Oman is a vast desert that has rapidly developed in the 47 years since Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrew his father. It is the perfect marriage of the arid, peaceful nothingness of the deserts and the bustle of a flashy Emirati city. With beaches, mountains, and sands, malls, mosques, and souqs, there is something for everyone. If you have just one day in Oman which would be a pity , this is how to spend it. If your flight landed in Muscat at night, you probably noticed it mid-air: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the pride of Oman.
Start your morning by walking through the marble corridors and wandering the massive halls with their chandeliers, heavy carpets and engravings. The Grand Mosque is open to all from 8am to 11am every day except on Fridays. Located smack-dab in the center of Muscat, this posh residential area is the aesthetic heart of the capital. Oman has its fair share of local artists and art aficionadosβfor whom this museum is heaven. Aiming to promote engagement and interaction, its contemporary setup encourages visual art in all of its forms.
To me the most endearing thing about Stal is the building: The simple white villa looks like any other house in the neighborhood. Its green backyard, front porch, lawn table, and chairs are all so invitingβexactly like the hospitable Omanis you will meet in Muscat. This milky, creamy tea, served with cardamom and sugar, is an addiction for 1. Al Angham is an expensive Indo-Omani restaurant with a brilliant ambiance and an elegant crowd. I love the cutlery and crockery they serve the food in.
Have your first kharak tea here while taking in the atmosphere. However, if you are in the mood for something slightly heavier, you could go for chicken or meat harees , which is very similar to an English porridge. Its port made Muttrah the epicenter of trade and commerce at one time.
Today it is an epicenter of tourism. A visit to this place is a great way to learn about Omani culture, topography, architecture, and lifestyle. Go straight from the roundabout with a huge fish statue. Amidst the many low-rise building opposite the huge fish market, you cannot miss this three-floored wooden structure. The narrow stairway opens up to a large restaurant where you can experience Omani hospitality as well as its best food, like biryanis and shuwas.
