Studio Arts Festival showcases over 100 artisans' works, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, photography, textiles, and glass. Enjoy live demonstrations and musical performances.

The Royal Opera House, opened in 2011, is a relatively recent yet critical addition to the Omani cultural scene where the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said himself is a regular. Sleek on the outside, the white-stone building boasts elaborate inner décor that serves as the backdrop to some of the world’s finest performances.

The Wahiba Sands is a desert of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Although it lies around 230 kilometres from Muscat, it’s easily reachable, either by driving or, preferably, through a guided tour. Joining a tour is the best option if you want to make the most of your visit and experience the desert safely. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours by car. If you decide to drive yourself, make sure to carry plenty of food and water, and follow all safety recommendations, especially avoiding venturing off-road without proper experience. Keep in mind that April to October are the hottest months in Oman, which can make exploring the desert more challenging. Most travel companies organise overnight stays in desert camps, though day trips are also possible. For a truly memorable experience, it’s worth spending at least one night under the desert sky. Watching the sunset, stargazing, and waking up to a desert sunrise are moments you won’t forget. You can also enjoy activities such as climbing the dunes, camel rides, or dune bashing.