obtained at the airport, but only with Omani rials. You can change money at the airport. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Building 1730, Qurum Street, Muscat
+ 968 2 466 0660
ichotelsgroup.com
Dependable chain
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Kantab, Muscat
+ 968 2 477 6666
shangri-la.com
Premium
The Chedi
232 North Ghubra, Street 46, Muscat
+ 968 2 452 4400
ghmhotels.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Food and Juice Centre
Nr souq entrance, Muttrah Corniche
+ 968 2 432 0750
Leisurely breakfast
The Restaurant
The Chedi, Street 46, Muscat
+ 968 2 452 4400
ghmhotels.com
Mid-morning coffee
Olivos Coffee Shop
Radisson SAS, Al Khuwair
+968 2 448 7777
muscat.radissonsas.com
Lunch with friends
Marjan Beachfront
Grand Hyatt, Shatti Al Qurm, Muscat
+968 2 464 1234
muscat.grand.hyatt.com
Picnic Spot
Ain Razat
A mere 30 minutes drive from Salalah.
Lunch on your own
Tokyo Taro Sushi restaurant
Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi, Muscat
+ 968 2 470 2311
alfalajhotel.com
Sunset cocktail
Drinks on the Edge lounge
Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula
+ 968 2 673 5555
slh.com/evasonzighybay
Dinner for two
Shiraz Restaurant
Crowne Plaza Hotel
+ 968 2 466 0660
ichotelsgroup.com
Dinner with friends
Trader Vic's
Hotel Intercontinental, Muttrah, Muscat
+ 968 2 468 0000
tradervics.com/rest-muscat.html
Best barbecue/alfresco
Palm Grove Restaurant
Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah
+ 968 2 321 1234
hilton.com
Big dinner with friends
Shahrazad
Shangri-La, Kantab, Muscat
+ 968 2 477 6666
shangri-la.com
Drinks after dinner
Kargeen Caffé
Al Wattayah, Muscat
+ 968 2 469 9055
kargeencaffe.com
Late drinks
The Long Bar & Xyro (until 02.00)
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
+ 968 2 477 6666
shangri-la.com
Late bite
Whispers Bar (until 03.00)
Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah
+ 968 2 321 1234
hilton.com
On the tiles
Copacabana
Grand Hyatt, Muscat,
+ 968 2 464 1234
04
Reading
Turtles Bookstore
Seeb International Airport
+ 968 2 451 0478
turtlesoman.com
05
Basics
Muscat Pharmacy
Al Hail Muscat
+ 968 2 453 5977
(Open 24 hours)
Salalah Al Nahda street, Salalah
+ 968 2 329 9468
(Open 24 hours)
muscatpharmacy.net
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Omani hats from Muttrah Souq
(Wait till you get home to wear them!)
Lost luggage – where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Muscat City Centre
+ 968 2 455 8888
citycentremuscat.com
Something for the kids
Clay camels with beads at Omani
Heritage Gallery
+ 968 2 469 6974
omaniheritage.com
Something for someone you love
Perfume from Amouage Boutique
Muscat City Centre
+ 968 2454 0757
amouage.com
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat
Contains the largest Persian carpet in the world. Open to non-Muslims from 08.00 to 11.00 daily except Fridays and holidays. Men must wear longsleeved shirts and trousers and women must cover their hair and make sure they are covered neck-to-toe. |
02 |
Haffa souq in Salalah
where you can buy frankincense. |
03 |
Snorkelling and diving in Musandam
Check with hotel for recommendations on which company to use. |
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08
Limousine/car
Sixt Car Rentals at the Seeb International Airport, request limousine service on its website, e-sixt.com.
09
Transport
Avoid overpriced taxis. There are a number of rental car companies available at the airport arrivals hall. If you must take a taxi, check with the airport’s website to get an estimate on the cost to your destination.
omanairports.com/transport.asp
10
Fitness
Good gym
Day of Paradise
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
shangri-la.com
Summer promotion for non-guests who can pay 38 rials (€72) for use of the swimming pool, gym and beaches. Price includes lunch.