Muscat's newest landmark, a 126m tall flagpole in Al Khuwair Square, is an impressive sight, rippling in the breeze high above the capital's ministries district.
In this post I'm sharing why this eye-catching addition to Muscat's skyline is worth seeing as part of your Oman itinerary, whether you simply want to drive by or linger longer.
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One of the tallest flag poles in the World
Oman, which isn’t known for chasing superlatives, now boasts the 13th tallest flagpole in the World behind the Raghadan Flagpole in Jordan, which is just 80cm higher.
The tallest flagpole in the world is in Egypt's capital Cairo and stands at more than 201m.
Muscat’s flag pole and the new plaza below it took about 18 months to complete and was funded by the private sector to the tune of $10 million.
More facts about the Al Khuwair plaza and flag pole in Muscat
- The Al Khuwair plaza covers 18,000 square metres
- The 126 metre flag pole is as tall as a 40-storey building
- It is the tallest manmade structure in Oman and significantly taller than the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque’s minaret, which measures 90m
- The giant Omani flag flying from the pole measures 18m by 31.5m
- The base of the flag pole is 280cm in diameter with tapers to 90cm at the top
Where to see Muscat’s flag pole
The flagpole is located alongside one of Muscat's main highways, Sultan Qaboos Street. If you are travelling along this between Muttrah and Muscat International Airport you will pass the flagpole.
It is specifically located between the junctions for Avenues Mall and Madinat Sultan Qaboos. It’s impossible to miss the flagpole at this point on the highway. It’s quite stunning. If you are the driver be prepared for other cars to slow down to take a look.
If you want to stop and admire the landmark this is easy and totally free to do.
Top tip: if you use Google Maps to search for 'Al Khuwair Square' or 'Al Khuwair Plaza' you will be taken to different locations with the same name. Use my map below to get to the right place.
There is a car park at the entrance of the Square on Thaqafah Street and on street parking on the roads around it.
Here is where to find the car park for Al Khuwair Square:
What else is there to do in Al Khuwair Square?
As well as being the best place to view Muscat’s huge flagpole, the new plaza is a place for recreation, cultural celebration and entertainment. It is in a prime location, flanked by government buildings and not far from international embassies.
The square contains a small cafe called Levels Garden, a live performance space, blue cycle paths, space for sports activities and gardens planted with desert roses, grasses and palm trees.
Expect to see a programme of winter events held here including National Day celebrations on 20 November.
A visit to Al Khuwair Square can be combined with a tour of Muscat Opera House, enjoying the beach at Qurum or a visit to the Grand Mosque which can also be easily found off Sultan Qaboos Street.
Find more things to do in Muscat.
Hotels in Al Khuwair
If you want to stay close to Muscat's flagpole, here are some hotels that get good reviews in Al Khuwair:
- IntercityHotel Muscat - this 4-star a 15 minute walk from the flag pole and on the right side of the Sultan Qaboos highway. It has an outdoor pool and inclusive breakfast. This is the only hotel I'd suggest you could comfortably walk from, but only first thing in the morning or in the evening. A taxi ride would take three minutes.
- City Seasons Hotel & Suites - this 4-star hotel is on the opposite side of the highway but close to a foot bridge if you do want to walk. It's a 25 minute walk from the flag pole using the bridge. A taxi would be much more comfortable and get you there in about eight minutes.
- Hilton Garden Inn - this 4-star hotel has an outdoor pool and interconnecting rooms for families. It's a seven minute drive from the flagpole, so easy to reach by taxi.