Location

Serviced Apartment in Muscat

Regarded as one of the most important cities in the Old Orient, Muscat is the capital of Oman. Rich in culture and heritage, it is located in the north-eastern region of the country and has one of the largest harbours in the world, right on the Gulf of Oman.

Today, more than 800,000 people have made the Greater Muscat Area - including neighbouring cities, such as Ruwi and Matrah - their home. Treacherous mountain slopes separate Muscat from the hinterland – the name roughly translates to ‘falling place’.

Oman is ruled by Sultan Qaboos, who has built the largest mosque in the world. Another popular draw for visitors to Oman is the Sultan’s Palace, as well as the two forts protecting the harbour. Muscat also offers a wide range of luxury hotels, opulent retail malls and pristine beaches, all easy to reach from the serviced luxury hotel apartments at Fraser Suites Muscat.

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Nearby places of Interest:

Grand Mall: 800 metres away – 5 minutes by car/free shuttle
Oman Avenues Mall: 1.5km away – 8 minutes by car/free shuttle
Panorama Mall: 700 metres away – 5 minutes by car/free shuttle
Royal Opera House: 2.5 km – 10 minutes by car
Sultan’s Palace: 5 km – 15 minutes by car
Mutrah Souq: 5.5 km – 16 minutes by car
Muscat Gate Museum: 5km – 15 minutes by car
Corniche: 5km – 15 minutes by car
National Museum: 7km – 18 minutes by car
Grand Mosque: 8km – 20 minutes by car
Supermarket: Carrefour (700 metres away) – 5 minutes by car
Coffee Shop: Empress Café (in the Shopping Arcade)
Cooking & Craft shop (in the Shopping Arcade)
Panorama Mall: 700 metres away – 5 minutes by car/or by free shuttle
Mall of Oman (opening in 2020) – 500 metres away (3 minutes by car)
Golf
American School (10-minutes' drive)

How to get here (Detailed directions to property by different modes of transportation e.g. Taxi, Train, Bus etc. Include distance and traveling time.)
By Taxi

By Taxi: Muscat International Airport is located 10 kms away from Fraser Suites Muscat, approx. 10-15 minutes away. Our Concierge will be more than happy to arrange an airport transfer from and to the airport

Essential facts about the City
Language

Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken in business.

Time Difference – GMT +4 hours

Visa

Required. Depending on nationalities, visa on arrival is available. Please check before travel (http://omanvisitors.com/inner.aspx?id=12)

Currency – The Omani Rial (OMR) is the official currency
- Shopping
- VAT/GST – 17% VAT
Gratuity

In restaurants, 10 to 15 percent when a service charge has not been added, otherwise five percent. Round up a taxi fare by a couple of rials.

Business Hours

Saturday to Wednesday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, except Ramadhan, during which work starts at (9 am to 2 pm). Private sector official working hours from Saturday to Thursday (according to company policy, except the Banking sector, certain companies and the Capital Market).

International dialing code: +968
Emergency number: 9999
Health – No compulsory immunisations are required to enter Oman.
Vaccinations - No compulsory immunisations are required to enter Oman.
Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. British-style three-point bladed plugs ('type G' plugs) and round two-pin plugs.
Public Holidays (see below)
Weekend: Friday – Saturday

Water

Tap water is desalinated, and although considered safe, drinking it is not recommended. Mineral water is commonly consumed in hotels, restaurants etc and be purchased in most grocery stores, petrol stations and supermarkets.

Photography

Do not take photographs of people without asking, or you risk causing considerable offence - especially if taking photos of ladies without permission. In Arabic, “May I take you picture?” translates (roughly) as Mumkin sura, min fadlak? (to a man) or Mumkin sura, min fadlik? (to a woman). Men will probably be happy to oblige; women less so. Children of either gender will usually be delighted.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside cafés, restaurants, bars, malls, offices and other public areas – although it’s usually permitted on the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants.

Costumes

Arab and Islamic culture is dominant in Oman, which influences the general lifestyle; however, other cultural styles can be observed as Oman attracts diverse visitors. In markets and public places, men and women must wear clothing that is decent and respectful.

Official holidays
- Hijra New Year 1 day – 1st Moharrum
- Prophet Birthday 1 day – 12th Rabi Al Awai
- Isra & Meiraj 1 day – 27th Rajab
- Eid Al Fitr 4 days – 1st-4th Shawal
- Eid Al Adha 3 to 5 days-9th to 13th Al Hijjrah
- National Day 2 days – 18th November