Brimming with many natural, cultural and historical attractions, Muscat sets hordes of holidaymakers on a quest for cheap air tickets aboard flights landing in the UAE. This article suggests five popular ways to relish the real essence of this lively capital of Oman.
Not without reason is Muscat one of the most sought after tourist spots in the UAE. A delightful world welcomes visitors stepping out from the various flights landing in Muscat. Sun soaked beaches, glorious monuments, adrenalin pumping wadi bashing, and camel races are just some of the reasons for buying tickets to the wonderful capital city of Oman. Listed below are five enthralling ways to enjoy this gleaming “Jewel of Arabia”.
A Private 4X4 Wadi Safari
Surrounding this vibrant metropolis are many mountain hamlets, wadis (dry river beds) and undulating sand dunes that prove perfect for wadi bashing. Half-day, full-day and overnight tours are available for enjoying the heart-throbbing excursions that take travellers up close to the natural beauty of Oman. Besides exhilarating wadi safaris, many of these tours involve activities like camel rides, belly dance and barbeque dinners. So, rest assured that you will get the full worth of the money you spend on your tickets to Muscat.
Watch a Camel Race
The winter season, from November to March, is a popular season for camel racing in Oman. Enthusiasts from the nearby regions gather for the races, which take place on Fridays and over the weekends. Watching the camel, known as the “ship of the desert”, running at speeds of up to 60kmph is an experience that is worth much more than what the flights and holiday deals to Muscat cost. One of the popular camel race courts in Oman is located in Barka, about 68km from Muscat.
Experience City’s Rich Cultural Heritage
The capital of Oman has a fabulous history, which finds reflection through majestic mosques and monuments. Head to the places like Al Jalali Fort and Al Mirani fort, Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, to unearth the city’s age-old cultural heritage! Similarly, buying entry tickets for museums like Oman Museum and the National Museum is another sure-fire way to walk down memory lane and discover inspiring Arabian history.
Shop at Historical Souks
Like its neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Muscat also has some traditional souks. So shopaholics, who have bagged tickets aboard flights to the region, may look forward to a whale of a time. Offering a variety of artefacts, clothes, perfumes, Bedu jewellery and other exotic paraphernalia, these vibrant bazaars delight one and all! Muttrah Souk is the largest and most popular among all. After haggling over your favourite items, you can gorge on the delicious local fares served by many food stalls in the markets.
Take a Dinner Cruise
With the mighty Arabian Sea being an inherent element of Muscat’s character, many cruise ships, both small and big, sail to and fro from Muscat. Taking a dinner cruise from the city is a recommendation to all who wish to enjoy the serene beauty of the ocean. Interesting cultural shows make these cruises all the more enthralling. A gamut of cruise itineraries is available to suit travellers of all budgets.