Oman has tremendous scope for cycling, with many routes that run both along the beautiful coastline and through the rugged hills and mountains. Cycling is a great way to get to know Muscat too – you can ride along the corniche at Mutrah, weave through old Muscat, and scale the roads through the spectacularly rocky mountains to Al Bustan and Qantab. However, it currently remains a fairly niche pastime.

While riding in traffic requires caution in any country, it requires particular attention in the Middle East. Drivers are not very sympathetic towards cyclists and don’t allow them much space or time. You need to be particularly careful in the busy parts of town, especially at junctions and roundabouts. On the plus side, road surfaces are decent and punctures are a rarity. Joining a cycling club will quickly introduce you to the routes and safety issues of cycling in and around Muscat. 

Most of the main roads in the city have a hard shoulder that provides a fairly safe lane for cyclists. Although bikes are not allowed in most of Muscat’s parks, there are some nice rides through the quieter, residential, and pleasantly green areas of the city.