Local Insights
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Poised at the entrance to the Gulf, and long a significant trading port mid way between Africa and India, Muscat is highly cosmopolitan and often rated as the most friendly capital city in the region.
Getting there
Seeb International Airport (968 24 518 030; www.omanairports.com) lies some 30 kilometres west of Muscat, and is the country's main hub. It is served by carriers from Europe, Asia and the rest of the Middle East. Well maintained roads run to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. A number of cruise lines, including P&O (www.pocruises.com) call at Muscat.
Weather
The best time of year in Muscat is from October to April, when the temperatures are milder (25oC-30oC during the day, and around 19oC at night). From May to September, summer heat and humidity rise in tandem and the hot winds blow from the desert onto the coastal regions.
Important Numbers and Website
| Fire | 9999 |
| Royal Oman Police | 968 2456 0099 |
| Al Nahdha Hospital | 968 2470 7800 |
| Khoula Hospital | 968 2456 0455 |
| Musat Hospital | 968 2473 8036 |
| Royal Hospital | 968 2459 9000 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 968 2458 8700 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Hire Car |
Mini-bus |
Long distance bus | |
| Hotlines | Muscat's orange and white taxis are not equipped with meters. However there are many private taxis, that can be reached at: Hello Taxi 968 24 607 011 New Taxi Service |
Car hire, whether with a chauffeur or self driven, is the easiest way to get around the city and surrounding areas. International agencies such as Avis (968 24 601 224; www.avisoman.com) are backed up by local operators like Al Ibtisama Trading (968 24 703 404). |
Mitsubishi vans, known as Maxi taxis or Baiza Buses, run from the airport into the city, and around town as well. |
The Oman National Transport Company (968 24 701 294; www.ontcoman.com) runs inexpensive services around the country and to neighbouring countries. Comfort Line (968 24 702 191) is a private transport company. |
| Fare range/ destinations |
From 1 Rial for a short journey. |
Basic rates start from 15 Rials per day. |
From 100 Baizas per ride. |
Muscat to Salalah one-way – 7 Rials. Muscat to Dubai Return – 10 Rials. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours, though scarce at night |
24 hours |
From around 6.00 am – 9.00 pm |
24 hours |
| Harbour cruise |
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| Hotlines | The best way to take in the harbour and surroundings – dolphins often bask offshore – is a cruise aboard a traditional dhow. Muscat Adventure Center 968 24 685 663 |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Adults: 20 Rials; under 10: 10 Rials; under 5: free |
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| Operating hours | During the day only |
* Remarks: Local currency is the Omani Rial
Omani Rial is a three decimal currency (1000 Bz = 1 Rial)
Local Language
Arabic is the local language. English is widely spoken and besides English, Hindi/Urdu, Swahili and Balushi are spoken in the Capital Area. Most Nationals in the Capital Area understand Hindi.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Marhaba |
| Please | Min fadlik |
| Thank you very much | Shukran jazeelan |
| What is your name? | Ma ismuka (to a male) Ma ismukee (to a female) |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tetakallem al-inglizia? |
| Nice to meet you | Tasharafna |
| Never mind | Laysa muhim |
| Good | Jayyid |
| You're welcome | Afwan |
| Excuse me | Law samaht |
| Where is the toilet? | Aynal-hamam? |
| I do not understand | La afham |
| My name is... | Ismee... |
| How much does this cost? | Bikam hadha? |
| Maybe | Mumkin |
| Do you understand? | Maf hoom? |
| Help! | Musa'ada! |
| Today | Lyoum |
| Yesterday | Ams |
| Yes | Na'am |
| No | Laa. |
Business and Finance
The economy remains highly dependent on oil. The focus of privatisation has been in the areas of electricity, power generation, telecommunications. Real Estate has started to boom with five major projects in the pipeline. While lacking the bounteous wealth of some of its neighbours, Oman still enjoys profitable income from oil and gas resources, maintains a substantial trade surplus and has low inflation. To improve its employment rate, the government is actively encouraging locals to take up positions previously held by foreigners.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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