What is Muscat famous for?
Muscat, the capital of Oman's port city, sits in the Gulf of Oman, surrounded by mountains and deserts. Historically, it combines high-rise buildings and shopping malls with 16th-century Portuguese fortresses, Al Jalali and Mirani, close to the port of Muscat. Its modern Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, dressed in marble, with a 50 m dome and beautiful Persian carpet, can host around 20,000 people. The state of Muscat is considered the beating heart of Oman. It is connected to Port Sultan Qaboos by Muttrah Corniche where a Muscat visitor can view a variety of nature: golden beaches, mountain peaks, and golden dunes (Bawshar Sands).
Perhaps most impressive about the Muscat Governorate and its provinces is the amazing mix of ancient cultural values and contemporary style. You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding streets with no real history, corresponding to modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern art. This allows Oman to retain its historical character, and at the same time enjoy its modern spirit. Muscat is known as one of the cleanest Arab capitals in the world and has earned the honour of winning the Cleanest City Contest several times. Muscat as a city has played a major role in history because of its location.
Here are the best places in Muscat
- Grand Mosque: It is the biggest mosque in the country and took six years to be completed. The tourists ought to follow a proper dress code while visiting the mosque.
- Mutrah Souk: It is believed to be one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arabian world. Here you can find a variety of Arab artefacts like jewellery, clothes, pottery pieces and craftworks.
- Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera House is one of the first houses in the Arabian Peninsula. It is very popular among the tourists who admire art, culture and music. It consists of an auditorium, theatre, art centre, cultural markets and beautiful gardens.
- Al Jalali and Al Mirani Fort: These twin forts were built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The Al Jalali Fort was once used as a prison but later converted into a museum. Al Mirani Fort is larger than Al Jalali Fort and famous for its role in the downfall of the Portuguese.
Airport in Muscat
Muscat International Airport is the main airport in Oman. IndiGo is a prominent airline that conducts various domestic and international flights from the world-renowned airport.
- Airport address- Muscat International Airport, Muscat, Oman
- IATA code- MCT