Shopping

The Capital area has a number of shopping malls, mainly situated in Qurum, but in recent times, spreading to the Al Khuwair area, which house a variety of shops, ranging from boutiques to chain stores. Local produce in the super markets is reasonably priced and of a good standard. There are many furniture shops selling mainly Western style furniture, but a few galleries have opened up which renovate and customise antique Middle Eastern and Indian furniture.

Muscat City Centre is famous as the place where ‘lifestyled by’.  With over 147 stores to lose yourself in, Muscat City Centre is the ultimate destination for fashion and lifestyle shoppers.  Our wide array of mid-market popular fashion shops, an extensive selection of electronics stores, dedicated Jewellery shops and Fashion Avenue, plus our hypermarket, Carrefour, will all leave you spoilt for choice!

Muscat

Muscat is the capital and largest city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. As of 2008, the population of the Muscat metropolitan area was 1,090,797.The metropolitan area spans approximately 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi) and includes six wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians and the Portuguese Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, the Balochis and Gujaratis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity of the strategic Straits of Hormuz. Low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat's urban landscape, while the port-district of Muttrah, with its corniche and harbour, form the north-eastern periphery of the city. Muscat's economy is dominated by trade, petroleum and porting