Around Muscat

Bandar Al-Jissah : It is thought that the ruined fortlet was built during the Portuguese occupation to prevent the Turks from landing in Muscat. Inland from the village, more than 50 pre-lslamic cairns were discovered. Close-by is the road to the Oman Dive Centre and the Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort.

Haramil A quaint fishing village close to Marina Bander Ar Rawdah. On the site of the new mosque, there stood until very recently, a quarantine station. This was established in 1897 for ships calling at the ports of Mutrah & Muscat.

Old Muscat is dominated by two torts, Mirani and Jalali. These were built during the second half of the 16th century. Nearby stands the beautiful Khawr Mosque, Bayt Greiza and Al-Alam Palace - all buildings of fine architectural excellence. Graffiti from ships anchored in Muscat over the last century, decorate the rugged rocks on the opposite side of the harbour. Among them, 'H.M.S. Sheffield'when, on a courtesy visit to Oman, was directed to sail at full speed to the Falkand Islands at the outset of war. The horseshoe ring of mountains surrounding Muscat from the landward side, ensures that, any major changes in development, will be limited. Museums: The Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum at Bayt Al Falaj (The Falaj House) : This was a fortified house built over 200 years ago. It was supplied with many aflaj (water conduits). The Museum makes an extremely interesting place to visit describing the military history of Oman. Allow at least one hour. There is a small entrance fee. Driving into Muscat you will see a gateway which houses an interesting museum. Bayt Az-Zubair in Muscat is an historic residence transformed to display exhibits such as, Omani silver, weapons, paintings and clothing. Opposite is the Bait Muzna Gallery-another fine example of Omani architecture and an excellent place to purchase gift items. The splendid, Al-Bayt Al-Fransi, formerly the residence of the French Consul in Muscat, is now the Omani-French Museum. The Natural History Museum in Al-Khuwayr shows a diversity of Oman's flora and fauna, shells, fossils and insects. It is a most absorbing place to visit and situated in the Ministries Area adjacent to the Whale & Dolphin Hall. The Omani Museum in Al-Alam Street has a fascinating collection of all things Omani. The National Museum in Ruwi shows typical Omani utensils, clothing, furniture etc, whilst the Children's Museum in Al Qurm, is a very amusing way to spend a morning. Bayt Adam MCT Map has an interesting private collection. The 19th century building in Mutrah was the former British Council building until the late 70’s(Now Bait Al Baranda) and js of architectural interest. It has recently been converted into a museum.

Mutrah : This has always been the commercial centre. In the past, goods transported from Muscat, or by caravan to the interior, were stored in the warehouses of Mutrah by the Al-Lawatiyah trading community, who settled in their fortified headquarters, adjacent to the present suq. Observe the elegant merchant’s houses on the waterfront and the beautiful Al-Lawatiyah Mosque. Mutrah Fort has a fairy-tale appearance by night and nearby Mutrah suq, is a hive of activity. The fish suq is situated close to Samakah, or 'Fish Roundabout', on the waterfront. Riyam lies between Muscat & Mutrah and it is here that the peace treaty was signed between the Imam's forces and the Portuguese in 1648, a year before the end of the Portuguese occupation. The giant bukhoor, or incense burner, is a stunning landmark, espcially from the sea.

Sayh Al-Malih : This was a traditional landing bay for travellers wishing to visit the interior of Oman. There once stood a hunting lodge used by Sultan Said Bin Taymur, the present Sultan’s father. Travellers were transported by ferry from Muscat & Mutrah. Now it is the site of Petroleum Development Oman (P.D.O.) oil company. Nearby is the 'Oil Exhibition Centre’ that tells the story of oil from the time it is extracted from the ground. Also an attraction - the Planetarium, housed in the same building with dialogue in both English and Arabic.

Hayy as Saruj was, until as recently as the early 80 s, an area covered in sand dunes and its beaches were deserted. Now it is a prosperous residential area with international hotels & restaurants on the seafront and a new cinema complex.

Another mosque of interest is the' Sultan Bin Taymur Mosque' in Al Khuwayr, It is the only mosque in Oman to be built in the Turkish style.

Qantab : Access to this charming village is via a spectacular drive through the mountains with remarkable views and some great opportunities for taking photographs. The road represents an incredible feat of engineering where, whole mountains were removed. The Oman Diving Centre is situated nearby.

Al Qurum - Built on a steep, rocky place, this was a fishing village till the early eighties. It is now a sophisticated residential area. The Muscat Crowne Plaza Hotel is perched on a cliff edge overlooking this stretch of beach. Its palm - fringed beach is a favourite place for barbeques.

As Seeb is a modern town sometimes referred to as ‘the Jewel of the Capital’. Recently, a splendid promenade was completed, stretching several kms along the seafront. The fish market is probably the best in the area. Horse and camel races take place here, especially during festive occasions.

Barka a coastal fishing village, a short distance trom An Naaman Castle, was a city of considerable importance. Dates, dried limes and herbs were exported to India and Iraq. The Batinah supplied vast quantities of limes to Iraq, which were used in shay Al lumy (tea with lime). Barka Castle features an unusual octagonal tower and two restored watchtowers. One of the traditional customs here is bullfighting in a form which doesn’t cause any real harm to the bulls. They are are held on alternate weekends.

Qurayyat is 84 miles from Wadi Aday Roundabout The way to this coastal fishing town is via a spectacular route through the mountains. Qurayyat is part of the Municipality of Muscat. It is an area with many fortifications and watchtowers. Nearby, Wadi Dayqah is a favourite beauty spot. You will come across refeshing pools, streams, and water falls under the shade of palm trees.

Diving: Superb diving facilities exist in Oman. Hidden away in a secluded bay, several miles from Muscat, is tbe Oman Dive Centre, nestled amidst the mountains, with its own private beach. Nearby, lies Marina Bandar Ar Rawdah. At Bandar Khayran close to the Dive Centre, lies a sunken naval vessel ’The Munassir’- a former troop landing carrier ship. Other wreck sites exist in other parts of the Sultanate. . Diving off The Damaniyaat Islands is a spectacular experience.