Festival

National Day

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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Overview & visitor information

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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

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Lifestyle Expo

Activity

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.

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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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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.

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What to do with Children in Tow in Muscat

Activity

Children’s Museum

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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.

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The Watchtower

Tower

This is another remnant of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat and has been recently restored. It is a sight to behold, especially at night, when it is illuminated amidst the fountains that dot the surrounding area. The climb up is worth the energy, as tourists are treated to a beautiful view of the sea. Stairs to reach the tower can be accessed from behind Al-Inshirah Restaurant.

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Mutrah Souk

Market

This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Muscat, and is perhaps the biggest attraction within the city. It is located next to the Mutrah Corniche and is a perfect blend of Oman’s ancient culture and its modern transformation. The stalls are housed in a modern building but still maintain the hustle and bustle of a traditional Arab Market. There are a number of gold shops; others sell handicrafts and antiques. Walking through the market is a great way to learn about the Omani way of life and the cultural heritage of this city.

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Mutrah Fort

Fortress

This fort is yet another legacy of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat dating back to the latter half of the 16th century. While the fort is closed to visitors, it is a wonderful photop opportunity and is within view from the Mutrah Souk and Corniche.

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Bait al Baranda

Museum

This “bait” (house) was converted into a museum in 2006, and now showcases the history of the city of Muscat and of Oman dating back to pre-historic times. The interactive exhibits are both interesting and educational and international collections are frequently on display here. One of the museum’s most unique features is the dinosaur bones on display, which were excavated in Al Khoud near Muscat. The museum takes you through the various stages of Omani history; 10000 B.C to the early Islamic period, Muscat as conceived of by travelers and historians, the Said Dynasty, Muscat as a port and harbor, and Muscat in the 21st century.

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Al Mirani Fort

Fortress

This fort, like its twin, the Al-Jalali Fort, was also built in the late 1500s during the Portuguese rule of Muscat. The fort tops the Western rocks of Muscat Bay and flanks Al-Alam Palace. Inside, you will find a complex and confusing maze of hallways, topped off by a nearly 30 meter oval-shaped artillery tower. Turquoise blue waters that lap the shore at the foot of the fort make this an enchanting place to view. This fort, along with others found in Muscat (not to mention the mountains) made it very difficult to penetrate the city.

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Al Jalali Fort

Fortress

This twin-towered fort, which sits atop a gigantic rock, was built in the 1580s when Muscat was occupied by the Portuguese. It served as a bastion to protect the harbor from invaders and also served as a prison for many decades. It is currently a museum showcasing Omani culture, history and heritage. It is not, however, open to the general public. Only foreign dignitaries and heads of state are allowed to enter the fort. The public is, however, welcome to view the fort from outside and are allowed to take photographs. We recommend that visitors make an effort to see the fort at night, when the structure is magnificently lit by surrounding lights. Even if you do not have the opportunity to see the fort, you will certainly here it-canons are fired from the fort to announce the beginning and end of each day.

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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.

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Mumtaz Mahal

This is the most famous of Muscat’s Indian restaurants-for those who love spicy food this is the place to be! North Indian Mughal cuisine is the specialty here, and the atmosphere is very soothing with dim lighting, low tables and traditional Indian instruments being played live. Many consider this to be Muscat’s best Indian restaurant, especially given the sophisticated choices available here (like the snake coffee!). The beautiful view overlooking Qurm Natural Park only adds to the allure of this venue. Note that prices are borderline expensive, with the average meal costing about OMR 15.

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Meknes Restaurant

Those looking for a fine meal are unlikely to be disappointed with Meknes Restaurant. This venue is known for its fantastic stews (particularly the lamb) and its vintage Moroccan tea. You will also enjoy the atmosphere here, including the armchairs in which you will enjoy your meal.

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Al-Daleh Restaurant

This destination will ensure you get the most for your money as dishes are of excellent quality and are served at more than reasonable prices. The dishes listed on the menu are international so all customers are bound to find something they will enjoy. The restaurant also has a little twist-many of the chefs and waiters are students of the hospitality institute. Given the popularity of this restaurant and its limited operation schedule, we recommend that you book in advance before visiting.

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D’Arcy’s Kitchen

Eat your fill of delicious pastas, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, smoothies and other fresh juices here. You will also find traditional American cuisine, like (beef) bacon and steak and fries. The food is of excellent quality, the service is first-rate and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. All of this might might have something to do with the fact that this restaurant is a short walk from the beach.