3 Things You Must See And Do Muscat

Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style.

You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture.

If you are heading to Muscat on your next holidays or even if you haven't consider it yet or you are not sure what to see and do once in there, then this top 6 list is for you:

1. Mutrah Souq: every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!

2. Botanic Garden: a set of documented living plants for scientific research, as well as for conservation and display. One of the largest botanic gardens in the Gulf region. 

3. Al Bustan Beach: sprawls over the beach and overlooks the mountains that intertwine with the hotel’s sands and beaches. These mountains lend the beach an unsurpassed sense of privacy.

You can find in Muscat a wonderful variety of nature: golden beaches, mountainous heights, and golden sand dunes. There is so much to see and do in Muscat, the choices are endless...

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A distinctive natural diversity: Dhofar

Dhofar Governorate is famous for its seasonal weather, locally known as monsoon or “Khareef”,

when it witnesses its best period, clothed in lush greenery and its hills surrounded by white fog. Light rains drizzle to cool the air. During this time, it is frequented by many visitors, especially from within Oman and the neighbouring countries. Salalah Tourism Festival takes place from 15 July to 31 August every year. The festival is part of Khareef(monsoon) that extends from the end of July until the beginning of September.

Dhofar Governorate stretches over an area of one third of Oman and forms the Sultanate’s southern part. Dhofar includes a distinctive natural diversity where the coast blends with the mountains and the desert in wonderful harmony so that the mountains look like a fertile crescent, rising to a height of 1,500 metres and then descending into a flat plain that embraces sandy beaches stretching for hundreds of kilometres.

One can imagine the magnificence of this province when most parts of the Arabian Peninsula witness a rise in temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer. But, in Salalah, the capital of Dhofar that lies 1,040 kilometres away from Muscat, temperatures never rise above 27 degrees Celsius. There are daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, as well as other Arab Gulf states.

Dhofar Governorate Wilayat are: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shalim and Halaniyat Islands, Dalkoot, Rakhyut, Thamrit, Mokshin, Al Mazuna.

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The pulsating heart of Oman: Muscat

Muscat Governorate is considered the pulsating heart of Oman. It is linked to Port Sultan Qaboos by Muttrah Corniche where the visitor to Muscat can view the wonderful variety of nature: golden beaches, mountainous heights, and golden sand dunes (Bawshar Sands).

Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture.

This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoying its contemporary spirit. Muscat is renowned as one of the cleanest Arab capitals, and has gained the honour of winning the Cleanest Arab City Contest several consecutive times.

Muscat as a city has played a prominent historical role due to its strategic location.

Muscat Governorate Wilayt are: Muscat, Mutrah, Bawshar, Al Seeb, Qurayyat, and Al Amirat.

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AlWasta Beaches: Cleanliness And The Purity Of Their Waters

AlWasta Governorate is located to the south of the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah and A'Dhahirah

Governorate. It is flanked on the east by the Arabian Sea, on the west by The Empty Quarter, and by Dhofar Governorate to the South. It occupies a large area in the middle of the Sultanate.

Its beaches stretch for vast distances along the Arabian Sea. These beaches are famous for their cleanliness and the purity of their waters. This has resulted in an increase of marine plants which give the water its green colour. You can also find other types of plants swaying in the shallow waters of Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula). 

Many birds pass this area during their annual migration. On land, the moderate climate, influenced by the annual autumn season in Dhofar, helps the growth of a variety of plants and rare mammals such as the Arabian oryx and the Nubian ibex. In addition to all this natural wealth, the area abounds in a large number of oil and gas fields, making it rich on every score.

AlWasta Governorate Wilayat are: Hima, Mahut, AD Duqum, AL-Jasir

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Tradition and unforgettable enjoyment: Musandam

The Musandam Peninsula is located on the northern border of the Sultanate of Oman. The high

mountains in this region rise for more than two thousand metres above sea level. The mountains spread out in a naturally geometrical way. This area also contains the most important waterway, The Strait of Hormuz.

