Oman's capital city is unusual in the region for being committed to ensuring that its buildings are modest in scale and Arabic in style. Muscat is overwhelmingly a low-rise city and local planning regulations dictate that new buildings must have some kind of Islamic dome or window to bring them in line with their surroundings. The end result is a much more uniform, recognisably Middle Eastern city than the likes of Dubai or Doha.
The commitment to maintaining a recognisably Arabic look to Muscat is followed through into the rest of the cultural realm. The city is host to a number of museums that celebrate the area's history, along with well-preserved historic buildings that date right back to the Portuguese occupation of Muscat in the 16th century.
The sandy beach that stretches unbroken from Muscat along 200km of coast to the border with the United Arab Emirates is home to a series of luxurious holiday resorts. These provide all manner of modern amenities and leisure activities.
Whether you want to learn a little Arabic history, or simply enjoy yourself splashing around in the sea while surrounded by idyllic scenery, buying a ticket to Muscat is an investment worth making.