The glam metropolis of Dubai has always been in the news for a plethora of reasons. Be it food, tourism, car or more, the list will go on and on. But this time it’s the talk of the town for altogether a different reason. This Middle Eastern gem located on the Arabian Peninsula is gaining popularity and is dubbed the Next Dubai of the Middle East. Not it’s not Abu Dhabi nor Sharjah, in fact, this city ain’t even in the United Arab Emirates. So which city are we talking about? Any guesses? It’s actually Muscat, the capital city of Oman.
Oman’s Capital, Muscat Is Titled To Be The ‘Next Dubai’
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Oman is a country with a lot to offer travellers looking for a distinctive and diversified Middle Eastern experience. Oman is well-known for its natural beauty, cultural legacy, and warm hospitality. Muscat, a historic town labelled “the new Dubai” by some travellers, is one of the cities that exemplifies these features. Here are a few reasons that make a trip to this city worth it. Muscat is a beautiful city that is situated between the mountains and ocean on the southernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a vibrant hotspot for people visiting the region, as it serves as an entry point to the vast Sultanate of Oman. The city offers a stunning overview of the Omani heritage, culture, and lifestyle for tourists. With its grand structures and breathtaking scenery, Muscat is definitely a must-see destination.
Also Read: Taking A Road Trip To Oman From UAE? From Visa To Cost & More, Here’s All About It
Here Are 8 Things To Do In Muscat
1. Take A Day Trip To Wadi Shab
This beautiful natural oasis is located just outside of Muscat and offers stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes.
2. Visit The Royal Opera House
هل كنتم من بين الحضور لأي من هذه العروض؟ 👏🏻👏🏻#ROHM2223 pic.twitter.com/t16sGcgxx6
— Royal Opera House Muscat (@ROH_Muscat) July 23, 2023
This impressive venue hosts a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year.
3. Explore Muscat’s Nightlife
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Muscat is one of the cities in Oman to have a nightlife scene. It has one of the sultanate’s best clubs and pubs. Despite the fact that Oman is conventional in many aspects, alcohol is served in numerous places. In Muscat, there are nightclubs where one can go dancing.
4. Check Out The Bait Al Zubair Museum
افتتاح معرض (خيوط مضيئة) لمجموعة من الطالبات في بيت الزبير اليوم بحضور الفنان أنور سونيا. تمثل اللوحات ذكريات واهتمامات وأمنيات مطرزة على الورق بخيوط ملونة.
Today, Bait Al Zubair opened the (Luminous Threads) exhibition by a group of students, in the presence of the artist… pic.twitter.com/rvxrBPhyq1
— بيت الزبير – Bait Al Zubair (@Bait_AlZubair) August 2, 2023
This fascinating museum provides a glimpse into Oman’s rich history and culture, with exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, weaponry, and more.
5. Head To The Al Alam Palace
This stunning palace, located in the heart of Muscat, is the official residence of the Sultan of Oman. Basically, the Royal family of Oman used to reside at this palace. It is one of the 6 royal residences of Sultan Qaboos in the capital city.
6. Explore The Mutrah Souq
This traditional market is a vibrant spot in the city similar to the Souks in Dubai. You can spot this market filled with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and souvenirs
7. Have A Relaxing Day At Qurum Beach
Qurum Beach is definitely a must-visit spot located in the city. It’s a busy centre of activity where you can ride the waves on a jet ski or see and be seen along the scenic coastal road. Take a stroll along this classic strip or enjoy a beach picnic sunbathing on the golden sand.
8. Enjoy A Traditional Omani Meal
Try local dishes like shuwa, a slow-cooked lamb dish, or machboos, and other meat dishes on your trip to the capital city. Don’t forget to finish your meal with the traditional dessert the Omani Halwa.
One might think this city has more heritage value than the glam of Dubai which has been compared here. But Muscat has almost everything Dubai has like huge malls, beaches, culture, heritage sites, lit nightlife and more. So we can relate to why Muscat is getting dubbed to be the next Dubai!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
First Published: August 02, 2023 7:23 PM