The magic of Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is something relished and cherished by tourists and visitors who keep coming back after one visit. From breathtaking sights to modernisation juxtaposed with heritage and traditional grandeur, the city has much to offer. While the landscape is devoid of high-rise buildings, the Western Hajar Mountains form a ring around this city creating a cosy haven for citizens as well as expatriates from around the world who reside and work here. Here are some of the popular places in the city where you would discover the magic of muscat in diverse forms.
MBD/CBD
Once considered the citadel of all commercial activity in the capital, the Main Business District (MBD) and its adjacent Central Business District (CBD), which are seamlessly segregated from each other in downtown Ruwi, have by and by seen business activity moving out of this locale as the city expanded beyond its seams over the past decade. The headquarters of many banks and corporates, once located here, have now shifted to other locations, though MBD/CBD are still home to numerous commercial establishments and important branches of all banks.
Ruwi
Ruwi is an area that has old world charm juxtaposed with modernisation. The area is dotted with small shops and business establishments besides restaurants and earteries that cater to people on all rungs of society. Ruwi High Street, the oldest commerical street that was always buzzing with activity, especially during the evenings, has a string of outlets of esteemed gold and diamond jewellery chains, besides departmental and garment/footwear stores. The erstwhile Ruwi police station in the heart of Ruwi has now been shifted to another location near the Darsait traffic intersection.
Darsait
Darsait area links Old Muscat with Ruwi and is popular for housing a Hindu temple and an adjacent complex of Christian churches within a single compound, besides Indian School Muscat and Indian School Darsait, making it a well frequented place by the Indian community. The streets are lined with small shops/cafes and restaurants while the Qurum Heights road links Darsait with Qurum roundabout, offering a parallel route between Qurum and Ruwi.
Hamriyah
Home to a large number of expatriates from Bangladesh, this locality is adjacent to Ruwi and known for its old and new furniture showrooms. The lanes in Hamriyah are reminiscent of old towns in third world countries and house many old stores, groceries and an old bakery that carries a popular legacy which keeps it in demand till date. The Al Nahdha Hospital is also located in Hamriyah.
Wattayah
Wattayah is popular for its car showrooms that make it a one-stop destination for exploring purchase of a range of automobiles, from pre-owned cars to high-end, esteemed automobiles. The popular Khoula Hospital, one of the first hospitals to be set up in the capital, is also located here, along with the Nursing Institute and other important establishments of the Ministry of Health. The popular police stadium, that hosts many prestigious events, is located in Wattayah
Qurm
Qurm is known for the city’s green lung – Qurm Natural Park – the largest park in Muscat with an attractive lake and an open air theatre. The City Amphitheatre is also located at one end of the park, besides Marahland, a mini amusement park, at the other. Qurm also houses the iconic Mercedes showroom, many old shopping arcades like Sabco Centre, Al Araimi Complex, Qurm Commercial Complex, popular restaurants for diverse cuisines, and a bowling alley on the way to Shatti Qurm, the most popular beach in town. Jawaharat al Shatti, a popular shopping arcade with many esteemed dining outlets, as well as the InterContinental Muscat hotel are located adjacent to the beach.
Al Khuwayr
This upmarket locality houses most of the ministries and government establishments, besides foreign embassies and consulates in a district that lies parallel to Shatti al Qurm. It is also home to many esteemed international hotels, especially Grand Hyatt, the first to be set up decades ago, and the most recent – W Muscat. Many popular residential complexes, polyclinics, hotels and restaurants are also located in this area – especially Istanboly, a Turkish eatery, known for its shawarma and other Turkish delights served well beyond midnight.
Madinat Qaboos
Madinat Qaboos is considered another upmarket residential area that houses many private residences and residential complexes surrounded by a serene atmosphere and cut away from the hustle and bustle of the city, lending a unique dimension to the magic of Muscat. The British School, British Council, French School, Embassy of Sri Lanka, Embassy of Pakistan are located here, along with many international coffee lounges housed in popular shopping complexes here.
Al Ghubra
One of the fastest developing localities of Muscat, Ghubra has seen a sea change in its profile over the past decade. A host of new malls, including Muscat Grand Mall, Panorama Mall, Oman Avenues Mall, as well as new shopping arcades and hospitals like Al Raffah Hospital and Al Hayat Hospital are prominently located near the Ghubra roundabout. The Indian School Ghubra and The Chedi hotel (on 18th November Street) are also two prominent landmarks in Ghubra. In fact, the popular 18th November Street begins from Ghubra beach and extends all the way till the Al Mouj Golf course on the outskirts of the city.
Azaiba
Home to the iconic Grand Mosque, which is the largest and most significant mosque in the capital, as well as the Supreme Court and a government guest house on a plot opposite the mosque, Azaiba has a unique charm of its own. It lends a unique sheen to the magic of Muscat. The beach front is dotted with quite residential villas while the inner streets lead to various corporate offices and commercial establishments, including the newly built headquarters of National Bank of Oman. Azaiba is adjacent to the fast developing Ghala area which houses numerous warehouses as well as newly opened commercial establishments. It also is home to many esteemed car showrooms, especially those from the Zubair stable, as well as the Mwasalat bus headquarters.