The juxtaposition of sea and mountains is considered one of the exclusive features of this area. Excursions in boats and traditional ships give the visitor unforgettable enjoyment, while diving fans at the beautiful coral reefs can plunge to their hearts’ content. Archaeological sites also abound in this area.

Khasab is the Governorate of Musandam's regional centre and is located 570 kilometres from Muscat. Khasab, home to Khasab Port, it is located in the far north of the governorate and takes its name from its fertile soil. Khasab Governorate is famous for its magnificent villages and the thrilling roads that lead its mountain tops. Khasab can be reached by daily flights from Muscat, by sea in fast ferries and by car through a road that cuts through the United Arab Emirates.

Governorates of Musandam Wilayat are: Khasab, Bukha, Diba, Madha.

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The beauty, diversity and abundance of sea life in Oman

Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs, small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best months for diving in Oman are the period from April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times.

Turtle Watching in Oman:

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate.

Whale Watching in Oman:

The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species.

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Oman | Sea Life

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM SPONSORED THE ORCHID SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN’S EXHIBIT AND WON GOLD AT CHELSEA!

The Oman Ministry of Tourism sponsors of The Orchid Society of Great Britain’s stand GP/H1 for the second year running after a very successful show last year with their gold medal winning exhibit are delighted to win a gold medal again in 2014. Oman has many exotic orchids including Eulophia guineensis, Eulophia petersii, Habenaria myodes and Habenaria malacophylla which are all native to Oman.

Two orchids native to Oman appear on the display this year including the beautiful and easy-to-grow Eulophia guineensis, and the more unusual Eulophia petersii. Eulophia guineensis grows in the tropical highlands in southern Oman, and has attractive pink and white flowers with the extravagant ‘lip’, which is characteristic of most orchids. The first Botanical Garden is being created near Muscat, Oman’s capital which aims to display the entire flora of the Sultanate, including its native orchids.

This year’s team:
Mrs Valerie Micklewright – Hon. Sec. of the OSGB, Chelsea 2013 Gold medallist
Lady Samantha Hurley – Editor OSGB Journal, Chelsea 2013 Gold medallist
Mr André Roux – contributor to the OSGB Journal, London Orchid Show 2013 Gold medallist

For more information on Oman please visit: www.omantourism.gov.om

                                   

Discover the richness of the Omani life

Oman's history tells stories of heroism, courage, wisdom, patriotism, love and devotion to homeland.
This brings us closer to understanding the richness of the Omani cultural experience which has contributed to the building of modern Oman.

Oman’s strategic location has played a major role in many campaigns and regional conflicts in this region. Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. It also controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important facilities in the region, linking the Sea of Oman with the Arabian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a gateway to all ships coming from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Al Wattih in Muscat Governorate is one of the first inhabited cities. Modern archaeological discoveries suggest that humans settled in it during the Stone Age, i.e. more than 10,000 years ago.

The Babylonians and the Assyrians settled in Oman because they wanted to control the trade route that linked Asia to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

With the spread of Islam, and Mazin Bin Gadhubah joining Islam as the first person in Oman and his emigration to Medina to meet the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, the first mosque was built in Oman. This is Al Midhmar Mosque that still stands to this day in Wilayt Samail . These events paved the way for the two kings of Oman at that time, Jua’fer and Abd Ibni Al Jalandi, to enter Islam wholeheartedly and with utter conviction after receiving a letter from the Prophet, Peace be upon Him. A Hadith mentions that the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, said “God’s mercy be on the people of Al Ghubaira” (i.e. the people of Oman). “They have believed in me although they had not seen me”. Also stated in the sermon our Master Abu Bakr Al-Sidiq, the caliph of the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, to the people of Oman: “People of Oman you, you have entered Islam voluntarily although the Prophet has not come to your land on foot or on horse. You have not opposed him as other Arabs opposed him, and you have not called for separation or dispersion. May God unite you in benevolence.”

