The Very Best Of Oman (New Infographic)

Thirsty for adventures? 

Whether you want to chill out on the coast, camp under the stars, unwind in supreme luxury or simply enjoy the winter sun, each Oman's geographical regions has something unique to offer. 

With pristine beaches, magnificent deserts, rugged mountains and a history that spans over 5,000 years, the Sultanate of Oman will refresh, engage and inspire you. Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect itinerary. 

Do you like to feel close to nature? Do you love luxury, elegance and style?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

This Is How Your Next Kite Boarding Destination Looks Like

What’s your favourite kite boarding destination? What's going to be your next one?

 

Although relatively new, the Sultanate of Oman have developed fast as a kite boarding destination.

What makes Oman an amazing spot for kite boarding?


1. Stable and consistent wind.

Daily wind above 20 knots, 28 degrees air, all kind of spots within a short drive – shallow lagoon (8 sq-km) and waves. From May to September, the wind statics are truly remarkable on the island of Masirah.

2. Unspoilt natural environment

It's not uncommon to see flamingos and loggerhead sea turtles side by side in the unspoilt habitat.

3. Very few people kitting on the beaches

The island of Masirah it the south-east of the country is a haven of calm with a gentle Indian Ocean sea breeze blowing through it.

4. Great kite boarding & kite surfing lessons

You can learn kite boarding in a very short time and will be amazed by how fast you will love it. With kiteboarding-oman proved and tested schooling system you will get to know your new favourite sport fast and safely. 

5. Superb instruction, equipment, and service

Training is available at the centre and equipment can be hired by experienced kite surfers. There is another branch of the school on Sawadi beach which is an hour north of Muscat.

6. You won't need to walk when you can fly

Kite surfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kite board. 

7. Stunning travel experience

The island of Masirah is five - hours drive from Muscat and it has a kite surfing centre that is part of the VDWS Water Sport Association. After your holiday you could travel back along the coastline of Oman. This will provide you an even more stunning travel experience.

Would you consider Oman as your next kite boarding destination? Why does kite boarding makes you happy? 

“There’s a feeling of freedom, exhilaration, and oneness with nature that comes from kiting”

                       Richard Branson

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

13 Spectacular Places You Must Visit In Oman

Why is Oman called the land of scenic beauty? What are some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman?

"As-salaamu alaykum", and welcome to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman. Safe and inviting, Oman will hypnotise you with its fragrant ancient souks, mesmerise with dramatic landscapes and leave you spell bound with its stories. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Oman is steeped in history and has inspired some of literature’s most famous tales. 

In this article we will show you why Oman is called the land of scenic beauty. You will discover some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman.

1. Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House, Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/500px)

2. Forts and Castles

Nakhal Fort (beautyeye/flickr)

3. Muthra

Mutrah (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

4. Scuba diving

(Thierry Rouchon/flickr

5. Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar

Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar (internationaltravllermag.com)

6. Caving

Ash Sharqiyah (pierrehaut/flickr)

7. Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

8. Musandam

Musandam (panoramas/flickr)

9. Deserts

(oman-conference.squ.edu.om)

10. Salalah

Salalah (saf eins/flickr)

11. Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar

Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar that thrive in spring/summer (timesofoman.com)

12. Wadi Bani 

Wadi Bani Khalid (andries3/flickr)

13. Wadi Darbat, Salalah

Wadi Darbat, Salalah (wajahatmahmood/flickr)

For anyone who has ever travelled to Oman, what was your favourite thing that you saw, and why? What was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there? 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman

Natural beauty, fascinating traditions and heartfelt hospitality make Oman a country you really should get to know better. From luxurious 5-star beach resorts to sleeping under the stars in the desert, Oman’s diverse landscapes will take your breath away.

                  

Adventure seekers can explore some of the world’s largest caves, discover spectacular diving spots or simply watch the world float by aboard a dhow.

Vibrant souks sell traditional silverware, spices and Omani dresses, providing explorers with colorful impressions, and hagglers with timeless souvenirs.

  

If you still have doubts we give you the Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman:

1. 5,000-year-old traditions and culture, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 500 forts and castles. 

2. Variety of accommodation, from luxury, boutique, resorts, and spas to eco-friendly desert and mountain camps. 

3. Amazing wildlife, from Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve to flamingos in Dhofar. 

4. Real adventure, from climbing, hiking and caving to watersports, diving and kitesurfing. 

5. Diverse marine life including dolphins, turtles and whales. 

6. Unspoilt beaches, 2,000 miles of coastline and remote islands. 

7. Growing golf scene, including three championship 18-hole golf courses. 

8. Omani hospitality and gastronomy. 

9. Desert experiences, including wadi drives and oases. 

10. Non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air; daily flights with Etihad from London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester.

Still don't know where to go for your next holiday? If you need more reasons to visit Oman please see 101 Things to See and Do in Oman. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below!

