Living
Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos
Fondly known as ‘Little Britain’, this area is extremely popular with western expats, the diplomatic corps and young families.
Best Points
MSQ is a tranquil, leafy suburb that comes with a great range of amenities.
Worst Points
Traffic in the mornings and around the Home Centre junction, plus escalating rents.
Accommodation
MSQ has a mixture of older villas with established gardens, swanky new apartments with pools, and garden courts. It is one of the areas most sought after by expats, due to its proximity to the British School and the ABA School, and it has soaring rental prices to reflect the fact.
Shopping & Amenities
It’s all here – there is a large Al Fair supermarket (with a pork room), an off-licence, a travel agent, a vet, a medical centre, huge furniture shop Home Centre, Tavola, Busy Bees and much more.
Entertainment & Leisure
There’s a Pizza Hut, a Starbucks, and an interesting restaurant with local flavour and a jungle theme: Kargeen Caffé. You’ve also got a great Mexican in the centre – Pavo Real is an authentic and lively venue with all the right ingredients (tequila included) for a fabulous night out. Apart from the lively atmosphere throughout the week, Pavo also hosts a legendary karaoke night on Mondays. Just across ‘Death Valley Road’ is the superb ladies’ salon Diva and Bamboo Spa (24 640 222). D’Arcy’s and Costa Coffee are popular with ladies of leisure, and if all the great dining outlets leave you feeling like you’ve overindulged, you can burn it all off in Adam’s Gym.
Healthcare
The Medident Centre offers general medical care, as well as dentistry and prenatal care. It is staffed by expats.
Education
This is the location of the renowned British School Muscat, one of Muscat’s best schools. The British School provides high quality education for children from the age of 3 right up to A-levels, and follows the English National Curriculum. It is also a community meeting point for all kinds of activities from Scottish dancing to karate. MSQ is home to a few embassies and the British Council, which holds a range of English language courses for non-English speakers. The British Council also offers CELTA courses for people wishing to teach English as a second language. Nurseries such as Bright Beginnings and Abu Abnan offer activities and daycare.
Traffic & Parking
Parking can get a little busy around Al Fair, but there are other parking areas dotted about so you will never have to walk far. Traffic at the junction near Home Centre can hold you back, so avoid lunch times if possible. Morning drop-off time around schools and nurseries can also be tricky.
Safety & Annoyances
Due to the popularity of the area with young families, there are ladies with prams everywhere so watch your driving.
Best Points
MSQ is a tranquil, leafy suburb that comes with a great range of amenities.
Worst Points
Traffic in the mornings and around the Home Centre junction, plus escalating rents.
Accommodation
MSQ has a mixture of older villas with established gardens, swanky new apartments with pools, and garden courts. It is one of the areas most sought after by expats, due to its proximity to the British School and the ABA School, and it has soaring rental prices to reflect the fact.
Shopping & Amenities
It’s all here – there is a large Al Fair supermarket (with a pork room), an off-licence, a travel agent, a vet, a medical centre, huge furniture shop Home Centre, Tavola, Busy Bees and much more.
Entertainment & Leisure
There’s a Pizza Hut, a Starbucks, and an interesting restaurant with local flavour and a jungle theme: Kargeen Caffé. You’ve also got a great Mexican in the centre – Pavo Real is an authentic and lively venue with all the right ingredients (tequila included) for a fabulous night out. Apart from the lively atmosphere throughout the week, Pavo also hosts a legendary karaoke night on Mondays. Just across ‘Death Valley Road’ is the superb ladies’ salon Diva and Bamboo Spa (24 640 222). D’Arcy’s and Costa Coffee are popular with ladies of leisure, and if all the great dining outlets leave you feeling like you’ve overindulged, you can burn it all off in Adam’s Gym.
Healthcare
The Medident Centre offers general medical care, as well as dentistry and prenatal care. It is staffed by expats.
Education
This is the location of the renowned British School Muscat, one of Muscat’s best schools. The British School provides high quality education for children from the age of 3 right up to A-levels, and follows the English National Curriculum. It is also a community meeting point for all kinds of activities from Scottish dancing to karate. MSQ is home to a few embassies and the British Council, which holds a range of English language courses for non-English speakers. The British Council also offers CELTA courses for people wishing to teach English as a second language. Nurseries such as Bright Beginnings and Abu Abnan offer activities and daycare.
Traffic & Parking
Parking can get a little busy around Al Fair, but there are other parking areas dotted about so you will never have to walk far. Traffic at the junction near Home Centre can hold you back, so avoid lunch times if possible. Morning drop-off time around schools and nurseries can also be tricky.
Safety & Annoyances
Due to the popularity of the area with young families, there are ladies with prams everywhere so watch your driving.
