Muscat International Airport Oman: The new hub of the Middle East

Muscat International Airport is the new IT hub

Oman's new airport, Muscat International Airport, opened in 2018 and had its official opening in early November. And there's a good chance it will become the new IT hub and therefore your go-to for the ideal layover. It's an excellent replacement for airports in, for example, Dubai or Qatar, because Oman (and its capital, Muscat) are less crowded and much more undiscovered. With Oman Air, you can fly to destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and more. But of course, you can also choose Oman and Muscat as your final destination for a week of sightseeing, sunbathing, and cultural experiences. Because there's more than enough to do in Oman! The capital, Muscat, is booming, and here you'll find luxury hotels, authentic covered markets (the 'Souq'), and a harbor from which you'll definitely want to take a boat trip!

Read all about what to do in Oman and Muscat in our 8 x Best tips for Oman >>

Muscat International Airport // Oman

Muscat International Airport as a multi-day stopover

Muscat International Airport's goals are impressive. They aim to be among the 20 largest airports in the world by 2020. They currently fly from many European airports, and in 2019, Schiphol will be added! This means you can fly to Oman for under €400, or easily book a multi-day layover with Oman Air. They're following the example of Iceland Air (which we recently visited for YourLBB). San Francisco have flown via Reykjavik!). Their budget airlines have also made it very affordable to have a multi-day stopover in Reykjavik and see some of the country that way. And that's highly recommended for Oman; it's such a beautiful country (and so big!) and there's so much to see that you can easily spend four or more days there!

Fun fact: Oman's coat of arms is a dagger, and from above, you can also see it in Muscat International Airport. It's actually shaped like two daggers!

Muscat International Airport // Oman

general tips for oman

Currency: In Oman, they use the Omani rial. One Omani rial is equivalent to approximately €2,30. Bargaining is customary at the souq (covered market). Luxury foods like alcohol are considerably more expensive, but otherwise, it's generally cheaper than in the Netherlands.

Clothing: Oman is a Muslim country, but they are very open to other cultures. Women here wear modest clothing, and they prefer you to adhere to this as well. This means covering your knees and shoulders. If you really don't want this, they won't make a fuss, but it's respectful to keep it that way.

Alcohol: Alcohol isn't served in Oman. So if you really want a drink, you'll have to find a hotel bar. They do have them here. With meals, they mainly drink water and (super tasty) fresh juices like watermelon.

Camping: Great: in Oman, you can pitch your tent anywhere. And yes, really anywhere. One exception: it's prohibited on the Sultan's territory. But that does mean that if you love camping, you can pitch your tent in the most beautiful spots. That's why this has become a new item on my bucket list: rent a car, put your tent in the back, and travel through Oman camping!

tips for oman

hotel tip for oman

During my stay in Oman, I stayed at the Kempinski Hotel. This hotel is located on the outskirts of Muscat and offers every luxury imaginable. So, if you're looking for the ultimate relaxing stay during your time in Oman and Muscat, this is the perfect choice. It has two swimming pools, a wonderful spa, a full breakfast, and many restaurants in and around the hotel, including an Omani restaurant, a Thai restaurant, and a shisha lounge.

View the rates

Tips for Oman // Kempinski Hotel

PSSSST... YOU CAN FIND MORE (TRAVEL) TIPS IN YOURLBB'S (NEW) BOOKS!

• Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
• staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
• Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
• The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)

Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!

Happy travels!

WITH LOVE,

WIEKE