With the election of Ibn Masood, the first imam, in 751 AD, the Imamate era began in Oman and lasted four centuries until 1154. Several attempts were made to restore the rule of the Imamate in Oman in the mid-fifteenth century, but did not succeed.

During the period 1498-1507 AD, the Portuguese tried to control Oman. Omani history tells the story of the Omani people who expelled the Portuguese with their struggle and heroism. Nasser bin Murshid was elected Imam in 1624.

Because of the coastal location of Oman, the Omani navy occupied a leading position regionally. This sparked the ire of the Portuguese, who did not forget their devastating defeat. Fierce battles erupted between the Portuguese Navy (which had made India its base after the liberation of Oman) and the strong Omani navy. After a fierce battle, the Omani fleet was able to defeat the Portuguese fleet.

In 1698, the Omani Empire then expanded to include the cities of the African east coast, stretching from Mombasa to Kila, Zanzibar, Pemba and Bata. Mozambique remained under Portuguese rule until the twentieth century.

Oman had been the target of a number of attempts by the Persians to invade its territory, but the steadfastness and heroism of the Omanis were successfully combined to defeat the occupier. The invaders were defeated, underscoring the exploits of Omani heroes in defending their lands. This great victory was achieved at the hands of Imam Ahmed bin Saeed Al Busaidi, who defeated the Persians and was elected imam.

With the advent of 1970 came the dawn of a modern renaissance in the Sultanate, with the beginning of the prosperous era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may God protect him.

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A must when visiting Oman: Turtle Watching

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles.

They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate.

At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag themselves out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles’ night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities.

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The Evolution Of Architecture - A Measure Of A Nation’s Civilisation

The evolution of architecture is a measure of a nation’s civilisation and Oman abounds with a number of cultural buildings that stand as a testament to this art. As a visitor to the cities of Oman, you will surely observe the diligent efforts to preserve this ancient and traditional architecture that is characterised by its simple lines. It avoids high rises, yet maintains an understated elegance of its own. The castles, forts and walls are a testament to an architectural style that has defence in mind, the most famous being Jabreen Castle and Bahla Fort and Walls (Sur Bahla), included in the World Heritage Sites list.

Like the country’s diverse terrain, architectural styles vary in Oman with the change of scenery. The types of houses built in Musandam Governorate are examples of this diversity. There are the mountain houses, houses like Bayt AlQefel (the lock house), Bayt Al Areesh Al Mua’laq (the hanging vine house) built to employ the natural air currents to form a cooling system able to beat the scorching heat of the summer months. Misfat Al `Abriyyin village in A'Dakhiliyah Region is considered another outstanding testament to this environmentally friendly style of architecture.

As Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Wilayt Bawshar, Muscat Governorate, is a live monument housing a collection of Islamic art. In addition to its distinctive architectural features and the innovative approach to the construction of the mosque itself, its corridors display a rich array of the art of Islam.

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The Most Important Component Of The Omani Dress: Hooked Dagger

A normal or hooked dagger is the most important component of the Omani dress. Omanis are keen to acquire daggers and appear wearing them at official events, national celebrations and weddings. Due to the succession of this social custom from one generation to another, the dagger-making industry has survived the passage of time, albeit with modern improvements.

The Omani dagger is an authentic heritage the present generation is keen to pass on to their children. The dagger is also a symbol of manhood and pride among Omani men, who wear it on their leather belts over the dishdashah (long outer garment). Its front section is made of small connected silver pieces, or it may be elegantly embroidered with silver or gold threads.

A dagger’s price is determined by the raw material it is made of, usually iron, silver or gold. Although silver daggers are the most common, especially for making the dagger handle, the blade case too determines a dagger’s price. There is the giraffe case, which is the most expensive because it has been banned, and cases made of buffalo skin, sandalwood, and the bitter orange

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The Most Beautiful Market Your Eyes Will Ever See: Mutrah Souq

Every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic and allure.

