Muscat, Oman 🇴🇲
#558
23.588201, 58.382944
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Muscat is the capital of Oman, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 40 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 OMR (Omani Rial) ≈ 2.60 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended for drinking; bottled water is preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ooredoo and Omantel are the main providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted; banks like Bank Muscat and HSBC have branches. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental websites like MuscatHome.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include hostels like Al Noor Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Muscat at Khubba Al Azab, offering flexible workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop at Muscat Grand Mall, known for its quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by Omani Entrepreneurs on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Muscat Expat Meetup regularly organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the preferred ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing is limited; consider renting from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Qurum Beach, approximately 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Oman Air offers regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates connect Muscat to many global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to the Muscat Expressway and Sultan Qaboos Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No current train system; public transportation mainly via buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are low; consider a monthly bus pass for regular usage. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to major cities like Salalah and Nizwa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, offering comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center in Madinat Sultan Qaboos offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First at Muscat City Centre is a popular choice. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are widely available, including Wash & Dry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the leading food delivery app in Muscat. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shuwa, a traditional Omani dish of marinated lamb, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Vegetarian Café in Qurum cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Muscat offers a selection of local and international sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al Araimi Boulevard has a range of affordable food stalls. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon is accessible for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fresh to Home provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al Mouj has several bars and restaurants for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Oman Brewery Company produces local beer; check local bars for availability. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Caramel Lounge offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Muttrah Souq is famous for its street food offerings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Trader Vic's offer diverse international menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Al Jalali Fort are iconic sights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Oman is a key cultural attraction. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nizwa Fort is a significant historical site near Muscat. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Muscat Festival celebrated every January and February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Muttrah district offers a glimpse into traditional Omani life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Royal Opera House Muscat showcases local and international performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Muttrah Souq is famous for Omani handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out live music at venues like Bait Al Oud. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for murals in the Muttrah area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Oman Culinary Club offers classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bait Al Zubair features local art and artifacts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Palace is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Omani khanjars (daggers) are significant cultural symbols. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Shab is a stunning nature spot just a few hours from Muscat. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Quriyat Nature Reserve is good for hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Corniche in Muttrah offers scenic pathways. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Jebel Akhdar provides breathtaking views of the mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Salalah is a hotspot for migratory birds during certain seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches allow bonfire gatherings in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Oman Post and DHL provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Geeky Repair Center in Al Khuwair for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Muscat Sports Club offers facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | International School of Oman provides language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sultan Qaboos Library is an excellent study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Oman Avenues Mall hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Quantum Gaming Center offers a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Oman; no casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 OMR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 OMR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900 OMR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 36,000 OMR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 OMR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 OMR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 OMR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 OMR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,700 OMR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 136,000 OMR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,300 OMR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 104,000 OMR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in Oman. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax during property purchases. |