What to do in Oman - Latest News

You’ve probably heard plenty about AI hubs popping up around the world. Oman has now joined the list. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. (50/2026), approving the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in the Governorate of Muscat. Projects established within the Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in Oman will receive the incentives, privileges, and exemptions outlined in Royal Decree No. (38/2025) on the Law of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. More details on how the zone works, projects are approved, and companies are set up are expected to come out soon. What’s happening...

You know how it usually goes: you open social media for a quick check, blink once, and suddenly it’s been 40 minutes. No memory of what you even watched. Just lost time. Now imagine a giant orange cat jumping in and shutting it all down. Meet Cat Gatekeeper, a browser extension that doesn’t ask politely. It blocks your screen the second you’ve scrolled long enough. Created by a Japanese developer, Cat Gatekeeper tracks how much time you spend on specific websites like social media. You decide the limit, and the extension does the rest. Once time is up, a massive...

Paying for apps usually comes down to two choices. Pay for a full year upfront and save, or pay monthly and spend more over time. Apple makes that choice easier with a new option that splits a yearly plan into monthly payments, with the same annual price. Annual subscriptions usually come with better pricing, but paying for a full year in one go isn’t always easy, especially for expensive apps. Monthly plans solve that problem, but they cost more. Here’s how the new option from Apple works: You sign up for a yearly subscription The total is divided into 12...

If you use WhatsApp and want better visuals and a few extra features, you might get that soon. It looks like a premium version called WhatsApp Plus is now in testing. The feature has been spotted in the Android beta version of the app, where a limited number of users can already try it. Right now, it's only available to a small group of Android beta users. There’s no iOS version yet, and no confirmed date for a wider release. Here’s what’s currently included in this version: Premium stickers Custom themes Custom app icons More pinned chats Premium ringtones Extra...

If you’re planning to get around this Friday, you might not need to pay for it. April 17 marks World Public Transport Day, a new global initiative that highlights the role of public transport in everyday life. To mark the day, free bus rides will be available in select cities across the UAE and Oman. The offer applies to both residents and tourists, with no limits on how many rides you take during the day. Ras Al Khaimah: free buses across the emirate Rakta shared the update on Instagram, confirming that all bus rides in RAK will be free for...

Every year, as spring arrives, the mountains of Oman bloom in soft shades of pink, marking the start of the rose season in Oman, one of the most unique spring activities in the region. For a short window between March and early May, Al Jabal Al Akhdar transforms into a landscape of Damask roses, terraced farms, and fresh mountain air. It’s a seasonal experience that returns every year, making it one of those moments worth planning ahead for. If you’re exploring things to do in Oman 2026 or building your list of places to visit in Oman, this is easily...

If handing your phone to a child usually ends in random taps, pop ups or accidental purchases, Netflix Playground is built to avoid all of that. The streaming giant has introduced a separate app for children aged 8 and under, combining simple games and familiar TV characters in one place. Curious about the new release and what it offers? Here’s everything you need to know. What Netflix Playground App Is Netflix Playground is a free add on for anyone who already has a Netflix subscription. It is available on smartphones and tablets. You can download the app on Apple devices...

If you like the idea of staying somewhere that feels calm but still well-connected, Tivoli LA VIE Muscat is a new hotel opening soon in Oman to keep in mind. The hotel keeps things relatively low-key, with only 79 rooms and suites, plus 21 serviced apartments. With the windows overlooking a 18-hole golf course, guests will be waking up to open views and quiet surroundings. On the roof, a 20-metre pool with views awaits for some leisure time. When it comes to food, SOLÉ is a great place start, especially if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean flavours. There's also...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

If you’re thinking about an evening walk in Muscat this weekend, the Ramadan Market at Al Mouj Walk on March 13 and 14 could be a gentle stop along the way. The market is open from 7 PM until midnight. It’s set along the marina promenade, where people usually come for a relaxed stroll by the water. Here, you'll find small vendors selling fashion, jewelry and accessories, fragrances, and other local finds. There will also be food stalls and a few activities for kids. It can also be a pleasant place to keep in mind if you’re thinking about Eid...