Seaside city that unlike Tenerife or Santorini wants way more tourists | World | News

A beautiful seaside city that’s tucked into the wrinkles of the Hajar Mountains is on the hunt for more tourists.

This region in Oman on the Arabian Peninsual offers everything straight out of a fairytale including castles, wind-sculpted deserts, limestone massifs, volcanic mountains and a rugged beauty seen throughout.

The city is famed for its blend of past and present, with unique traditions and warm hospitality from locals.

So much so, the region is set for a major change with a host  of new resorts popping up in the laid-back capital.

The region is on a mission to attract more tourists, beckoning visitors to enjoy this charming city that’s worth a place on your next adventure list. This is in stark contrast to overcrowded hotspots like Tenerife and Santorinig, where the anti-tourist sentiment has exploded this year.

Muscat is the capital of Oman and its largest city that’s located on the Gulf of Oman coast in the northeast of the country. 

The city’s unusual architecture shows Portugues, Arab, Portuguese, Indian, Persian, African, and modern Western influences with the sultan’s Indian-style palace sitting pretty at the edge of the sea.

The country is already home to a number of beautiful luxury hotels that dot the coastline with two hotly anticipated resorts soon to be found among hidden coves south of the city.

Nikki Beach Resort, which is much-loved among the rich and the famous, and Spa in Yiti Bay are set to open in late 2024.

Alongside two new resorts, Muscat is set for a new beach club, a private marina and upscale beach villas to boost its attraction.

The Mandarin Oriental, Muscat and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort has also recently opened in 2024.

This coastal city perfectly harnesses the beauty of ancient tradition, harnessing the old with the new.

For those interested in the allure of Muscat will be greeted with a diverse range of places and sights to behold.

Some top attractions when visiting include the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Bait Al Baranda Museums, The Royal Opera House and Bait Al Zubair and its 200-year-old covered souq.

The national dish of Oman is shuwa, which is a slow-cooked meat of either goat, camel or lamb that’s wrapped in banana or palm leaves and cooked in an underground pit which is often served on special occasions. 

Shuwa is considered to be one of the national Omani foods that is slow cooked for up to 48 hours and is an absolute must if visiting.

“We stopped here on a cruise excursion that combined a tour of the city center with a stop at the Souq,” wrote one review on TripAdvisor.

“As an amateur photographer I found the combination of old and new worlds to be interesting subjects. My suggestion: travel light.”

Another added: “Loved the souqs. Very friendly people. You have to bargain with them to get items cheaper. West meets East so a good mixture of goods.”