Entertainment
Parks and Gardens
For what is typically considered a 'desert country',
Oman astounds the visitor with its verdant gardens, and elaborate floral
displays lining the highways and byways. All the parks are free to enter
and usually have small snack shops or drinks stands.
Muscat embraces several parks that varied in areas
and location.The main big parks are Qurum Natural Park, Riyam and
Al Naseem. Generally the parks attract a lot of people because of the
Muscat Municipality keenness for planting trees inside these parks and
increasing the green areas, the matter which encourage more people to
enjoy visiting them during official holidays. Some parks, in or near to
Muscat district are as follows:
Qurum Natural Park

It was opened in 1993 and
is 1715449 m2, the largest park in Muscat. The park contains a large boating
lake and fountain, 'Waterfall Hill', Sultan Qaboos' Rose Garden and meandering pathways,
weaving amongst pungent-smelling shrubs and floral beds. The idea of its
design depends on exploiting the nature and topographic features of the
area to create wonderful and comfortable scenes for the visitors. Qurum
Park succeeded in combining between the unique location and the suitable
aesthetic and artistic design.
Al Naseem Public Park
It is the first park to be established in Oman and
inaugurated during the celebrations of the 15th National Day in1985. It
took about 11 months to be built, its gross area is 750,000sq.m and it
is about 30km from Muscat International Airport. It is located on the
highway leads to Batinah area. The park is equipped with all facilities
of children's park as there are different games like the small train
that tours the whole area, playgrounds for football, volleyball and
tennis as well as a library. In 2000 the Japanese Garden, which was
built by the Japanese Embassy in Muscat, was inaugurated in the context
of the good relations between the two countries. Amongst many other
features, an Arabic garden, Japanese garden, mini falaj system and a small train capable
of holding 70 passengers which circumnavigates the park.
Riyam Park

Riyam Park overlooks the sea and designed on several
heights that gives distinguished dimension for the park which covers an
area of 100,000 sq. m. The park was designed in style that combines
between the natural and architectural design and there are wide green
areas, children games and playgrounds. The park, which is located in
Muttrah, offers several services for the visitors. It is a
favourite park with children. It is a huge, rambling place whose main feature is an
enormous incense burner which, when climbed, provides stunning views of the nearby harbour
and surrounding seacliffs. A static fairground is open from 4pm each day providing thrills
and spills for the young and the young-at-heart.
Kalbou Beach Park
It is coastal strip extends from the Sea Road to the
mountain edge, which is a distinguished location in the heart of Muscat
City. It is an attraction spot for those who are willing to enjoy
walking and fishing.
Al Wadi Al Kabeer Park
It is located on the road leads to Al Bustan Palace
Hotel in Muscat on an area of 40,000sq.m. The park consists of various
facilities and services; also there is special division for electric
games that attract children and families.
Al A'merat Public Park
It is located on the highway opposite the satellite
station. It covers an area of 30,000sq.m and considered an entertainment
attraction for the citizens.
Quriyat Lake Park
It was inaugurated in the early of 2002 on the road
to the central market of the Wilayat and the Sea Road. The park is
equipped with artificial lake and places for recreations.
The Park of A'Seeb Beach
This park is located on the beautiful sand beaches of
A'Seeb where the sea - water are pure and clean. It is equipped wish
water sports, artificial lake in addition to the children playgrounds_
and fast food restaurants.
Al Sahwa Park
Al Sahwa Park, with its lush landscaped settings, has been a major
magnet for families — Omanis
and expatriates alike — looking to make the most of Muscat’s delightful
winter weather. Beautifully manicured gardens dotted by water fountains,
gazebos and play areas add to the park’s popular appeal. Furthermore,
its central location adjoining the equally famous Burj al Sahwa
roundabout makes it easily accessible not only for visitors from Muscat
Governorate but also the Interior and Batinah regions.
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