Feel like having a weekend jaunt to Muscat? Now it's even easier to visit neighbouring Oman from the UAE, as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has teamed up with Mwasalat, Oman's national transport company, to launch three daily bus trips from Dubai. <strong>Flick through the photo gallery above for inspiration and to see some snaps of beautiful Muscat.</strong> Passengers can hop on the bus in Dubai from three stops: Abu Hail Metro Station, Dubai Airport Terminal 2 and Rashidiya Metro Station. The journey starts daily from 7.30am, 3.30pm and 11pm. In Oman, there are 11 drop-off and pick-up points. These include Shinas, Sohar, Saham, Khabura, Suwaiq, Musanah, Barka, Maabela, Burj Al Sahwa, Muscat Airport and Azaiba bus station. A one-way journey takes about six hours and costs Dh55, while a return trip will set you back just Dh90. In comparison, a roundtrip flight, if you're flying at the beginning on February, on Oman Air currently costs Dh955. On flydubai it's Dh965, while on Emirates the total ticket price is Dh1,035. It's not like you're getting a sub-par service for the cheaper price, either. Each of the high-tech, luxury buses has 50 comfortable seats, plus free Wi-Fi. As of now, you can only buy your tickets at the stations, although there are plans to integrate an online ticketing system. You'll soon be able to use your nol card, too. Ahmed bin Ali Albulushi, CEO of Mwasalat Oman, said in a statement: "I hope this step will herald the start of an integrated transport network between the two sisterly nations." He added that there are plans to enhance the bus route as we near the Dubai World Expo 2020. At the moment, the only other ways to get to Oman are by driving your own car, by taking a flight or by booking a spot on a much smaller bus via a private transport operator. Oman is known for its laid-back lifestyle and lovely landscapes, and there's plenty to keep you busy during a weekend trip to its capital city. Some of the top tourist attractions include: the traditional Mutrah Souq, Bait Al Zubair, and the National Museum. The Royal Opera House Muscat is also a major draw and has established itself as a regional hub for classical music since it opened in 2011. It's just seen the opening of the <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage/the-house-of-musical-arts-a-snapshot-of-muscat-s-new-cultural-venue-1.817632">House of Musical Arts</a> and is presently home to an <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/lifting-the-curtain-on-the-magical-story-of-opera-in-muscat-1.816715">exhibition by London's Victoria and Albert Museum</a> called <em>Opera: 400 Years of Passion</em>. Until February 9, the annual <a href="http://en.muscat-festival.com/">Muscat Festival</a> is also on, which sees a whole host of cultural, sporting and family-friendly events take over the city.
