Muttrah: The Heartbeat of Muscat

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikheer. want?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath alinglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [ureed an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakol allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك
  [fi sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [ureed an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [anserif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [etisal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [etisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostضاعت طريقي
  [daat tariqi]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [ureed an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sairuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsair?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaaah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [alaashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsaabah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [aleasr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tisaah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayn...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [maa huwa alaunwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat altaalia?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkurah (ila...)]

Muttrah's history as a coastal settlement began in antiquity, its strategic position along the Gulf of Oman making it a vital port for maritime trade. By the 1st century AD, it was already recognized in the trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula, facilitating exchanges between the East and West. The nearby ruins of ancient forts and trading posts serve as a testament to its early significance in commerce.

In the early 16th century, Portuguese explorers captured Muttrah as part of their attempts to control the trade routes in the Indian Ocean. They built the Fort of Muttrah, which stands today as a historical landmark. The Portuguese presence significantly impacted local trade and culture, introducing new architectural styles and fortification techniques that would influence Omani architecture for centuries.

By the mid-17th century, the Omani people expelled the Portuguese, marking the beginning of the modern Sultanate of Oman. Muttrah became a hub for the new sultanate's trade activities, with its port facilitating the export of Omani goods such as dates, pearls, and frankincense. This period solidified Muttrah's role as a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

The Muttrah Souq, established in the late 20th century, is a vibrant marketplace that reflects Oman's rich cultural heritage. It is known for its traditional crafts, textiles, and spices, attracting both locals and tourists. The souq's layout and architecture embody the historical trading practices of the region, preserving the essence of Omani culture and commerce.

In recent decades, Muttrah has undergone significant modernization while striving to preserve its cultural heritage. The waterfront promenade, known as the Corniche, has been developed into a recreational area, blending contemporary leisure with historical sites. Efforts to maintain the integrity of Muttrah's traditional architecture and culture continue, showcasing Oman's commitment to balancing progress with heritage.

Muttrah is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods in Muscat. If you're arriving from the city centre, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber, which are widely available. Public buses also operate routes to Muttrah, with Bus 1 being a popular option that connects Al Khuwair to Muttrah. For those coming from Muscat International Airport, taxis are the most convenient mode of transport, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.

Muttrah is a walkable neighbourhood, especially around the Corniche, which is ideal for strolling and enjoying the views. While public buses are available, they may not be the most convenient for tourists. Taxis are affordable and a good option for traveling short distances. Bicycles can be rented at various locations, particularly around the waterfront, allowing for a leisurely ride along the coast.

Muttrah is considered a safe neighbourhood for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to remain vigilant in crowded areas, particularly the Muttrah Souq, where petty theft can occur. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. Overall, standard safety precautions should suffice to ensure a pleasant visit.

In case of an emergency, dial 9999 for police, ambulance, or fire services in Oman. Make sure to have your location ready to provide to the operator. The nearest hospital is the Royal Hospital in Al Khuwair, about 15 minutes away by taxi. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended. Pharmacies are available in Muttrah for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas and when visiting religious sites; avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting mosques, women should cover their heads, and men should wear long trousers. Public Transport: Do be courteous to other passengers and give up your seat for the elderly; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake, and a nod of the head is also appreciated; avoid overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offers graciously; don't refuse hospitality as it may be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Muttrah like a local, visit the Muttrah Souq early in the morning when it is less crowded and the vendors are more approachable. Engage with shopkeepers, who often share stories about their crafts. Attend local cultural events if available, and try traditional Omani coffee (kahwa) and dates. For a unique perspective, take a walk along the Corniche at sunset for stunning views of the sea and mountains.