"Muscat - the Perl of Oman" a Muscat Travel Page by MikeAtSea

Surrounded by striking mountains on one side and soft sandy shores along the coast, Muscat was already a thriving port in ancient times. As the capital of modern Oman with wide avenues and architecture that features both contemporary and traditional design, parts of the city still retain their medieval appearance, including two ancient Portuguese forts flanking the rocky cove around which the city is built. During the 14th and 15th century Muscat was an important outpost for the powerful kings of Hormuz. In the 16th century the Portuguese took possession of Muscat but lost their dominance in the Gulf when the city came again under Omani rule in 1650.

Since the mid 18th century members of the Al-Busaidy dynasty have been the rulers of Oman. From the time of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s accession to the throne in 1970, the Sultanate has gone from an underdeveloped country to a modern state with imposing government buildings; including the Telecommunications Ministry that looks like a phone receiver, hospitals, new roads and a sport complex. Muscat’s picturesque old buildings still co-exist with modern commercial and residential quarters, giving the city an ambience all its own. The seaside palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos offers a spectacular sight as it stands between steep rocky hills.

Greater Muscat covers a huge area divided into three sections, the old port area, the main trading and residential areas, and the modern Central Banking District. Sumptuous villas and deluxe hotels are part of an ongoing building boom. Strong development in tourism has gained Oman a new role as an intriguing, fascinating and safe destination.

Oman is full of treasures, and lots of those are to be explored, from historical palaces and traditional buildings to captivating landscapes and gracious people. Its advent into modern age has managed beautifully to blend age old mystique with a taste of the 21st century.

Muscat came as a big surprise to me and after 5 visits never fails to keep me totally amazed.

Getting stuck on our way back home I experienced true hospitality. An Omani who saw that we could not get back to the ship offered his help and dropped us off right outside the gangway. Hospitality that have experienced each time on my four visits to Oman combined with an attractive city traditionally built with many interesting regions and a strong link to heritage make this country interesting and also gives opportunities to be surprised.