Muscat, Oman — City Information
City Facts
- Location
- In the northeast of Oman.
- Time Zone
- GMT + 3 (GMT + 4 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
- Electricity
- 240V 50 Hz.
- Average January Temperatures
- 22ºC (71.6ºF).
- Average July Temperatures
- 38.5ºC (100ºF).
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 25mm (1 inch).
Cost of Living
| 1.00 GBP = 0.61 OMR |
| 1.00 USD = 0.38 OMR |
| 1.00 EUR = 0.54 OMR |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
Special Events
Muscat Festival
January-February
The biggest event in Muscat (if not Oman) is this annual festival held for a month from mid January in several outdoor venues around the city (suspended until 2011). The festival showcases Omani and neighboring Arabic culture with poetry recital, traditional dancing and craft displays. The event also attracts dance and acrobatic acts from other countries and includes fireworks and shopping stalls, mainly from the subcontinent and Far East.
Ramadan
September
During the Holy Month of Ramadan tents are erected in hotel gardens for people to break their fast after sundown with a selection of Omani favorites like harees (thick cereal dish) and sweetmeats like halwa (sugar and rose water confection).
National Day
November
Muscat celebrates national day with patriotic fervor with street lights, flags, camel races and public holidays. The 40th Anniversary of the Renaissance (the period ushered in by the much beloved current Sultan) is celebrated in royal style.
