Living
Al Ghubrah Ash Shamaliyyah & Bowshar
This area covers a large expanse from the beach to the mountains and is in easy reach of many businesses and the main Sultan Qaboos highway.
Best Points
The scenery in Bawshar is fantastic.
Worst Points
Peak-hour traffic congestion and ongoing road works make this a hotspot for traffic jams.
Accommodation
Accommodation is mainly two-storey villas, with a few apartment blocks above the shops and businesses in Ghubbrah. Rents are lower in Bawshar and you have the advantage of a spectacular view of the sand dunes and mountains. Oasis Residence has some options for shopping, eating out, plus a bakery and health club. The Dolphin Complex is also popular with families because of the leisure club facilities (including pool, tennis court and gym), the safe outdoor play area for kids and licensed restaurant.
Shopping & Amenities
The biggest and best supermarket in Muscat – Lulu Center – is located just off the Bawshar Roundabout, between Bawshar and Ghubbrah. There is also a variety of small shops in Ghubbrah selling everything from fabrics to fertiliser. While this means you can usually buy essential items at all hours, it also results in a certain amount of traffic congestion, particularly at peak times.
Entertainment & Leisure
There are three hotels in the area: the Bowshar Hotel, Park Inn and The Chedi. The Bowshar is basic and not a particularly great haunt for western expats, while The Chedi is spectacular in its understated Zen-like architecture and superbly decadent restaurant. The Chedi also has one of Oman’s most popular and luxurious spas. Park Inn is a great business hotel with a rooftop pool and several restaurants.
Healthcare
Muscat Private Hospital – the main healthcare choice for expats – is here. It offers a complete range of inpatient and outpatient facilities, and has a 24-hour emergency room (24 583 600).
Al Raffah Hospital also offers surgical, inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic care (24 618 900/1/2/3/4).
Education
There are various Arabic and Indian schools in the area, but no education facilities for western expat children.
Traffic & Parking
The Ghubbrah Roundabout has undergone construction to ease the flow of heavy traffic, which usually congests the area. The smaller ‘Sail’ roundabout is now a junction for the same reason. At peak times (mornings, lunch times and evenings) you might find a few traffic backups that could delay you for five minutes or so.
Safety & Annoyances
Construction in Ghubbrah can really slow down traffic.
Best Points
The scenery in Bawshar is fantastic.
Worst Points
Peak-hour traffic congestion and ongoing road works make this a hotspot for traffic jams.
Accommodation
Accommodation is mainly two-storey villas, with a few apartment blocks above the shops and businesses in Ghubbrah. Rents are lower in Bawshar and you have the advantage of a spectacular view of the sand dunes and mountains. Oasis Residence has some options for shopping, eating out, plus a bakery and health club. The Dolphin Complex is also popular with families because of the leisure club facilities (including pool, tennis court and gym), the safe outdoor play area for kids and licensed restaurant.
Shopping & Amenities
The biggest and best supermarket in Muscat – Lulu Center – is located just off the Bawshar Roundabout, between Bawshar and Ghubbrah. There is also a variety of small shops in Ghubbrah selling everything from fabrics to fertiliser. While this means you can usually buy essential items at all hours, it also results in a certain amount of traffic congestion, particularly at peak times.
Entertainment & Leisure
There are three hotels in the area: the Bowshar Hotel, Park Inn and The Chedi. The Bowshar is basic and not a particularly great haunt for western expats, while The Chedi is spectacular in its understated Zen-like architecture and superbly decadent restaurant. The Chedi also has one of Oman’s most popular and luxurious spas. Park Inn is a great business hotel with a rooftop pool and several restaurants.
Healthcare
Muscat Private Hospital – the main healthcare choice for expats – is here. It offers a complete range of inpatient and outpatient facilities, and has a 24-hour emergency room (24 583 600).
Al Raffah Hospital also offers surgical, inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic care (24 618 900/1/2/3/4).
Education
There are various Arabic and Indian schools in the area, but no education facilities for western expat children.
Traffic & Parking
The Ghubbrah Roundabout has undergone construction to ease the flow of heavy traffic, which usually congests the area. The smaller ‘Sail’ roundabout is now a junction for the same reason. At peak times (mornings, lunch times and evenings) you might find a few traffic backups that could delay you for five minutes or so.
Safety & Annoyances
Construction in Ghubbrah can really slow down traffic.
