In 2012, Lonely Planet named Muscat one of its top ten cities in the world. It ranked alongside a diverse group of stellar destinations including Bagalore, London and Stockholm.
After Oman's oil centred economy began to dry up, the city had to find a new way to attract international travellers. Like many Muslim countries that have gone before it, Muscat chose to focus on tourism by packing extra oomph into its cultural events, museums and resorts.The wealth of the capital has necessitated a world class shopping Mecca, whilst in Qurum, the heights of couture are reached through a cluster of designer boutiques packed against a coast line. Seaside regions are alive with water sports and dotted with cultural destinations. As a result of its massive economic goals, holidays in Muscat have been revolutionised to include all the splendour of Islamic architecture and tradition, which is casually flung against coastal biomes and five star resorts. The facet that Muscat excels at is creating a character that is utterly unlike any of the cities surrounding it. High rises, arabesque domes and historic ports make up its squeaky clean skyline, earning it its rank as the Arab Cultural Capital.