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 16 Oman Travel Guides

The diversity of choice in Oman will make almost any length of holiday seem too short to take everything in.

The only way you’ll be able to accomplish that is if you plan properly. These guides will help you do that.

Did you know that if you look up the phrase “Oman Travel Guide” on Amazon, it will give you nearly 150 options to choose from? You can source additional information about the country through a range of useful Oman guidebooks.

We have compiled a list of the Top 16 Travel Guides on Oman that you can view below:

1- Berlitz: Oman Pocket Guide, Berlitz Travel (2011)

2- Insight Guide: Oman and The UAE by Gavin Thomas, Insight Guides (2012)

3- Maverick Guide to Oman by Peter J. Ochs, Pelican 
Publishing Co (2000)

4- Muscat Mini Map, Explorer Publishing (2012)

5- Off-Road in the Sultanate of Oman by Jenny Walker & Sam Owen, Motivate Publishing Ltd (2007)

6- Oman - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Simone Nowell, Kuperard (2009)

7- Oman and the Arabian Gulf (Travellers Survival Kit) by Dan Boothby, Vacation – Work (2003)

8- Oman by Diana Darke, Bradt Travel Guides (2013)

9- Oman Off-Road, Explorer Publishing (2006)

10- Oman Residents & Visitors Guide, Explorer Publishing (2012)

11- Oman Trekking, Explorer Publishing (2006)

12- Oman, UAE and the Arabian Peninsula by Jenny Walker, Lonely Planet Publications (2010)

13- Snorkelling and Diving in Oman by Rod Salm and Robert Baldwin, Motivate Publishing (1992)

14- The Rough Guide to Oman: Intriguing souks, Dhow cruises, Mountain villages by Gavin Thomas, Rough Guides (2011)

15- UAE Rock Climbing by Toby Foord-Kelcey, Red Armada Publishing (2010)

16- Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula (Travel Guide), by Lonely Planet, Jenny Walker, Stuart Butler and Anthony Ham (13 Sep 2013)


For information regarding climbing, abseiling, diving, horseback riding, surfing and all other manner of adventure sports in Oman, the magazine Outdoor UAE is an excellent resource.

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

The Simplest Way to Make the Best of Dining

Omani Gastronomy

Local dining opportunities range from international fine dining to simple street food. True to the country’s marine heritage, seafood plays a prominent part throughout Omani cuisine. Muscat’s atmospheric Muttrah Fish Market is packed with piles of fresh crab, crayfish, tuna, sea-bass and red mullet.

To enjoy a genuine Omani feast, many hotels host traditional Arabian banquets, held alfresco during temperate winter evenings. Guests may sample Omani classics such as ruz al mudhroub, local cooked rice and fried fish, and mishkak, skewered meat grilled on charcoal. Omani coffee, or khawa, follows. It is served in small cups and is often flavoured with cardamom or orange zest and accompanied by Omani dates. 

The proximity of Oman to India, combined with the number of traders present in the country, means the local cuisine has also been injected with exotic Indian flavours, such as turmeric and saffron. 

Which local dining do your prefer in Oman? 

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

The Best Souks in Oman: A Cultural Experience

Souks and Souvenirs - One of the most beautiful attractions of Oman.

Oman is home to numerous souks. These traditional marketplaces have been an integral part of local life for centuries. Every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution.

Both Khanjar daggers and frankincense are prized local souvenirs. Khanjars are handcrafted from pure silver and may cost up to £2,500, depending on age and intricacy. Each one requires the skills of at least three specialised artisans: one each for the dagger, the filigree case and the special leather belt that fastens around the waist.

Visitors to Muscat’s Gold Souk will be dazzled by the displays of jewellery, including many Arabian designs, in 18, 22 and 24-carat gold. Prices are based on the day’s gold rate, the weight of the item and a maker’s fee. Other unique souks include:

• Nizwa, this souk lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souk has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts. Famed for its silver as well as its Friday livestock market.

• Sohar Handicrafts, located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres and the souk houses under one roof various Omani traditional industries and handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (Halwa) and traditional weapons.

• Al Husn in Salalah, renowned for its traditional Arabian perfumes and frankincense. Al Husn Souq is characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner.

What's your favourite Souk so far?  Have you ever been in any of these Souks? What are other Souks you'd like to visit in Oman?

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Introduction To Oman

 A Unique Culture and Stunning Landscapes

The second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula (the same size as Germany), Oman boasts a unique culture and stunning landscapes. Its vast array of natural attractions range from rugged mountain ranges to ochre deserts. Divers, hikers and history buffs all relish the pristine local waters, untouched coastline and labyrinthine souks. The country’s welcoming population greets over 2.5 million travellers per year. And as word of Oman’s wonders spreads across the British press, around 133,000 of those visitors are now from the UK and over 7500 from Ireland (an increase of 10% and 21%).  

