Home › Destinations › Qurum
Qurum, عمان - Things to Do in Qurum

Qurum

Qurum, عمان - Complete Travel Guide

Qurum is one of Muscat's most busy and modern districts, serving as the commercial and cultural heart of Oman's capital. This upscale area easyly blends contemporary development with traditional Omani architecture, offering visitors pristine beaches, world-class shopping, and excellent dining options. The district is home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels and resorts, making it a popular base for travelers exploring the wider Muscat region. The area is particularly famous for Qurum Beach, a impressive stretch of golden sand that's perfect for swimming, water sports, and sunset viewing. Beyond the coastline, Qurum features the impressive Sultan Qaboos this destination, one of the largest mosques in the world, alongside modern shopping centers like Qurum City Centre and the upscale Avenues Mall. The district's wide boulevards, manicured gardens, and mix of traditional souks and contemporary attractions make it an ideal introduction to modern Omani life.

Top Qurum

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Explore one of the world's most magnificent mosques, featuring impressive Islamic architecture, intricate calligraphy, and one of the largest hand-woven carpets ever made. The mosque can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers and showcases the finest in contemporary Islamic design. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome during specific hours with appropriate dress code.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but guided tours cost around 5-10 OMR. Visit Saturday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM (closed Fridays). Book tours through your hotel or local operators, ensuring they provide appropriate clothing if needed.

Relax at Qurum Beach

Enjoy one of Muscat's most popular beaches with its clean golden sand, calm waters perfect for swimming, and excellent facilities. The beach offers various water sports activities, beachside cafes, and impressive sunset views over the Gulf of Oman. It's ideal for both relaxation and active beach pursuits.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but water sports equipment rental ranges from 10-25 OMR per hour. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. Look for certified operators for jet skiing and parasailing.

Shop at Qurum City Centre and Avenues Mall

Experience modern Omani retail culture at these premier shopping destinations featuring international brands, local crafts, and diverse dining options. Both malls offer air-conditioned comfort, entertainment facilities, and a mix of luxury and affordable shopping. The Avenues Mall particularly stands out for its upscale atmosphere and designer boutiques.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Visit during weekday mornings for less crowded shopping. Bring your passport for VAT refunds on purchases over 100 OMR.

Qurum Natural Park

Discover this beautifully landscaped park featuring walking trails, children's play areas, and picnic spots with views of the surrounding mountains. The park showcases native Omani flora and provides a peaceful escape from the urban environment. It's particularly popular with families and offers great photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is typically 1-2 OMR per person. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. No advance booking needed, but bring water and sun protection.

Traditional Omani Dining

Savor authentic Omani cuisine at the area's traditional restaurants, featuring dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), majboos (spiced rice), and fresh seafood preparations. Many restaurants offer cultural dining experiences with traditional seating and live music. The area is known for its high-quality restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Booking Tip: Traditional restaurants typically cost 15-30 OMR per person for a full meal. Make reservations for dinner, especially on weekends. Look for restaurants that offer cultural shows or traditional majlis seating for an real feel.

Getting There

Qurum is easily accessible from Muscat International Airport, located about 40 kilometers away with a journey time of 45-60 minutes by taxi or rental car. Taxis from the airport cost approximately 15-20 OMR, while ride-hailing apps like OTaxi and Careem are also available. Many hotels in Qurum offer airport shuttle services, so check with your accommodation. If driving, Qurum is well-connected via Highway 1 and clearly signposted from all major routes into Muscat.

Getting Around

Getting around Qurum is best done by taxi, rental car, or ride-hailing apps, as public transportation is limited. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable, with short trips within Qurum costing 2-5 OMR. Car rental is popular and gives you flexibility to explore, with daily rates starting from 15-25 OMR. Walking is pleasant along the beach and within shopping areas, but the heat can be intense during midday hours. Many hotels offer shuttle services to major attractions and shopping centers.

Where to Stay

Qurum Beach area
Al Khuwair district
Shatti Al Qurum
Qurum Heights
Al Ghubra
Madinat As Sultan Qaboos

Food & Dining

Qurum offers an excellent dining scene ranging from high-end international restaurants to traditional Omani eateries. The beachfront area features numerous seafood restaurants with ocean views, while the shopping malls house food courts and casual dining options. For authentic Omani cuisine, try local favorites like Kargeen Caffe or Ubhar, which offer traditional dishes in cultural settings. The area also has excellent Lebanese, Indian, and Continental restaurants, with many establishments offering outdoor seating during cooler months.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Muscat

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Italian Barrista Cafe ايطاليا باريستا كافيه

4.8 /5
(4585 reviews) 2
cafe meal_takeaway

Italian Barrista Cafe

4.8 /5
(4256 reviews)
cafe meal_takeaway

Italian Barrista Cafe ايطاليا بريستا كافيه

4.9 /5
(3042 reviews)
cafe meal_delivery

Italian Barrista Cafe ايطاليا بريستا كافيه

4.9 /5
(2530 reviews)
cafe meal_takeaway

Italian Barrista Cafe City Center Muscat

4.8 /5
(1208 reviews)

Brezza Marina Italian Restaurant مطعم بریزا مارینا الایطالی

4.8 /5
(1031 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Qurum is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures range from 20-30°C and humidity is lower. This period offers perfect conditions for beach activities, outdoor dining, and sightseeing. The summer months (May to September) can be extremely hot and humid with temperatures exceeding 40°C, though this is when you'll find the best hotel deals. Winter months also coincide with the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds at popular attractions.

Insider Tips

Visit the Sultan Qaboos this destination early in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds, and remember that modest dress is strictly required
Qurum Beach is most enjoyable during sunset hours when temperatures cool down and you can witness spectacular colors over the Gulf of Oman
Many restaurants and cafes offer outdoor seating that's only comfortable from November to March, so plan your dining experiences accordingly during peak summer months

Activities in Qurum