Living
As Seeb
This is not usually the first choice for expats when looking for a home, mainly due to the distance from the city centre and all the facilities they will probably desire (such as schools and medical services). However, many are now moving to the area due to lack of accommodation in other parts of town and low prices.
Best Points
Lower rents and larger houses, and some of Muscat’s best shopping right on your doorstep.
Worst Points
The out of town location means lots of time in the car and expensive taxi fares.
Accommodation
Rents are a little lower this side of the airport, and villas are spacious with more likelihood of a small garden or paved area outside. If you don’t mind travelling a few extra minutes in the car,this is a great opportunity to live in a much bigger villa at a lower price.
Shopping & Amenities
It doesn’t get much better than having Muscat’s two largest shopping malls right there on your doorstep. Markaz Al Bahja and Muscat City Centre both have all the large shops you will need, and you will also find plenty of smaller local shops in As Seeb town and Seeb souk itself. As Seeb is home to all the city’s main garden centres, which are actually all located in a row on the same street. Park at one end and walk down.
Entertainment & Leisure
There is a cinema in Markaz Al Bahja Centre, as well as a superb play area that will keep your kids busy all year round. This is particularly useful during summer, but it’s also popular during the cooler months, when there is plenty of white sandy beach nearby to have fun on, as well as a beachpark. The Golden Tulip Seeb is predominantly a business hotel, although it does have a few restaurants, including one on the roof which is an excellent venue in winter. The hotel has some good leisure facilities. The Seeb International Exhibition Centre is nearby.
Healthcare
The area is home to various small clinics offering private outpatient treatment to all nationalities. It is also the location of the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, which is not usually available to expats unless you require treatment that is not available at one of the city’s private hospitals.
Education
Sultan Qaboos University is in this area, and, although it is a reputable education institution, it is currently only for Omanis. It is, however, an establishment that hires quite a few international lecturers and hosts a lot of sporting events. The Caledonian College of Engineering is open to all nationalities and offers a variety of under and postgraduate courses.
Traffic & Parking
Traffic can be busy around the airport area, but a recently-added flyover has helped and it is much calmer in As Seeb town and in Al Hail. The highway can become a bit of a racetrack beyond the airport, so keep your wits about you. Also beware of stray goats crossing in front of you. On the whole though, the roads in the area are good.
Safety & Annoyances
The crime rate is reportedly rising here, but it is still very low. Be sensible with protecting yourself and your property as you would anywhere else. While you may be able to hear the odd plane taking off at the nearby airport, this should not be too much bother.
Best Points
Lower rents and larger houses, and some of Muscat’s best shopping right on your doorstep.
Worst Points
The out of town location means lots of time in the car and expensive taxi fares.
Accommodation
Rents are a little lower this side of the airport, and villas are spacious with more likelihood of a small garden or paved area outside. If you don’t mind travelling a few extra minutes in the car,this is a great opportunity to live in a much bigger villa at a lower price.
Shopping & Amenities
It doesn’t get much better than having Muscat’s two largest shopping malls right there on your doorstep. Markaz Al Bahja and Muscat City Centre both have all the large shops you will need, and you will also find plenty of smaller local shops in As Seeb town and Seeb souk itself. As Seeb is home to all the city’s main garden centres, which are actually all located in a row on the same street. Park at one end and walk down.
Entertainment & Leisure
There is a cinema in Markaz Al Bahja Centre, as well as a superb play area that will keep your kids busy all year round. This is particularly useful during summer, but it’s also popular during the cooler months, when there is plenty of white sandy beach nearby to have fun on, as well as a beachpark. The Golden Tulip Seeb is predominantly a business hotel, although it does have a few restaurants, including one on the roof which is an excellent venue in winter. The hotel has some good leisure facilities. The Seeb International Exhibition Centre is nearby.
Healthcare
The area is home to various small clinics offering private outpatient treatment to all nationalities. It is also the location of the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, which is not usually available to expats unless you require treatment that is not available at one of the city’s private hospitals.
Education
Sultan Qaboos University is in this area, and, although it is a reputable education institution, it is currently only for Omanis. It is, however, an establishment that hires quite a few international lecturers and hosts a lot of sporting events. The Caledonian College of Engineering is open to all nationalities and offers a variety of under and postgraduate courses.
Traffic & Parking
Traffic can be busy around the airport area, but a recently-added flyover has helped and it is much calmer in As Seeb town and in Al Hail. The highway can become a bit of a racetrack beyond the airport, so keep your wits about you. Also beware of stray goats crossing in front of you. On the whole though, the roads in the area are good.
Safety & Annoyances
The crime rate is reportedly rising here, but it is still very low. Be sensible with protecting yourself and your property as you would anywhere else. While you may be able to hear the odd plane taking off at the nearby airport, this should not be too much bother.
