Muscat – Sunny, with average temperature of 43ºC and horizontal and light constructions, Muskat is silent and inspiring. The paradisiacal beaches have green sea and calm waves. The city is surrounded by mountains, is beautiful and spotlessly clean. Of the population of 2.8 million people, around 600,000 are foreign, guaranteeing the capital of the Sultanate of Oman a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The government stimulates the development of tourism and aims to see the volume of tourists visiting the city rise from three million to 12 million by 2020. Many streets are tree lined and some blocks are surrounded by date trees, with grass and flowers between them. It all looks new and organized.
For those planning to visit the city it is possible to find museum, forts, mosques, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and the traditional souks with their aromas of exotic spices, gold and silver. At Muttrah souk, you may find from henna to typical clothes and jewels. Antiques, carpets and decorations are also not lacking.
Haggle, but do not insist too much. Different from other Arab nations, they drop their prices little, and do not follow customers who decide not to buy. One clue is to make use of the day to enjoy the beach and leave shopping for the evening, when temperatures drop. Working hours are from 8:30am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Another two tourist sites are the Al Alam Royal Palace and Al Jalali fort.
Muskat offers relaxation and peace in scenery of ancient architecture in comfortable and modern hotels and resorts. Six-star hotel "Al Husn", for example, surprises visitors at each turn. Built on the shore of the Gulf, there are 180 rooms. Architecture is inspired on Islamic forts and the mixture of carpets provides special colours. The hotel offers a private artificial beach to its guests and most of the rooms have a sea view. True luxury.
Despite Islam being the official religion, Oman has a peaceful religious atmosphere. In the streets, Muslim women in abayas and scarves covering their heads share space with tourists in western clothes. At hotel swimming pools, bikinis are worn with no problem. On the beach, most wear bathing suits and larger, more discrete bikinis. Local women swim dressed in black clothes similar to those worn by surfers in the winter.
Hospitality
Brazilian engineer Caio Castro de Paula, who works for company Fidens, one of the Brazilian companies with projects in Oman, has already visited Muskat several times over the last year and is always surprised by local hospitality. According to him, the Omanis are good hosts and are especially receptive to Brazilians.
"The city is especially clean, the architecture shows a spacey city, little virtualized, but with all infrastructure necessary for foreigners, like good supermarkets, bars, night clubs and beaches," he said. "The line of restaurants is complete, but I recommend trying local foods," he said.
Among the beaches he has visited and points out are Shangrila, "a place close to perfection". "The beaches are paradisiacal, at the beach where the Diving Centre works, it is possible to walk hundreds of meters into the sea without being covered by the water.
Adventure
The desert climate is appropriate to the practice of open-air sports and the city has attracted more and more adventure tourism lovers. Muskat offers options of outings, with visits to valleys, mountain climbing, desert nights and diving to see whales and dolphins. For those who like exotic destinations, Muskat is an excellent choice.
Visa
Compulsory for Brazilians, visas may be requested through the travel agent. It is necessary to present a copy of your passport and certificate of vaccination against yellow fever, a 3X4 photograph and a certificate showing you have paid the fee for the visa issue.
Assistance to travellers
Oman Tourism
Site: www.omantourism.gov.om
Shangrila’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
Complex with three luxury hotels (Al Husn, Al Waha and Al Bandar). Nights starting at US$ 300.
Site: www.shangri-la.com
Telephone: (+968) 2477-6666
Oman Dive Centre
For divers. Rates starting at US$ 200.
Site: www.diveoman.com.om
Telephone: (+968) 2482-4240
Hostels and camping
Sahnooth
Site: www.salalah-youthhostel.com
Al Raha Tourist Camp
Site: www.alrahaoman.com
Outings
Arabian Sea Safaris
Site: www.arabianseasafaris.com
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre
Site: www.holiday-in-oman.com
*Translated by Mark Ament