Oman’s newest hotel is now open for business as Jumeirah Muscat Bay is welcoming guests through its doors.
The first property in Oman for Jumeirah Group, the hospitality company behind the world-famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai, sits between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, nestled in the Bandar Jissah cove.
It is part of Muscat Bay, a resort village located around 15 minutes from the capital and home to a host of shops, restaurants, pools, parks and landscaped gardens.
Inspired by its setting, the five-star hotel offers guests a host of outdoor adventures including hiking and biking trails, plus underwater activities.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay has 206 rooms and suites, all of which come with guaranteed ocean views. The family-friendly resort gives guests the option of booking interconnecting rooms, or two and four-bedroom summerhouses that are ideal for larger groups.
The ultimate retreat awaits at the Sanctuary Villa, where there’s a sprawling private pool, a dedicated butler service and access to a pristine shoreline from which you can soak in the sounds of the ocean.
Designed in a modern Arabesque style coupled with traditional Omani artisanship, the hotel also brings five new restaurants to Muscat. These include oceanside all-day dining at Peridot, afternoon tea at Tarini Lounge and poolside bites at Zuka. As evening falls, Anzo Bar & Terrace is the place to go for Asian-style bites and amazing sunset views across the bay.
In September, the resort’s signature Italian restaurant Brezza will open its doors under the watch of Cristiano Goattin, an Italian-born chef with a background working in Michelin-starred restaurants.
“Oman is a popular destination for those looking to combine nature and wellness with cultural interest. At Jumeirah Muscat Bay, we have focused on taking cues from the natural landscape and its restorative energy and have brought this to life through design and architecture,” said Jose Silva, chief executive of Jumeirah Group.
The first Talise Spa in Oman has also opened at Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Spread across two levels, this peaceful sanctuary has a hammam, sauna, steam room and multiple treatment rooms where guests can enjoy a host of therapeutic treatments, which make use of local and sustainable products.
Travellers keen to explore the bay’s craggy surrounds can head off on hiking, biking and running trails. There’s also plenty of scope to get to grips with Oman’s cultural side, with old seaports, souks and the Royal Opera House Muscat located nearby.
And, with one of the best marine landscapes in the region, the underwater world is open for exploring via the hotel’s on-site PADI-certified diving centre. There are also plenty of watersports on offer such as sailing and snorkeling.
Yoga, tennis courts and a fitness centre mean there’s something for everyone while youngsters will be entertained with a host of ever-changing activities at the children's club.
To celebrate the launch, Jumeirah Muscat Bay is offering 20 per cent of rooms plus $100 resort credit for stays of four nights or more booked before the end of September. One child can also stay free when accompanied by two adults.
Rates start from Dh1,480, jumeirah.com
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures and results:
Monday, UAE won by three wickets
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
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THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
'Morbius'
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Rating: 2/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
