Visa-free to travel to Oman: Snow, beaches and mountains in Muscat

Dubai: Now that Oman has announced visa free entry for nationals of more than 103 countries, including free visa-on-arrival for GCC residents, this could be the best time to head to our neighbouring country for a couple of days. Make sure you carry your passport, Emirates ID and a printed copy of your mulkiya or car registration.

Oman as a tourist destination offers diverse natural landscapes including tropical vibes in Salalah, uniquely beautiful Musandam and the mountain terrain in Jebel Akdar. All these destinations are worth a week’s worth of planning and really long drives, but if you’re looking for a weekend escape head to the nation’s capital Muscat. The lifestyle is much more laidback than what UAE residents may be used to which can be a welcome change on a break.

The view: Muscat as a city is a beautiful destination because it is surrounded by impressive grey mountains with the Sea of Oman to one side. This means, depending on where you stay, you can find a vantage point to enjoy a beautiful mountainous view of the sunrise or sunset. As you drive around the city, you’ll see that the mountains are literally within the city limits with houses and building built next to the base of the peaks.

Muttrah Corniche: The city has a nice corniche area when you can see residents and visitors on walks, relaxing by the sea with a view of the ships docked in the harbor area. There are several shops here, and the entrance to Muscat’s famed souk.

The Muttrah Souk: One of the oldest souks in the region, reportedly dating back two centuries, the Muttrah Souk is the place to go to shop Omani souvenirs and specialties including the country’s priced frankincense. The essential oil, called ‘luban’, has been proven to have many medicinal and topical qualities and Oman prides itself in producing some of the finest in the world. The narrow lanes of the souk also offer many other shopping and photography options.

Bimmah Sinkhole: While a bit further away from the city, this attraction still falls in the Muscat Governerate – which is why we’ve included it. A drive of over one hours from the city centre, this sinkhole looks almost other-wordly with its aqua-green pool in the centre. You’re usually allowed to swim here (check again before you travel) as long as you follow safety and dressing guidelines. The sinkhole was reportedly formed due to years of rock erosion.

More shopping: Muscat has many malls that visitors can shop and relax at including the Mall of Oman, Muscat Grand Mall and Oman Avenues Mall. Several small shopping malls also can be found throughout the city.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque This is Muscat tourism’s centerpiece. Despite being in the city, it feels like it is a little bit outside the centre and is close to the main road. One of the biggest mosques in the entire globe (technically considered the 2nd largest by area). Up until the creation of a new one in Abu Dhabi, the carpet was the largest ever woven. But you must see the magnificent Swarovski crystal chandelier. It is certainly one of Oman's most stunning locations.

Snow Park: Located in the Mall of Oman and covering 14,830 sq m, the recently opened Snow Oman is the largest indoor snow park in the region and the only indoor snow destination in the Sultanate.

Qurum National Park: This one is good especially if you’re travelling with children. With lush gardens, a kids’ amusement park, artificial waterfalls and a lake, this park is the place to for a nice picnic if the weather permits.