Comparison · Dubai vs Muscat · United Arab Emirates / Oman
Dubai vs Muscat
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife; choose Muscat for Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and lower day-to-day costs. Muscat is generally less expensive, and the two are about 363 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 363 km
- Less expensive
- Muscat
- Best time for Dubai
- November–March
- Best time for Muscat
- November–March
Side by side
| Dubai | Muscat | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Oman |
| Known for | Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and Shopping malls | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and Mutrah Corniche |
| Best time to visit | November–March | November–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$380 | $150–$280 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 41°C (106°F) | June, 40°C (104°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 24°C (75°F) | January, 25°C (77°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | Kite Beach | Qurum Beach |
| Airports | DXB, DWC, SHJ | MCT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Dubai for…
Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife. Dubai grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a city of skyscrapers stretched along the Gulf coast. The old quarters of Al Fahidi and Deira keep wind-tower houses, gold and spice souks and wooden abras crossing the creek, while Downtown has…
Choose Muscat for…
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and lower day-to-day costs. Oman's capital stretches for about 50 km along the Gulf of Oman, squeezed between the sea and the jagged Hajar Mountains, with strict rules that keep most buildings low and white. Old Muscat's palace and Portuguese-era forts, the Mutrah Corniche and souq…
Top sights compared
| # | Dubai | Muscat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burj Khalifa – At the Top | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque |
| 2 | Dubai Mall | Mutrah Souq |
| 3 | Dubai Fountain | Mutrah Corniche |
| 4 | Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood | Mutrah Fish Market |
| 5 | Abra ride across Dubai Creek | Al Alam Palace and Old Muscat |
Food compared
| Dubai | Muscat |
|---|---|
| Shawarma | Shuwa |
| Machboos | Mashuai |
| Harees | Harees |
| Luqaimat | Mishkak |
Which is cheaper?
Muscat is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$280 per person there, against $200–$380 in Dubai (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Muscat on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Dubai and Muscat are about 363 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Dubai and 4 in Muscat.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Dubai or Muscat cheaper?
Muscat is usually less expensive: about $150–$280 a day mid-range against $200–$380 (estimates).
+Is Dubai or Muscat better for a first trip?
Pick Dubai for Burj Khalifa, Luxury hotels and nightlife, or Muscat for Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Dubai from Muscat?
About 363 km in a straight line.