Oman’s greatest attraction is its diverse landscape. The peninsula of Musandam’s majestic fjords skirt the country’s northernmost tip. Further south, Oman is dotted with magnificent desert expanses, towering mountains and virgin sandy beaches. The range of activities available in Oman is equally varied, from canoeing in the Indian Ocean to bird watching and rock climbing. Boat trips to spot dolphins or close encounters with nesting turtles each serve to make a stay here utterly unique.

The country’s abundant cultural and archaeological heritage reflects hundreds of years of foreign influence and international trade. Evidence of this rich legacy is dispersed throughout the country. Oman is home to more than 500 forts, as well as castles, watchtowers and a wealth of ancient cave paintings, not to mention four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through deliberate and sustainable development, the country remains firmly rooted in its traditions. A trip to Oman affords the chance to experience the timeless Arabian way of life. Moreover, visitors will revel in the natural beauty of a country that purveys its own brand of low impact tourism.

Home to a wide range of accommodation from five-star resorts to boutique hotels and camps. Oman is an ideal destination for leisure, business, conference and incentive travel. State-of-the-art convention and conference facilities along with first-class air, road and telecommunication networks ensure that any trip to Oman runs smoothly. Visas on arrival are available to citizens of over 50 countries, including UK and Irish passport holders. 

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Bringing the Arabian Sea to life

Oman’s waters are brought to life by coral, crabs and colourful fish bringing the Arabian Sea to life. Whether it’s deep-sea diving or paddling pool depths, there is an underwater world waiting to be explored that can be appreciated from both above and below the water.

In sharp contrast to the arid environment that lies above, there is a multicoloured scene laid out below. The intricate structures of the coral reefs are expertly manoeuvred by Arabian angelfish, lion fish and silver fusilier fish, to name just a few of the 900 species that swim amongst the waters. 

Musandam on its own has more than 25 dive sites and in particular may attract some experienced divers who are in search of some invigorating drift diving. As commercial fishing is not allowed in this area of water, the volume of marine life is boosted substantially and it’s not unusual for divers to encounter most turtle species and a number of shark species. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve (a UNESCO world heritage site), Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island.

As the saying goes ‘there’s bigger fish to fry’ and in Oman’s case around a quarter of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Large groups of dolphin shoals are frequent visitors to the shores of both Muscat and Musandam and in a stunning display a group of over 2000 long-beaked common dolphins have been seen churning the surface of the water as they travel. Bryde’s whales are the most common whale species as are a group of Arabian Humpback Whales - the only group in the world that doesn’t migrate and can often be spotted off the coast of Salalah. A few lucky ones have even made sightings of Sperm whales!

The waters are also home to many different species of turtles, thousands migrate annually to lay their eggs on the shores of Oman. The arduous work of digging holes in the sand to bury their eggs lays the foundations to one of the most watched and loved moments of the year, for conservationists and tourists particularly, as the eggs hatch and baby turtles begin their dangerous journey to the waters edge. The Masirah is the largest nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtles in the world and Omani culture proudly protects this area with a week dedicated to conservation-focused activities. 

The rich waters of Oman are an oasis of calm overlaying an unimaginable underwater world. [ CLICK TO TWEET ] The outstanding preservation and cultivation of the marine life creates every diver’s dream. But there is only one way to truly find out for yourself, take to the waters and see!

Beauty Has An Address – Oman.

Top 5 New Openings in Oman: Places To Visit

In Muscat, Oman’s first oceanarium and aquarium are currently under development alongside the city’s cruise terminal. Permanent exhibitions will showcase coral reefs, tropical fish native to the Arabian Sea and sharks. Sections will also be dedicated to the amphibians, reptiles and birds that populate the country’s tropical coastlines.

Muscat's Natural History Museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion. The museum houses fossil remains dating from an incredible 260 million years ago, as well as prehistoric animal teeth and whale skeletons.

Muscat’s Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art will be opening six new areas: this additional exhibition space will allow the museum to exhibit pieces from their permanent collection that have never been on show to the general public.

A new, 13,000m2 National Museum is due to be completed in Old Muscat. Opposite the Al Alam Palace, its displays will cover Omani history from prehistoric times to the present day. A twisting helical staircase will connect the museum's ground-floor halls and first-floor historical galleries, and will be lined with exhibits detailing more than 10,000 years of rich archaeological history. An incredible 1,672 artefacts have been restored over the past two years in preparation for the museum’s opening. 

The Oman Botanic Garden, a new world-class development to celebrate, research, cherish and protect the unique plants, environment and botanical heritage of Oman is located just outside Muscat and is a long-term project.
The 420ha project is currently under construction; when complete it will be the largest botanic garden in the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors will experience the diverse habitats of Oman, investigate the orientation center, explore the site, discover traditional Omani skills at the craft village, learn at the field studies center, buy Omani plants at the plant shop and much more. To follow its development path see www.omanbotanicgarden.com.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om