New Muscat International Airport: Modern, spacious with a tinge of Omani tradition

Muscat: Looking at the new Muscat International Airport from the outside makes you forget the old, outdated airport.
Simply speaking, the new airport looks modern and up to date, and definitely will become a competitor to be among the top 20 airports in the world by 2020.
Read also: 'New Muscat International Airport to boost Oman's economy'
Just walking in, you can feel a sense of relief and comfort because of the vast space. It is no longer tight and cluttered,and the feeling of being crowded has been lessened. In simpler terms, the new airport is a massive castle, while the old one is a three bedroom villa.
The modern architecture, infused with Omani culture, would surely awe passengers approaching the check-in counters, as large pylons are arched, simulating the arches of the palm tree. The airport also makes use of Omani-made products, such as Omani marble decorating the walls, while imported granite tiles grace the floor.
Heading to immigration after the check-in area, passengers will be greeted by ROP officials at new counters. The counters are not only new, but look cleaner and more refined – the difference between day and night compared to the current counters at the old airport.
I believe, for the first few months - or even years - passengers will still look around the airport to absorb the new concept, coupled with modern technology.
The airport tries to keep Omani heritage alive. On the way to the gates, passengers will notice, below the automatic walkways, a blue neon light along the walkway with large rocks and plants to simulate Oman’s wadis – the Sultanate’s natural swimming pools.
Passenger lounges, located near the gates, are a welcome addition, since some passengers do not wish to go through the gate before it’s time to board, and would rather wait outside or walk around the terminal before it is time to leave.
The ramps that connect the aircraft to the terminal are made to have one walkway split into two; one for business class passengers and the other for economy. This will make boarding and disembarking more efficient and quicker.
The new arrival area, however, takes the prize, because the public can wait for friends or family inside the airport, while taking advantage of the facilities, such as restaurants, cafés and retail shops, while looking down from above to spot loved ones collecting their baggage.
Apart from the old-meets-new architecture and modern technology that the airport boasts, it has quite a relaxing, welcoming and homey atmosphere.