During the Eid holidays, it was enjoyable to drive around Muscat and the surrounding districts to see how development is changing the areas. There are so many new residential buildings, shopping centers, hotels, and roads. The current construction and commercial boom gives the impression that everyone is rushing to launch new business ventures.
For me, it was time to explore Muscat, not just as a working place but as a historical and fast-changing city. I have always been more familiar with the desert and the mountains of Oman than the capital and its surrounding areas.
With the easy traffic on the main roads, driving around the governorate of Muscat and having the chance to look around was like visiting new places. The hills and heights are bustling with construction sites. I crossed from Ruwi to Sifa, Yiti to Ghala, Busher to Saal, Rusayl to Haz al Ramra, Seeb to Barka, and Mussanah. I drove around Blue City in Suwadi, crossed the hills from the Old Al Khoud village to Fanja, and followed the desert tracks behind Ghala. An exciting adventure between here and there, and a treasured experience.
A trip back in time is made possible by Old Muscat's winding streets. The landscape is captivating, and the alleys certainly have fantastic stories to tell. One can feel a sense of collectivism and strong relationships. Perhaps this was one of the reasons that influenced people with families in Old Muscat to stay in that part of the city during the Covid lockdown.
In the middle of the capital, I have been to several parks hidden away among fishing boats and extended stretches of unspoiled beaches with lush vegetation. It appears that these tiny jewels won't last very long. Like the dunes in recent years, pristine beaches have become a commodity. I have snapped hundreds of photos to register these locations because they will probably soon be taken by concrete.
The growth of Barka astounded me. It was almost impossible to remember the roads leading to wedding halls from a decade ago. Old plantation farms have been transformed into resort destinations with opulent amenities. It is a thriving metropolis with bits of dunes and desert areas. The wilayat has attracted international attention as it hosts several power and water desalination plants.
The area around Al Jafnayn is growing quickly as a residential, commercial, and industrial location. Halban, Maabilah, Seeb, and Almerat have undergone significant development with new roads, shopping centres, and industrial and business areas. The fishing village of Qantab, with the sea and intriguing mountains as its backdrop, continues to be charming, but it is also going through incredible changes. Most of the locations I traveled through were framed by a mix of smooth and rough roads, alleys, and dirt roads. Getting lost was normal, even motivating. There is a ton more to discover.
I then spent some time going to shopping centres. Hundreds of people were strolling from one side to another, enjoying a well-deserved outing with meals and entertainment within the comfort of powerful air conditioners.
With the outside temperature in the 40s Celsius, the malls were the best choice. Customers were tempted by an array of products at reduced prices. When it came to dining, there was a wide selection of cuisine namely Iranian, Lebanese, Turkish, Asian, Zanzibari, and then intercontinental food, with varying prices from reasonable to excessive.
Over the days, I have discovered intriguing locations that serve as reminders of a rich history. Places that fill my eyes and my heart with delight. The Muscat staycation was inspiring. It became clear how the sea, mountains, and desert are fundamental to the local culture. Some of the most poetic scenes have provided me with a further understanding of my surroundings in Oman.
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