Oman: A gem in the Middle East

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Muscat with my family, and I was genuinely blown away by how much I enjoyed the trip. Nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the serene Gulf of Oman, this city offers a perfect blend of rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Oman is currently the largest oil producer in the Middle East outside of OPEC and is actively working to diversify its economy by focusing on tourism. My family were as drawn into visiting after my mother saw a ‘Visit Oman’ advert showcasing Dimaniyat Island on a London bus and decided that Muscat would be the perfect place to celebrate her birthday.

The first thing that stood out on the taxi ride to our hotel was the scenery. Wherever you are in Muscat, the mountains are always in view. Oman has a strict building height limit, generally restricting structures to around five stories to preserve the country's cultural identity and landscape. This was a striking contrast to how the United Arab Emirates has promoted tourism through towering landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. This approach prioritises authenticity over extravagance, making it a refreshing and unique experience, and as someone who has also visited Dubai, I much preferred the Omani way.

Our first stop the next morning was the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that left me in awe. The intricate designs, massive chandeliers, and the breathtaking prayer hall, which is home to the world's second largest handmade carpet, were mesmerising. Spanning an impressive 416,000 square meters and constructed using 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone, the mosque exuded a sense of serene calmness. Walking through its peaceful halls alongside other visitors before it closed at noon for Dhuhr prayers was truly humbling.

Exploring the city, we wandered through the Mutrah Souq, a treasure trove of traditional Omani goods. The aroma of frankincense filled the air as we browsed through textiles, handcrafted silver jewellery, and souvenirs to take back home. Later, we visited the Royal Opera House Muscat, a stunning venue that showcases world-class performances and embodies the elegance and cultural richness of Oman. Even if you don’t attend a show, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

To further immerse ourselves in Muscat’s history, we explored the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, which stand as proud guardians of the city's past. The panoramic views from the forts offered a glimpse into Muscat’s blend of old and new.

Unlike other cities across the world, Muscat retains its cultural roots while embracing modernity with grace. The warmth of its people, the captivating landscapes, and the rich history is something I don’t think I’ve experienced before, and I cannot wait to plan my next visit.