Muscat, Oman

Posted on by Lea Ann Reynolds
White Frankincense Burner Monument in Riyam Park in Old Town

On our first cruise through Muscat, we didn’t bother to get off the ship. We knew we would return, and the weather was overcast and cool so we decided to stay on the ship. Today was a different story.

Our temporary Visa to enter Oman.


The weather was clear and beautiful. 78 degrees Fahrenheit. We decided to take a walk. To get off the ship and to walk around town, we had to first stop for a temporary visa card from the Muscat security and hop on the bus.

Artwork on the walls inside the Souk


The bus drove about 1000 feet to another building. We exited the bus and walked through the building and had our items scanned and walked out the building and got back on the bus.

Shops everywhere! Lots of haggling if you want to buy something.

Craziest thing we ever saw. Not sure why we had to do that extra step. They could have used the ships security booth. It was the same. Everyone had this confused look on their face.


We then were taken to town that was close enough to walk, but we weren’t allowed to. They dropped us off at the Mutrah Souk. The town was nicely built and in better shape than some of the other countries we have experienced, especially the sidewalks.


Our amazement, most of all, was the mountains with absolutely no vegetation. It has its own charm and the mosques are beautifully built. We were here overnight and left late in the afternoon the following day.


We heard the daily prayers here as well. We both laughed when the prayers ended. It sounded as if he started choking or something. It was really strange! Chuck said he probably got shot because he couldn’t sing/chant at all!

They love bright colors. These are scarves.


It was a really nice day and we enjoyed our trip and the short stroll along the Gulf of Oman. It’s not every day that we are blessed with the ability to walk on the beach of different oceans around the world.

Takiyah or cap for men’s dress


We can’t wait to add more to our list! For a short history lesson: Muscat is the capital and largest city of Oman. The total population of Muscat reached 1.4 million in 2018. The metropolitan area spans approximately 1,400 sq. mi.

Many sculptures along the walkway. Dolphins are all over the place. We saw several pods while sailing and of course I don’t have my camera at the right time!


It has been known since the early 1st century (common era) as an important trading port between the west and the east. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat’s influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. 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. Muscat’s economy is dominated by trade, petroleum, liquefied natural gas and porting. Oman is led by the Al Bu Sa‘id dynasty.

A lot of gold is here as well. Jewelry, statues, color scarves. Much in gold colors.


Muscat’s naval and military supremacy was re-established in the 19th century by Said bin Sultan, who signed a treaty with U.S. President Andrew Jackson’s representative Edmund Roberts on September 21, 1833. 

A dhow (Boat)


New ministries for social services such as health and education were established and a new international airport was developed.

Oman flag

The first five-year development plan in 1976 emphasized infrastructural development of Muscat, which provided new opportunities for trade and tourism in the 1980s – 1990s, attracting migrants from around the region.


The more traditional exports of the city included dates, mother of pearl, and fish. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has been central to Muscat’s economy since at least 1962 and is the country’s second largest employer, after the government.

Two native Omanis feeding seagulls 

PDO’s major shareholders include Royal Dutch/Shell, Total, and Partex and its production is estimated to be about 720,000 barrels per day.

Many restaurants with outdoor seating

Muscat also has major trading companies such as Suhail Bahwan Group, which is a trading partner for corporations such as Toshiba, Subaru, Seiko, Hewlett Packard, General Motors, RAK Ceramics. 

One of the many beautifully colored mosques.

We didn’t think there would be much here, and we were correct. Muscat is a nice little port town in the very large country of Oman. Beautiful but small however we have seen smaller. 

Shade with seating. Shaped similar to the white incense burner that is a symbol of Muscat


Christmas will be here soon! Looking forward to the celebrations on the ship next week. I’ll miss seeing our family, but we hope to talk to them at some point.

Entrance to the Mutrah Souk for shopping!

We are 10 hours ahead of Texas, so they are usually in bed asleep for a couple of hours when we get up in the mornings. But we’ll make it work. 

Having a little fun with the seagulls! That ship on the left is the Prince of Oman’s ship.


Today is also my baby brothers birthday! Happy birthday Bud! Love 
you always!

Night view of the Persian Gulf in Muscat, Oman. I took this off the railing of the ship. Very hard to do and keep it from being a blurry photo.


May God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

Chuck & Lea Ann

Leave a comment