You cannot see Mutrah Souq from the outside, as it stretched deep within the city. The market starts at a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche, and ends with another gate in the city’s old quarters that usually receive the majority of visitors coming from other Omani towns and villages.

Mutrah Souq is a prototype of old Eastern markets, characterised by narrow winding alleys roofed with wood. This Souq goes by another name among the Omanis: the Market of Darkness, due to its myriad of alleys and roads lined by shops that block the sun during the day. This name applies specifically to the section that extends from the Prophet's Mosque to Khawr Bimbah. And as if two names were not enough for this souq, the east and west parts of Mutrah Souq, separated by Khawr Bimbah, are also known as “the small market” and “the large market”. The Market of Darkness is the small market, whereas the large market is the wholesale market.

When passing through this souq, your senses are tantalised by the aromatic smells of frankincense, incense and Arabian perfumes. Mutrah Souq is known for its handicrafts like silverware, daggers, traditional cloth, new apparel and shoes, in addition to the famous Omani sweets (Halwa), spices and braziers (receptacles in which incense or frankincense is burned)

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3 Featured destination for Golf in Oman

Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat now has three 18 hole grass golf courses within easy reach of each other, with more expected to be launch in the near future. For those wanting to learn the game, each course also has an Academy staffed by qualified golf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the early stages.

The climate makes golfing most popular in Oman between the months of September and May.

Featured destination for Golf in Oman

1. Almouj golf  designed by Greg Norman, the course at Almouj Golf will provide a challenging 18 holes of varying lengths and configurations. Norman has captured the essence of the surrounding environment and enhanced it to produce a links style course that runs alongside over two kilometers of beach. The course is 7,342 yards in length, and highlights include a daunting Par 3 island green and a challenging Par 5 that stretches for over 600 yards. The breathtaking views of the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains are visible from everywhere on the course.

Almouj Golf is also home to a golf academy with a state of the art swing studio, driving range and private golf lesson area. Dining facilities are available and offer true Omani hospitality welcoming all guests, irrespective of golfing prowess.

Norman believes that Oman's first PGA standard course is one of the best that he has been involved with anywhere in the world and anticipates that over the coming years Almouj Golf will gain global recognition.

2. Muscat Hills Golf a truly unique golf development, comprising an 18-hole PGA-certified green golf course and a high quality residential development on the outskirts of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Golf in Oman has been developing over the past 3 years on grass however golf has been played on Sand Golf Courses for a long period of time in Oman. Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club is located between the mountains and the sea, the club is only 5 minutes drive from the Muscat International Airport.

The par-72, 18-hole golf course is the first grass golf course in Oman and has long been a cherished dream of H.H. Kais al Said. Paul Thomas from David Thomas Associated Ltd designed the course to complement all of the natural features, while the lush green fairways and greens provide a startling contrast to the rugged desert terrain.

3. Ghala Valley is unique in the Middle East. Built into a natural wadi (dried up river bed) it follows its course through a beautiful setting of mountainous backdrops and spectacular sea views.

Originally created as a sand course in 1971, Ghala Valley Golf Club opened the first nine holes of its new grass course in December 2010 and the back nine was completed in 2012. Although a members club, it is open to the general public subject to prior booking.

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3 Featured Destinations for Birds Watching in Oman

Oman witnesses huge swarms of migratory birds during their seasonal journey between their nesting habitats and the places where they spend winters, especially those birds migrating from Europe and East Asia. Many birds, especially water fowl, migrate from faraway regions like northern Siberia, and travel about five thousand kilometres.

Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions. Al Hikman Peninsula, Masirah Island, Al Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoons, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal places for bird observation. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

Barr Al Hikman is located in the centre of Oman’s east coast in AlWasta Governorate (the central region), 500 kilometres south of Muscat. This island is considered one of the most important bird migration stations both in Oman and Southeast Asia. Many birds congregate here, especially water birds coming from as far as Siberia’s northern shores.

