The Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are ancient water distribution networks that use gravity to channel water from underground sources and springs to support agriculture and communities in the arid landscape.
Oman: Muscat – National Museum of Oman
The museum lives inside a purpose-built building that looks like a stately palace on the outside, but inside, it is very modern and uses state-of-the-art methods in its galleries. The building is 13,700 square metres and has 14 permanent galleries.
When we arrived, we only had 90 minutes to look around the museum before it closed. As it turned out, this was about the minimum amount of time to do justice to the exhibitions.
The first gallery we visited was Civilisation in the Making Gallery which explores Oman’s architectural heritage from the 3rd millennium BCE to modern times covering more than 5000 years. The gallery covers Bahla Fort and Oasis, the first site in Oman to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the main historical political capitals of Oman, the architecture of forts and castles, rural palaces and fortified houses and finally residential houses. The models used in this exhibit were incredibly detailed and made from layers of wood. It was my favourite gallery at the museum!
From the ground floor, we walked up the spiral ramp, which had exhibits in niches in the walls that followed a timeline from pre-historic through to modern times.
On the first floor, there are several galleries. We started with the Prehistory and Ancient History Galleries, which covered over 2 million years of human history in the Oman Peninsula, from the Early Palaeolithic, which started over two million years ago, to the Bronze Age (3100–1300 BCE), and the Iron Age (1300 BCE–629 CE). There were exhibits showing tools, earthenware storage, plates, bowls and weapons. The most visually outstanding exhibit was a full-sized sailing boat made from reeds.
Following on from the history galleries we went through the Splendours of Islam Gallery which traces the history of Islam in Oman from 647 CE through to today. On display were some beautiful examples of Islamic Art, exquisite carved wooden doors and screens, and some wonderfully decorated Qurans written in script and with hand-painted illustrations.
The final gallery we visited on the first floor was the Intangible Heritage Gallery, which is dedicated to Oman’s rich intangible heritage. There are five main sections covering musical instruments, Omani dance genres, Al-Bar’ah, a musical tradition from the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman, the first Omani genre to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The fourth section is dedicated to traditional Omani cuisine – recipes are displayed on an interactive screen. The fifth section looks at the status of the camel and the horse in Oman.
Before leaving the museum, we visited two galleries we’d missed on the way through: The Maritime History and the Arms and Armour galleries.
The Maritime History gallery tells the story of Oman’s role as a sea-faring nation from a major trading hub through to modern times of huge tankers containing liquid petroleum that transverse the oceans.
Our final gallery was the Arms and Armour gallery, which as the name suggests documents the evolution of weapons of war and protection, from swords and daggers – some of which were beautifully designed through to modern weaponry.
Planning your visit
From Muscat International Airport:
-
Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers.
-
By Taxi: Available at the airport; the journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
-
By Bus: Mwasalat’s Route 1B connects the airport to Ruwi Bus Station. From Ruwi, transfer to Route 4, which stops near the museum.
From Port Sultan Qaboos:
-
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers.
-
By Taxi: A short 10 to 15-minute ride.
-
By Bus: Route 4 from Ruwi Bus Station passes by the port and stops near the museum.
Public Transportation:
- Bus Route 4: Operated by Mwasalat, this route runs between Ruwi Bus Station and Al Alam Palace, with a stop near the museum.
Parking:
- Availability: Public parking is available near the museum.
Getting around Muscat
Getting around Muscat, Oman can be a bit tricky since public transportation is limited, and the city is spread out. Here are the best ways to navigate the city:
1. Car Rental (Best for Tourists)
- Recommended: If you’re visiting, renting a car is the best option for flexibility.
- Roads: Well-maintained, with clear English & Arabic signage.
- Parking: Free in most places, but can be limited in busy areas.
2. Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
- Mwasalat Taxis (Official taxis) – More expensive but regulated.
- Ride-hailing apps:
- Otaxi – Popular local app, cheaper than street taxis.
- Uber & Careem – Available but less common than Otaxi.
- Airport taxis: Fixed rates, but more expensive.
3. Public Buses (Mwasalat)
- Cheap and air-conditioned, but routes are limited.
- Red city buses connect major areas (e.g., Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair).
- Intercity routes available to places like Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah.
The best time to visit Muscat
Seasonal Overview:
Muscat, the capital city of Oman, experiences a hot, arid climate characterized by long, sweltering summers and warm winters. Annual rainfall is minimal, averaging about 100 mm, primarily occurring between November and April. The city’s coastal location along the Gulf of Oman contributes to high humidity levels, especially during the summer months.
Winter (November to March): This period is considered the most pleasant time to visit Muscat. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F), with low humidity levels. These conditions are ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, beach outings, and exploring local markets. Additionally, several cultural events, including the Muscat Festival, take place during these months, offering visitors a glimpse into Omani heritage and traditions.
Summer (April to September): Summers in Muscat are extremely hot and humid. Temperatures can soar up to 49°C (120°F), making outdoor activities challenging. The intense heat and high humidity levels can lead to discomfort and potential health risks such as sunburn and dehydration. Consequently, this period is less favorable for tourism.
Rainfall: Muscat receives scant rainfall, with the majority occurring between November and April. Even during these months, precipitation is minimal and typically does not disrupt travel plans. The city remains predominantly dry for the rest of the year.
Best Time to Visit: For tourists, the optimal time to visit Muscat is between October and March. During these months, the weather is more temperate, allowing for comfortable exploration of the city’s attractions and participation in outdoor activities. It’s advisable to plan trips during this period to fully enjoy the cultural and natural offerings of Muscat.
In summary, Muscat’s climate varies significantly throughout the year, with mild, pleasant winters and extremely hot summers. Planning a visit during the cooler months enhances the experience, providing comfortable conditions for sightseeing and cultural immersion.
Where to stay in Muscat
1. Mid Range: ltlalat Al Shorouq Hotel
Al Shorouq Hotel Apartments is a 3-star accommodation located in the Ruwi district of Muscat, Oman. The hotel offers 60 air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Each room features a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
2. Luxury – Sheraton Oman Hotel
The Sheraton Oman Hotel is a distinguished 5-star establishment located in the heart of Muscat’s business district, approximately a 20-minute drive from Muscat International Airport. The hotel offers 230 elegantly designed rooms and suites, many providing panoramic views of the Al Hajar Mountains. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee/tea makers. For those seeking enhanced luxury, the hotel features premium suites with separate living areas and access to the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge.
3. Budget – Naseem Hotel
Naseem Hotel is a 2-star establishment located in the Muttrah district of Muscat, Oman. Situated directly across from the western end of the Corniche, it offers guests convenient access to the Muttrah Souq and the fish market, both just a short walk away.
The hotel features 40 air-conditioned rooms equipped with amenities such as ironing facilities and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Some rooms offer views of the sea.
More to Explore
