Welcome to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman and a place where tradition and development have managed to synergise a new, harmonious balance. Muscat is a peaceful, beautiful city located on the Gulf of Oman. The city's predominantly low-rise architecture makes it unique amongst its Middle Eastern neighbours. Instead of towering skyscrapers rising out of the desert, Muscat's picturesque cityscape hugs the coast and the rugged Hajar Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. To experience everything Muscat has to offer, stay in Frasers Hospitality's award-winning luxury serviced apartments, Fraser Suites Muscat, ideal for executives travelling to Oman for business or with their families.
The award-winning Fraser Suites Muscat is Muscat's leading serviced apartments, located in the heart of Muscat's commercial district. The property's 120 luxury serviced apartments offer exceptionally well-appointed, spacious living for executives, couples and families travelling to Muscat for business or leisure. During your stay, take advantage of Fraser Suites Muscat's excellent onsite facilities, including a luxury spa, 24/7 state of the art fitness room and rooftop pool.
Muscat's traditional architecture, epic scenery and picturesque coastline lay a certain spell over first-time visitors. Unlike its Middle Eastern cousins, Muscat's development didn't commence until the 1970s so much of the city's traditional buildings - its soul - has been preserved. The Hajar Mountains to the north and the azure Gulf of Oman only add to Muscat's charms.
The city's long association with the sea means Muscat is easily the best place in the Middle East to dig into a deliciously fresh seafood meal, and the rowdy souks act as a colourful counterpoint to the peaceful, palm-fringed pace of daily life. The Omani people are as a rule unfailingly polite, friendly and fiercely proud of their country's achievements and culture; they're only too happy to share everything from food to history and their vision for the future with guests.
Muscat is a compact, easily traversed city, and many of the top things to see and do in Muscat are located conveniently close to your apartment hotel.
Located eastward of modern-day Muscat and a short drive from your serviced apartment, Old Muscat offers a wonderfully preserved insight into Muscat's - and Oman's - storied history. Here you'll find the old harbour, once the centre of Oman's traditional trades including dates, mother of pearl and fishing, as well as notable landmarks including the Muscat Gate Museum, the National Museum of Oman, and the Al Mirani Fort. A must-see is the facade of the Al Alam Palace, still an official residence of the current Sultan of Oman. The palace is an exquisitely beautiful example of Omani architecture, resplendent in blue and gold.
Located only eight minutes from your long-stay hotel in Muscat, the Royal Opera House serves as Oman's premier cultural and arts venue and organisation. The Opera House itself is astonishingly grand in scale and opulence; a night in tops and tails watching some of the world's best performances is unmissable. The interior is like something out of an exotic Arabic fairytale, lending the venue an almost magical quality. The site also houses the Opera Galleria - an uber-luxe mall housing some of the world's top boutique luxury brands, cafes and fine dining. Arrive early for a meal then enjoy a night watching a world-class performance of opera, ballet, or orchestral music. It's an experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.
The sea borders much of Oman, so it's perhaps no surprise a delicious seafood meal is high on the list of must-try experiences. A short 10-minute drive from your executive serviced apartment in Muscat will bring you to Turkish House Restaurant, easily one of the top seafood restaurants in Muscat. The venue is renowned for its delectably fresh seafood grills combined with local flavours. For beachside dining, look no further than the Beach Pavilion Bar & Grill, a drive of about 25 minutes from your serviced apartments on the east coast. The views are simply gorgeous - it's a beautiful place to spend an evening dining on fresh seafood while the waves lap at the shore nearby.
Oman's beaches are considered some of the most beautiful in the Middle East, and you'll find many close to your serviced apartments in Muscat. Oman's beaches are an idyllic mix of azure waters, clear blue skies and fine yellow sands all backed by some truly epic scenery. For an urban beach that feels like nothing of the sort, head for a dip at Al Qurum beach. It's always advisable to dress appropriately for Omani culture, so covering up a bit more is advised, but that's no obstacle to fun in the sun. At Al Qurum, it's possible to spend the afternoon taking a dip then retiring to one of the many restaurants along the beachside. For some delicious Turkish cuisine, head to Twins Turkish near the beach's eastern side. For a more remote seaside experience, jump in a car and head to Bandar Jissah beach, a beautiful sandy beach characterised by its rocky formations and golden sands.
A day trip from your serviced apartments in Muscat amid the arid, mountainous beauty of Oman's interior, Wadi Bani Khalid is a true desert oasis. The wadi features a series of crystal clear pools fed year-round by a constant stream and surrounded by towering desert mountains and fringed with lush greenery. Again, dressing in modest attire is a must. From the main pools, embark on an easy hike further up the wadi to a second set of pools and the Kahf Maqal, one of the wadi's underground caves. The site has a restaurant but the absolute best way to spend the day is to bring a picnic and a book (or two). Laze about and alternate between swimming, eating and reading - you'll feel refreshed in body and mind.
To get to your long-stay hotel in Muscat, arrive at Muscat International Airport - the main international airport in Oman. Taxis are readily available outside the main terminal building, starting at 3 OMR during the day or 3.6 OMR in the evenings. The journey to Fraser Suites Muscat takes only 16 minutes.