Nightlife and Entertainment in Muscat

Nightlife and Entertainment in Muscat
Muscat’s nightlife is not brash, blaring or boisterous. It is far more restrained, given that Oman is a Muslim country and night entertainment is not exactly in tandem with local culture and tradition. Tourists are often spotted at nightclubs in 5-star hotels that are relatively safe and discreet from the prying eyes of local authorities and trouble-makers. Here is a guide to the nightlife and entertainment scene in Muscat.

Copacabana

Copacabana is one of the most popular night clubs in the city and is tucked away inside the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Al Qurum. The club offers a variety of drinks for its patrons and entertains guests with current rages in Indian, African and Arabic tunes. There is also a good mix of R 'n B and Hip Hop--especially on weekends, which is Thursday and Friday in Oman. There are a few special events and live performances on certain days. The most impressive feature of this over-packed club is that their standards of discipline and security are very high.

Saba Nightclub

Saba, located in the Sheraton Oman Hotel, is another premium night club and bar in Muscat’s nightlife and entertainment profile. The favorite events here are the live performances by celebrated local bands and dance troupes. The in-house DJ also spins some great tunes and there are a couple of special discounts and events on weekends.

Al Gazal Bar

The Al Gazar Bar, located in the Inter-Continental at Shatti-al-Qurm, is a bar with a twist. This popular expatriate community hangout zone features good live music and dance performances. The elegantly furnished English-style pub also has an entertaining quiz night, where visitors can check to see if their grey cells are still working or they’ve been drinking too much. On a more serious note, the place serves excellent European fare and regularly plays televised sports events on a giant screen.

Trader Vic’s

Trader Vic’s is another popular venue in the Intern Continental that has a highly kitsch appeal and a spirited energy surrounding it. The Polynesian-style destination plays superb live Latin melodies and haunting Arabic tunes. The cocktails served here are undoubtedly the best in the city, with the clear favorite being the Samoan Fogcutter. The Mongolian lamb chops at Trader Vics’s are to die for.

Al Maho Piano Bar

Al Maho Piano Bar, located at the Al Bustan Hotel in Muttrah, plays host to several tourists and expats, who seat themselves on the comfortable leather furnishings of the upscale cocktail bar. The warm evenings start with an array of house-special cocktails and are rounded off with delicious supper and a collection of fine port wines.

Muscat’s nightlife is more about getting together for drinks after a hard day’s work and enjoying a beer in a relaxed, informal ambiance than dancing the night away to loud, vociferous music. Nightlife in Muscat is energetic and enthusiastic without getting boisterous.