This is the ultimate design lovers guide to the must visit places in Muscat.
At a time when the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the stars of the Gulf, gaining worldwide media attention, the Sultanate of Oman feels like the younger sister of the family, whose quiet nature and underrated beauty curiously draws people in. Oman, backed with a rich maritime history, intriguing natural landscapes and friendly Arab hospitality, truly feels like a hidden gem of the Middle East. If you are in the Omani capital, here are five must visit places in Muscat – from the rustic to the regal – that you should have on your radar.
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THE REGAL
The Chedi Muscat
Let's start big. Considered one of the Middle East's most legendary hotels, The Chedi Muscat set the bar high when it opened in 2003. A masterclass in oriental minimalism, it is located just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Pass through its gates and urban grittiness is replaced with an oasis of rest and repose.
Set on a 21 acres plot with a 370-metre stretch of coastline fringing the Arabian Gulf, the resort was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the Belgian talent behind Denniston Architects, a global studio known to mastermind rare hotels and getaways. The design draws from Islamic architecture, putting firm focus on symmetry; the most memorable example being the long palm-lined swimming pool that is now an iconic image of Muscat. The landscape, too, takes after Islamic design codes, with a series of manicured courtyards leading up to the the main garden. The resort's 161 rooms and suites are either in or near the main hotel in the Serai wing, or dotted villa-style around the tranquil estate. ghmhotels.com
A road trip to the mountainous town of Bahla will lead you to Jabreen Castle. Situated in an open plain, this rectangular, high-walled monument dates back to 1670; it was designed by Imam Bil'arab bin Sultan Al-Yarubi.
A prominent figure in Omani history, who reportedly helped advance the country's economy, Al-Yarubi died in this castle in 1693, where he is buried in the basement. The castle was used as a palatial residence for the Imam, as well as a fortification during times of war. Back in the day, the three-storey structure was an active educational centre for astrology, medicine and law. It features libraries, suites, kitchens, storage areas for dates, a Quran school, even jail cells for men and women.
The castle is indeed remarkably preserved, especially its ornately decorated wooden ceilings (akin to interiors found in Damascus or Granada) and Arabic calligraphy-covered walls. jabreencastle.com
THE CLASSICAL
Royal Opera House
Inaugurated in 2011, this unmissable musical venue in Muscat reportedly took four years to construct and was the first opera house to open in the Gulf area (and the third in the Arab world, after Egypt and Syria). It has hosted some of the greatest artists of our time, including Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Yo-Yo Ma, Kadim Al Sahir and Majida El Roumi.
There is something deeply authentic about its architecture, where it doesn't necessarily emulate Western opera venues, but rather looks at the wider region for inspiration. In terms of design, its elegant interior is impressive, featuring traditional aesthetics from Oman, Iran, Andalusia and North Africa, making it a meeting place of cultures from everywhere. The marble used throughout the project hails from Italy and Oman, whereas the wooden elements were imported from Myanmar.
With the ability to seat 1,100 people, the main auditorium, where opera singers perform without microphones, is full of wooden and golden details. The private opera boxes resemble traditional Omani jewelry boxes, studded with metallic motifs. Programming usually runs from September until May, but morning and afternoon tours of the venue are available on-site from Saturday to Thursday. rohmuscat.org.om
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THE MODERN
Oman Across Ages Museum
Situated in the town of Manah, this monumental cultural museum physically emerges from the desert ground in a dramatic manner. The museum’s architecture is modern, sleek and geometric, formed of spatial slopes, that are inspired by the Al Hajar Mountains.
According to a statement published by Cox Architecture, the Australia-based firm behind constructing the landmark: “The design leverages scale, geometry, form, light, and vistas as both expressive devices and opportunities for enhancing the visitor experience. The expression of the building form is characterised by large angular and inclined planes which are representative of the crystalline landscape geometry that is the genesis of the building shape.” Inaugurated in 2023, the Oman Across Ages Museum is devoted to showcasing the country’s 800 million-year history through delicate artefacts, immersive installations and high-tech screens. @oaam_oman
THE RUSTIC
Bait Muzna Gallery
If you're looking for a place that spells old-school charm, this is the right place to be. Back in 2000, the American-born art patron Sayyida Susan Al Said founded Bait Muzna ("Muzna's House"), a laidback and quaint art gallery, placing a spotlight on Omani artists and work that mostly explores Omani culture. The two-storey gallery has also displayed artworks of various mediums, including photography and sculpture, by international artists. The blue-toned space is a former house, reportedly owned by the aunt (named Muzna) of Al Said's husband, who inherited the property after her death. In addition to gallery space, Bait Muzna also features a gift shop, a spacious courtyard and a wall fountain, decorated with vibrant ceramic tiles. baitmuznagallery.com
