Muscat, Oman

• Muscat spreads out between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The city doesn't have a real center - it's more like separate districts connected by highways. Mutrah has the old souq, Qurum has the beach and cafes, and Ruwi and Al Khuwair are the business areas.
• Crime is rare here. The police are visible and take harassment seriously. Conservative culture combined with strict law enforcement means you're unlikely to have problems, though you'll stand out more than in most places if you don't dress modestly.
• People eat alone at restaurants and cafes regularly - you'll see local women and expats doing this. English works in tourist areas and hotels, less so in working-class neighborhoods. Staff are used to foreign visitors.
• Dress code is important - cover shoulders and knees, no tight clothes in public. At the Grand Mosque you need to cover your hair. Hotel pools and private beaches are fine for swimwear. Getting this wrong will get you stares and possibly asked to leave certain places.

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, upscale restaurants, and business districts. The emergency number 9999 has English-speaking operators. Most signage in Muscat is bilingual in Arabic and English.

• Cover shoulders and knees, avoid tight clothing. At the Grand Mosque, women need headscarves and long sleeves. Hotel pools and private beaches allow normal swimwear.
• Alcohol only exists in licensed hotels - not in regular restaurants or neighborhoods. Don't drink in public. Some hotel bars only serve guests.
• During Ramadan, most restaurants close during daylight hours (hotels still serve guests). Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during fasting hours.
• Friday is the main prayer day - many businesses close or have limited hours 11 AM-2 PM. Government offices and some shops close all day Friday. The weekend is Friday-Saturday, not Saturday-Sunday.
• No public displays of affection - no kissing or much touching even between married couples. Holding hands is usually fine if you're subtle.
• Don't photograph government buildings, military sites, or Omani women without asking. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially at the mosque or in traditional areas.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Civil Defense): 9999. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Taxis are orange and white. Most don't have meters running, so agree on price before getting in - expect 3-5 OMR for city trips. The Mwasalat taxi app (government-run) has metered fares and is more reliable than negotiating with street taxis.
• Public buses (Mwasalat) connect the airport, Mutrah Souq, Qurum Beach and major areas. They're air-conditioned and cost 300-500 baisa (paid in cash to driver). Use the Mwasalat app for schedules - Google Maps isn't reliable for buses here.
• Yango and OTaxi apps are cheaper than taxis. OTaxi drivers can't pick up at hotels or the airport directly, so you'll need to walk away from the entrance. If you're going outside Muscat, rent a car - intercity public transport is limited.
• You can walk along Mutrah Corniche or within Qurum in cooler months (November-March), but the city is spread out so you'll need transport between areas. Summer heat makes even short walks uncomfortable.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Muscat with local guides and curated experiences.