What to do in Muscat

New Year’s Eve in Oman is all about choice. From beach parties and live concerts to hotel celebrations and large community countdowns, the city offers plenty of ways to welcome 2026. Whether you’re in the mood for music, dancing, or a relaxed evening with a festive atmosphere, this guide rounds up the New Year’s Eve events worth planning for. If you’re visiting Oman for the festive season or planning a longer stay around New Year’s, this is also a great time to explore more of the country. Our guide to exploring Oman with a complete travel itinerary, must-visit places, and...

Muscat, mark your calendars for one of the best music nights! House of Paradise lands at La Sirena Beach Lounge on October 3rd, and it’s bringing one of the most exciting names in the global electronic scene: &friends. Meet &friends: The Vision of Sean Thomas Behind &friends is Sean Thomas, a San Diego–raised, Dubai-based producer with a big vision. For Sean, &friends isn’t just about music, it’s about building a community that blends cultures, voices, and stories from around the world. After stepping away from music for a few years, Sean returned with a fresh purpose: to create soulful house...

Kadim Al Sahir is coming to Oman. Save the date — October 3, 2025 — for a live performance by the Iraqi artist known as The Caesar of Arabic Music. The concert will take place at Al Irfan Theatre within the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC). As part of his Now and Then World Tour, the singer has already lined up performances in Turkey, Jordan, and two shows in Lebanon — and now Oman is on the map for a short stop this October.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Moments Events (@moments.events)...

Football lovers, get ready! The Socca Oman Tournament is set to kick off, bringing the biggest football event in Oman to the historic city of Nizwa. This exciting tournament is organized by the Sports Industry Company and will take place during the Eid al-Adha holiday, from the 2nd to the 5th day of Eid. It promises to be a thrilling experience for both players and fans. Tournament Details The Socca Tour in Nizwa is the first stop in this nationwide tournament, offering local teams a chance to showcase their skills and compete for prestigious titles and substantial cash prizes. Each...

Oman is preparing to host a major international cricket event this October, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier scheduled to take place over ten days. According to the ICC, nine teams will take part, competing for three qualification spots at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Teams that secured their places through sub-regional qualifiers in 2024 — Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan, and Samoa — will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and hosts Oman. Four of them — Oman, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and...

Oman has officially raised the bar — quite literally — with the unveiling of the country’s tallest flagpole. Towering at 126 metres, the new structure stands in Al Khuwair Square in Muscat and is now the highest man-made feature in the Sultanate, roughly the height of a 40-storey building. The inauguration ceremony took place under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and was attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, along with other senior officials.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by عبدالرحمن بن علي...

Oman is moving into the next phase of its national campaign to reduce plastic pollution. From July 1, 2025, the country will implement Phase 3 of its ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, targeting a wider range of retail and food-related businesses. This phase, announced by the Environment Authority, will concern: Fruit and vegetable shops Grocery stores and packaging units Candy factories and sweet shops Bakeries and outlets selling bread, pastries, and confectionery Gift shops Businesses in these categories will need to replace single-use plastic bags with eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. Here's a short recap...

In a major policy shift, Oman has enacted its first Personal Income Tax Law, set to take effect on January 1, 2028. The move is part of the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 strategy, which aims to strengthen economic sustainability and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The new law, issued under Royal Decree No. 56/2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, introduces a 5% tax on individuals earning more than OMR 42,000 annually. According to the Tax Authority, this high exemption threshold means that 99% of Oman’s population will not be affected. Exemptions will apply to essential expenses and obligations, including: Education Housing...

Lebanon Independence Day, celebrated every year on November 22, holds great historical and cultural significance for Lebanese people both at home and abroad. It’s a day to reflect on the country’s journey to freedom, to appreciate the resilience of its people, and to celebrate the rich cultural identity. The History and Significance of Lebanon Independence Day The path to Lebanon’s independence was long and marked by struggle. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Lebanon came under French mandate. On November 22, 1943, Lebanon's leaders took a decisive step to reclaim sovereignty by abolishing the foreign...

Kuwait’s cultural scene is about to shine a bit brighter with the opening of the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair this Wednesday, November 19. Hosted at the Kuwait International Fairground, this event offers a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the region and beyond. This year, the fair is particularly special as it coincides with Kuwait’s recognition as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. It’s a celebration of the country's cultural influence and its contribution to the global arts scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by المجلس الوطني للثقافة والفنون والآداب...