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Festival

Lifestyle Expo

This three day event is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center. It caters to the whims of elite Omanis who live luxurious lifestyles and come here to survey luxury consumer products and get some novel ideas about decorating their home and office spaces. Products showcased include textiles, footwear, accessories, fashion, jewelry, beauty products and cosmetics. In addition, home accessories and fittings are also presented. Products range in origin from Omani produced goods to international brands.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Lifestyle Expo

This three day event is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center. It caters to the whims of elite Omanis who live luxurious lifestyles and come here to survey luxury consumer products and get some novel ideas about decorating their home and office spaces. Products showcased include textiles, footwear, accessories, fashion, jewelry, beauty products and cosmetics. In addition, home accessories and fittings are also presented. Products range in origin from Omani produced goods to international brands.

More festivals in Muscat

Keep exploring Muscat.

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Muscat Festival

Activity

This event is held annually in the month of January and February and is the best known of Muscat’s Festivals. The basic objective of this festival is to celebrate the culture and heritage of Muscat and Oman. A massive heritage village is set up to showcase Oman’s rich traditions and heritage, and light is shed on Muscat’s history and its various arts and crafts. There are parades, seminars, poetry readings, literary gatherings, theatrical performances and much more. Local and international artists come to Muscat to perform during this festival, which helps add to the fun and educational aspect of this festival.

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Muscat International Book Fair

Activity

his fair has been a staple of the Muscat calendar for the past 15 years. The ten-day festival takes place in the Oman International Exhibition Center. Over twenty countries participate in this book fair, representing hundreds of publishing houses from around the world. You will find many publications in English, as well as those in other languages---any and all bookworms will love this festival!

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GHEDEX Festival

Activity

This is a huge event in Muscat’s calendar. It has been held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center for the past nine years. The objective is to enlighten the public about educational opportunities both in Oman and abroad. Many youngsters, students and their parents flock here to learn more about options for pursuing higher education.

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International Property and Investment Expo

Activity

This event is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center and lasts three days. Oman’s rapidly expanding property market is a draw for potential investors, who come to learn more about the market and other investment opportunities. In addition to highlighting investment opportunities in Oman, organizers provide a synopsis of the opportunities throughout the world, which helps add to the attraction of this event.

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Omani Products Show

Activity

This event is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center and lasts three days. Oman’s rapidly expanding property market is a draw for potential investors, who come to learn more about the market and other investment opportunities. In addition to highlighting investment opportunities in Oman, organizers provide a synopsis of the opportunities throughout the world, which helps add to the attraction of this event.

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Eid Festival

Activity

This exhibition is held annually at the Oman International Exhibition Center. The time of the festival varies in accordance with the lunar calendar. Arguably Muscat’s most popular festival, this event lasts for nine days. It is a shopping extravaganza with consumer and other goods from around the world on display.

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Motor Show

Activity

The motor show is held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center. Car lovers are treated to the sight of numerous models, old and new, produced by various automotive brands. This event is one of the largest automotive showcases under one roof anywhere in the world.

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Autumn Trade Fair

Activity

The autumn trade fair is extremely popular and has been held annually in the Oman International Exhibition Center for the past eighteen years. To give you a sense of the atmosphere, the event attracts huge crowds of up to 200,000 people. Exhibitors come from the around the world to present their products, which include include toys, luggage, stationery, flowers, furniture, shoes, leather products, crockery, bags, garden and leisure products, lighting and household wares, as well as fashionable garments and accessories. The event helps serve as a springboard for foreign companies in the Omani market, and also serves as an opportunity for Omanis, expatriates and tourists to sample a wide range of products in one place.

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National Day

Activity

National day in Oman occurs the same time as Sultan Qaboos’ birthday, which adds to the significance of both occasions. Largely due to the magnitude of the day, this is one of the most wonderful festivals held in Muscat. The city is illuminated with lights twinkling in every corner of the city and celebrations can be found throughout Muscat. The event is marked by traditional dancing, music and camel racing and the fireworks display makes a beautiful backdrop to the architectural jewels in Muscat.

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Women’s Expo

Activity

This is one of Muscat’s most unique and wonderful festivals. The event is held in the Oman International Exhibition Center and focuses entirely on women. Companies that produce products for women bring their products here, which as a result, attracts a wealth of women from throughout the city and region. The focus is on the various identities that women take on during their lives- women as individuals, as wives, as mothers, career-oriented women, and more. Products on display include health and beauty, career and education, fashion and lifestyle, food and kitchen, home improvement, and child care and development. The festival is one example of how the Omani government encourages women to take an active role in every aspect of civilian life.

More places in Muscat

Keep exploring Muscat.

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Sohar

Building

Though a bit removed from the city, this destination is worth a visit for tourists interested in naval history. It is located just around the corner from the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel. Sohar is a replica of a boat that sailed from Oman to Guangzhou, China under the command of 8th century sailor Abdullah bin Gasm. The boat is an incredible feat of architectural design, as not a single nail was used in its construction. A crew of Omani sailors successfully duplicated Bin Gasm’s voyage in 1980 in a journey that took eight months.

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Al-Bustan Palace Hotel

Historical

Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel is a sight to behold. The hotel has won numerous awards, many of them labeling it the best hotel in the Middle East. The hotel is famous for its enormous domed atrium, and the interior design begs a visit.

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Qurum Park

Park

This lively and beautiful park is a great haven for those looking to relax on their visit to Oman. The park is carefully planned and features beautiful landscaping, with ponds, plenty of shade, and a modern village exhibit to entertain those walking throughout the premises. Kids will enjoy this destination, especially the Ferris wheel within the park’s grounds. At night, the park is filled with Omani families, who view this location as a central gathering point for spending time with the family at night.

