Living
Al Qurum (Including Qurum Heights)
Al Qurm is home to a mixture of residential and commercial buildings, and it is safe to say that this is one of the most desirable areas in which to live (and the most expensive).
Best Points
Due to its hilly setting, Qurm has some amazing views.
Worst Points
The traffic around Qurm junction can get quite congested at peak times.
Accommodation
Qurm features mainly large villas set amid undulating slopes; therefore your chances of landing a villa with a view are high. This is also the location of the Petroleum Development Oman housing compound (complete with its private leisure facilities). Shati Al Qurm is the epitome of luxury living, with huge white villas spaced out along quiet suburban streets. However, unless you are a foreign diplomat, a wealthy local or an overpaid chief executive, it may be out of your budget.
Shopping & Amenities
Shopaholics will enjoy living in Qurm, as it is home to four large shopping centres, including Qurum City Centre. In the area, you’ll find big-name brands, a host of fabric shops, a fancy dress shop, a pet shop, a selection of banks and three big supermarkets, including a Carrefour in Qurum City Centre.
Entertainment & Leisure
There is no shortage of leisure options in the area. You’ll find a selection of restaurants and bars, some of which are in the Crowne Plaza hotel (which also boasts a health club and a great swimming pool). Kids will be able to spend hours in Marah Land, and you could spend many a cool evening strolling around the adjacent Al Qurum Natural Park. In terms of beaches, you’ve got Al Marjan beach and the long stretch of beach running from Qurm to Azaiba and beyond.
Healthcare
Qurm is home to the Al Hayat Polyclinic, Al Masaraat Clinic and various smaller clinics.
Education
Muscat International School, offering an international curriculum to both local and expat children from kindergarten to A-Level, is in Qurm.
Traffic & Parking
There is a healthy amount of free parking around the shopping centres, although in some areas a 50 baisa ticket is required. Traffic can get congested around the Qurm junction.
Safety & Annoyances
The ‘PDO Pong’ is sometimes noticeable if the wind blows in a certain direction. This is just an odour from the PDO petrochemical plant, and it is harmless.
Best Points
Due to its hilly setting, Qurm has some amazing views.
Worst Points
The traffic around Qurm junction can get quite congested at peak times.
Accommodation
Qurm features mainly large villas set amid undulating slopes; therefore your chances of landing a villa with a view are high. This is also the location of the Petroleum Development Oman housing compound (complete with its private leisure facilities). Shati Al Qurm is the epitome of luxury living, with huge white villas spaced out along quiet suburban streets. However, unless you are a foreign diplomat, a wealthy local or an overpaid chief executive, it may be out of your budget.
Shopping & Amenities
Shopaholics will enjoy living in Qurm, as it is home to four large shopping centres, including Qurum City Centre. In the area, you’ll find big-name brands, a host of fabric shops, a fancy dress shop, a pet shop, a selection of banks and three big supermarkets, including a Carrefour in Qurum City Centre.
Entertainment & Leisure
There is no shortage of leisure options in the area. You’ll find a selection of restaurants and bars, some of which are in the Crowne Plaza hotel (which also boasts a health club and a great swimming pool). Kids will be able to spend hours in Marah Land, and you could spend many a cool evening strolling around the adjacent Al Qurum Natural Park. In terms of beaches, you’ve got Al Marjan beach and the long stretch of beach running from Qurm to Azaiba and beyond.
Healthcare
Qurm is home to the Al Hayat Polyclinic, Al Masaraat Clinic and various smaller clinics.
Education
Muscat International School, offering an international curriculum to both local and expat children from kindergarten to A-Level, is in Qurm.
Traffic & Parking
There is a healthy amount of free parking around the shopping centres, although in some areas a 50 baisa ticket is required. Traffic can get congested around the Qurm junction.
Safety & Annoyances
The ‘PDO Pong’ is sometimes noticeable if the wind blows in a certain direction. This is just an odour from the PDO petrochemical plant, and it is harmless.
