Muscat and the Omani coast have served as scenic backdrops for several productions, including Indian feature films shot along the corniche. More notably, the BBC's « Planet Earth » documentaries filmed nesting turtles on the Omani beaches near Ras Al Jinz, a few hours from the capital.
In Muscat, regulations cap most buildings at around nine or ten storeys: the city deliberately stays low and white, with no skyscrapers, to preserve its harmony against the Hajar Mountains. The whitewashed facades and flat roofs give the capital its distinctive look.
Climb into the old lanes of Muttrah above the souk for a view over the harbour at dusk, away from the crowds. Activate your data eSIM at the airport to follow the prayer times that govern opening hours and to hail taxis where there is no wifi.