Muscat - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Not a good place for single people but there were still options to go out if you wanted to. It is an AMAZING place for families and also for couples who like to do outdoorsy stuff! - Jan 2022
I think Muscat is a great post for everyone. Our family has been very happy here, and most singles and couples also really like Oman. If you enjoy doing things outside (camping, hiking, snorkeling/scuba diving, going to the beach, exploring, etc) you’ll have a great time. If you enjoy going to museums, a bustling restaurant scene, and a good nightlife scene, and you don’t really like outdoor activities, you might be a little bored. - Dec 2018
For families this is fantastic! There are lots of other families to do things with. The couples without children don't seem very enthusiastic For single people it depends on what you are looking for. For men as it often is - their dating life will be prolific. Not the case for women. If you are looking for people to camp or go to the beach with, there are plenty of opportunities but again you have to work for them. Overall Oman is pretty boring and things get old fast. Muscat is very "small town" feeling and you will run into the exact same people over and over. It's a bit like Groundhog Day here. - Feb 2018
I think it is a great city for couples both with and without kids. There is a lot of kid events organized either by the Embassy, or the schools. There is an annual Fair that happens in two places in the city. Otherwise there is a lot of weekend activities, such as camping on the beach or in the mountains, exploring the old forts, off-roading/camping in the desert. As far as singles, it would be tougher for them in my opinion. - Aug 2017
Muscat is good place for families and couples. I think for a single it might be a little tougher due to societally restrictions on mingling with people of the opposite sex or dating. There are very few bars and clubs, so meeting someone can be a bit of a challenge. That being said, there have been many singles at post and most seem to enjoy it. - Oct 2014
Great for families and couples, but singles might find it a bit slow. - Jun 2012
Good for families, although it's dreadfully hot in the summer. - May 2012
Families, couples, singles I have heard are 50/50. - Aug 2011
for the youing family this is a great post. for a family with older children it might be more of a struggle. It is harder for single women here then it is for single men. - Feb 2011
Very family oriented. I think single people would be a little lonely, but men seem to like the infamous 'health clubs' which are really massage parlors...wives, keep your husbands out! They aren't just for massages! - Apr 2010
This is hit or miss as local transport is nill and you have to drive your kids everywhere. Temps prohibit many activities for about 8 months out of the year. Couples this is a can do place if you like the outdoors. There are a few clubs at the major hotels but they are very expensive. Single males might do okay and the ones I knew from my time there didn't mind the place but single women had a rough time. - Feb 2010
Families rave about Muscat for the quiet, safe, convenient lifestyle. Omanis love children, and there are lots of things for kids to do. Many white women do well because Omani men dance attendance on them and Omani women want to befriend them. For everyone else, it's a bit iffier, but you can do well if you're adventurous and make the effort to explore the natural surroundings and interesting culture and history. - Jan 2010
For couples, yes. Lots of opportunities to get out and camp, hike, and explore; restaurants (pricey); and get-togethers with others in the cool of the evenings. For families, yes, depending on how you all take the heat. There isn't a whole lot to do so you must bring/make your own fun. Summers can be hard, most spouses and kids go home for the worst of the heat so you end up separated for a several weeks. For singles, if you are outgoing and willing to try you can make friends and enjoy Oman quite a bit. We had a summer intern that did more to experience Oman in just 45 days than most had in 3 years. She loved it! - Mar 2009
Yes on all fronts, although it is a very quiet place, so those not able to keep busy on their own occasionally complain of boredom. - Feb 2008
