1

Anyone can use these buses, although the main clientele are lower income expatriate workers and a few local people who can't afford to fly or drive themselves between the two cities. Admittedly I've never travelled on one but I think they have a toilet. Taking 2 bags each won't be a problem. I am not sure what you mean by family friendly - they don't have facilities especially for children but they are fairly modern with air con and not that different to any long distance bus that you would find in Europe/USA. The journey time can be fairly long - around 6 hours from Dubai to Muscat.

2

Yes they accomodate the bags, but big bags might be in the "hold luggage" section. Treat it like a plane. Keep valuables in your hand luggage.

Mostly locals but you will possibly see tourists, plenty of tourists use them just that it's mostly locals/subcontinent workers.

Family friendly? Well kids are allowed on them and as #1 said they are normal, air conditioned buses. Maybe it'll be a good life experience for your kids resulting from a good bumpy ride and some pickpockets they have to look out for! But you'll be pleased to know this is very unlikely, it'll probably just be boring and go smoothly, happy to say!

3

hi,
no problem at all to travel by bus from Dubai to Muscat!
check the web site " O.N.T.C " (Oman national transport company) :this will give you all needed infos
i have used the bus 03 times between the 2 cities: around 6H but nice landscape,not expensive and very comfortable
Buses leave Dubai from Deira district (convenient) ,near DNTA building and terminal in Muscat is very close to Mutrah which is the most interesting place to stay in wide spread Muscat
hope this will help

4

I don't know why no. 2 mentions a bumpy ride, the roads are excellent between Dubai and Muscat.