What to do in Muscat - Latest News

Oman will launch its new golden visa programme for investors on August 31, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the Sultanate’s position as a global investment hub. This initiative also supports the country's goal of accelerating its digital transition in commerce. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will introduce the golden visa alongside the “Al Majida Companies” initiative, which supports high-performing Omani firms. Additionally, a new service will allow the electronic transfer of commercial registrations via the Oman Business platform. Foreigners can apply for the programme via the ‘Invest Oman’ online platform. There are two options to...

Private sector employees in Oman now have clear rules on how annual performance-based bonuses will be handled, thanks to a new decision from the Ministry of Labour. Effective from January 1 every year, Omani workers with at least six months of service at their current establishment are entitled to a periodic bonus, based on the outcome of their annual performance evaluation. The decision is part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in pay structures and is rooted in the country’s updated Labour Law (Royal Decree No. 53/2023). The periodic salary bonus is paid as a percentage of an employee’s...

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)...

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 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...

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...

The National Day holiday is here, giving everyone in Oman a couple of well-deserved days off! This year, the Sultanate’s celebrations fall on Monday, November 18th, but the Oman National Day holidays 2024 have been moved to November 20th and 21st, which fall on Wednesday and Thursday, to give everyone a long weekend break. The four-day break is the perfect chance to explore and enjoy everything Oman has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or just some good family fun, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are some exciting things to do during the National Day...

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...

Okay, if you needed a reason to start planning January properly… this is it.Miami Band is officially coming to Oman on January 9, 2026, and Muscat is about to have a very good night. If you’ve ever been to a Miami Band concert, you already know the vibe: nonstop energy, hit after hit, and a crowd that sings along from the first song to the last. And if you haven’t? This is your sign. Why Miami in Oman Is a Big Deal If you grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, Miami Band needs no introduction. They’ve been a...