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Sultan’s Palace

Palace

The Sultan’s Palace is one of the more prominent features in the city, specifically within the Old Muscat region. The blue and gold mushroom pillars are among the more distinctive features of the palace. There are several locations in the nearby area where you can get a good view of the palace, most notably the roundabout on the inland side. The palace is undergoing some rennovations to increase its grandeur, but is definitely worth glimpsing while in Muscat. The palace is located down the street from Bait al Zubayr and Sohar.

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Fish Market

Market

This attraction will certainly heighten your senses-particularly the sense of smell. Mutrah is the central port area of Muscat, and as a result is a prime location for the sale of the daily catch. Early risers (or fish lovers) might enjoy this market, which will throw you head first into Omani culture and tradition.

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Al-Riyam Park

Park

This park is a haven of greenery within the city limits of Muscat. The park is just pass the Mutrah Fort, along the Corniche. Its most recognizable featured is the gigantic, ornamental incense burner that stands near its center. The views of the city from the park are truly stunning-tourists should take a moment to appreciate the scene from here while in Muscat.

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Omani French Museum

Museum

Nostalgia about an era gone by (the 19th century in particular) is evoked in this rather interesting museum. Tourists are able to learn from the exhibits and galleries showcasing Oman’s unique relationship with France, a former colonial power. The pictures of early French diplomats are also on display along with an interesting collection of postage stamps. This museum was opened in 1992 in a house almost 200 years old, which once served as the French Consul.

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Muscat Gate Museum

Museum

The original gates to the city of Muscat are located here. Tourists are able to visualize the old city of Muscat, where these gates served to protect the city from external aggression and invaders. Tourists are transported back in time and are exposed to the history of the city. Visitors also get a good view of the palace of the Sultan from this point. Remnants of old mosques, houses, wells and springs are also preserved here.

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Bait al Zubayr

Museum

This museum was opened in 1998 in the house of Az-Zubair, which dates back to 1914. The museum showcases the heritage of Muscat and of Oman. Beautiful photographs are on display that highlight the traditional Omani lifestyle, and the museum also features handicrafts and furniture, jewelry, costumes and weaponry exhibits. A traditional Omani House is also located here along with a gift and book shop. Outside, you will also find a reconstructed, full-scale Omani village and souk.

More restaurants in Muscat

Keep exploring Muscat.

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بيتزا إكسبرس

Fast food

For travellers on a limited budget, this is a great place for excellent-quality pizza. The ingredients used are fresh, and the end result is delightful! Cuisine: Fast food Address: Madinat Sultan Qaboos Phone: 24603400

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Tche Cafe

This modern venue has one of the best seaside views in Muscat. Tche Cafe can be a bit on the expensive side, especially if you order the locally caught fish on the menu. It is still a great place to unwind and relax, or to enjoy an iced latte.

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Khargeen Cafe

This cafe is always alive with activity, and is a favorite among the locals. The food served is traditionally Arabian cuisine, and the cafe style provides for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The courtyard outside adds to the ambiance of this destination, and wherever you sit, be prepared to become immersed in an Arab setting (you’ll at least be sitting on Arab-style divans).

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Al-Boom Restaurant

This restaurant serves tasty food, but the atmosphere and location should be what draws you here. While eating, you will be able to look out of Al-Boom’s large windows overlooking Muscat’s harbor, providing a truly majestic view. This is also a good place to become more acquainted with Muscat’s close relationship to the sea, especially if you visit for breakfast following a visit to the Fish Market.

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Tuscany

Though expensive, the food served at Tuscany certainly lives up to the bill. The restaurant has won numerous awards and is considered to be the best Italian restaurant in Muscat. The menu changes with the season, but all dishes are prepared fresh and in classic Italian style. You will not regret dinner here!

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Capri Court

Capri Court is another excellent destination for those seeking Italian food during their stay in Muscat. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out these high quality dishes, and you will always find a range of choices on the menu. Starters include poached lobster and other salads, main courses include a variety of risottos, lamb, chicken and beef dishes and dessert includes tiramisu, whipped mascarpone cream and blackberry cream caramel.

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Al Tanoor

This lovely, sophisticated restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it. Customers can choose to be seated inside or outside, but either way, you should make reservations in advance. The décor is wonderful with Arabian tents and pottery, and you can see the chefs as they prepare your meal. A wide range of Arabian, Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian dishes are offered at this scenic restaurant, which is located twenty minutes outside of the city by car. Dessert includes traditional baklawa and the fresh juices are particularly delightful.

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Bait al Bahr

Bait al-Bahr is known for their seafood dishes. The restaurant looks out onto the beach providing a breath-taking view of the sea; the seafood also has a distinctly Omani taste, which adds to the unique experience of dining here. Starters include poached crab and tamarind dumplings,while main courses include dishes such as sautéed kingfish and prawns in tomato stew and fried squid. Desserts include date pudding and bitter chocolate cake with bruleed Omani honeycomb.

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Sultanah

For the ultimate fine dining experience, tourists should stop at this extravagant restaurant. The interior is beautifully decorated in a contemporary style, and the service is fit to match. The dishes served here include grilled shari and seafood risotto starters and beef tenderloin, lime glazed duck breast and seared kingfish as main courses. Dessert is not to be missed- the triple chocolate truffle is fantastic.

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Restaurant

This simply named eating establishment is one of Muscat’s better known restaurants. It is no wonder, as mouth-watering dishes are served here- both international as well as local. The sampling of local seafood is particularly excellent-ask for the “hamour” dish. Also, don’t miss out on dessert; the French chef makes some wonderful pastries and other delights.