Special Friday-Muscat city private tour (Panoramic)

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is Oman's biggest mosque with an area of 416,000 m2 and has a capacity of over 20,000 worshippers; 8,000 people can fit inside and the courtyard can easily hold up to 12,000 people. This mosque is one of the few mosques in Arabia which allows entry for non-Muslim visitors. The mosque is a wonder of modern architecture and is a fusion of Omani, Islamic, and Middle-Eastern architectural styles.

The mosque has four main sections: the men's prayer hall, a Musalla (prayer hall) for ladies-with a capacity of 750 worshippers, a library and a lecture theatre. There is also an Islam Centre where you will be served free dates, coffee, tea, and other refreshments and you can interact with local Omani women. An ablution room with a fountain in the centre is also open to visitors at non-prayer times and is where worshippers perform purification rituals before prayer times

Mutrah Corniche is a promenade stretching for 3 kilometres along the waterfront and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and markets. You can see the views of the Oman Port and harbour on one side and the beautiful rock formations of the Hajar Mountains and the Portuguese watchtowers on the other. The northern end of the corniche has a fish market and a dhow harbour. The eastern end of the harbour is dominated by the Mutrah Fort. The Fort is generally closed for visitors. However, its flank can be climbed for more great views of the harbour.

The Royal Opera House is Oman's premier destination for music, arts, and culture. The complex consists of a theatre, auditorium, landscaped gardens, an art centre, and cultural markets and can accommodate up to 1100 people. The Royal Opera House has been ordered to be built in 2001 by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who is a huge enthusiast of classical music and art. The house officially opened in 2011 and serves as a centre for excellence in the arts and enriches its heritage by culturally diverse programs and events

Bait Al-Zubair is a private museum located in old Muscat city and contains relics from Oman’s military, social, and cultural past. It opened its doors to the public in 1998 and is founded and funded by the Zubair family. The family’s extensive collection of Omani artefacts such as weapons, khanjars, jewellery, household items and costumes are considered to be the finest privately owned collection that offers an insight into Arab and Omani heritage.

The Bait Al Zubair complex is an architectural icon. It consists of 5 buildings (Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Nahdhah and Gallery Sarah) and a garden, as well as a café and a gift shop. It has four floors of an ever-growing permanent art collection and is considered to be the most extensive art collection by Omani artists.

An elongated stretch of shore running along the edge of Qurum Nature Reserve will bring you to the Al Qurum Beach. Located smack bang in the heart of Muscat city, the beach is fringed with a number of upscale hotel chains and shopping centers. Located near one of the bustling venues in Muscat, this long stretch of sandy beach is popular among visitors for its four wheels cruises and family picnics. Enjoy spending some time at the beachfront cafes sipping on your favorite beverage while savoring the splendid view of the sea. Al Qurum beach also offers the best adrenalin kicks in the form of exciting water sports; so one can have their own chunk of thrill ready for an exceptional day out at the beach.

Built for the late Sultan Qaboos during his 50-year reign, Al Alam is mainly used to receive high-ranking guests such as foreign dignitaries and Queen Elizabeth II. Though the palace interior is off-limits, you can admire the exterior from Old Muscat’s harborfront.
Occupying a waterfront spot on the harbor of Old Muscat, Al Alam Palace is the official ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman. Mushroom-shaped columns and a vivid gold-and-blue facade make it one of Muscat’s most arresting sights.

Secluded amid an emerald green oasis overlooked by the Al Hajar Mountains, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel stands proudly as one of the sultanate's landmarks. With the Gulf of Oman beckoning from the edge of its beachfront and the glimmer of an exquisite crystal chandelier in the lobby, this luxury resort in Muscat is a destination of its own. Distinctive venues include fine Chinese cuisine, seaside dining and a new elegant jazz lounge.