In addition to being a sanctuary for birds and fish of all kinds, the existence of coral reefs off its shores make it a favourite destination for divers.

Masirah Island is located in south east Oman, and is within the administration of A'Sharqiyah South Governorate. It is surrounded by several other islands, Marsis, Cha’nazi and Kalban. Marsis is the largest island in Oman and is a landmark in the middle of the sea. To the viewer, it looks like a jewel amid the azure waters. The visitor is enchanted by the island’s beautiful and diverse natural environment, clearly seen  in its abundant marine life. The island has expansive agricultural fields. Because of the fertility of its soil, plants quickly spring up after rainfall. The island also has a number of mountains on Ras Halif, Rasia, Al Ija and other places, and enjoys temperate weather year round.

Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is located in Wilayat AlSeeb in the Governorate of Muscat and Wilayat Barka in Al Batinah, and lies about 18 kilometres off the coast of Barka (70 kilometres west of Muscat, the capital). Its total area is 100 hectares (247 acres) and is composed of nine islands. The reserve features pristine beaches on which the white sands are caressed by the sea’s crystal blue waters. This reserve has a rich natural heritage and is replete with several kinds of coral reefs, including some examples that are quite rare. The island is home to a large number of sea turtles that lay their eggs and nest there, as well as a magnet for migratory and indigenous birds.

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Geological Stories: Muscat Geo - Sites

In Oman, geological stories can be found everywhere. Some are presented on a dramatic scale such as in the massive folding and faulting that can be seen on parts of Oman's 700 km long mountain range. Echoes of momentous geological events can even be found in the hustle and bustle of urban areas. For example visitors to Muscat Corniche need only to look at the surrounding hills in order to imagine the scene around 90 million years ago, when these Ophiolite rocks were part of a several kilometer thick slab of oceanic crust slowly being pushed over the top of the northern coastline of Oman. This unusual over thrusting continued for around 20 Million years, pushing rocks that originated from deep below the ocean, hundreds of kilometers inland.

30 geoheritage sites have been selected in the Muscat region for you to explore, and on the way to learn more about the history of our planet. Each site can be visited either on its own or as part of a discovery trail. Wherever the topography of a location allows, you will find sign boards with illustrated information about the site. Free of charge i-tourguide applications for smart phones can be downloaded from either the link below or the bar code on the signboard. These enable guidance utilizing satellite navigation (GPS) and provide multimedia information to give you a better understanding of the geological processes.

to download please click here:

Android application
IPhone application

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Climbing in Oman: Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain)

Omani mountains with their towering heights, rocky and steep slopes and rugged tracks constitute a

challenge for any mountaineer. In Oman, there are several climbing areas and their diversity corresponds to the climber’s skill, as there are the paved paths for beginners and the very rugged for the more experienced climber.

Wadi Ghool in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate which rises to 300 metres provides an ideal spot for climbing.

Jabal Misht remains the best location for mountain climbing with its rocky front, perhaps the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. Its South-East front extends for approximately 6 kilometres, rising up to 850 metres, providing trails of all levels of difficulty. Musandam Governorate is famous for its many mountains. Also spread around Muscat are hills of various heights for climbing, whether for the beginner or the seasoned professional.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar(Green Mountain)

This rises to a height of 2,980 metres and is famous for its wide plateau close to the summit. The journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdar takes about two hours and can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar is known for its Mediterranean climate. Temperatures drop during winter to below zero Celsius, with snow falling at times, and rise in summer to 22 degrees Celsius. Due to its location and unique weather, the Green Mountain produces a variety of fruits, such as apricots, plums, figs, grapes, apples and pears, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron. The pomegranate that grows here is classified among the finest of its kind in the world.

Spread across the mountain are many Omani villages. Villagers have dug terraces in some parts of the mountain for growing crops.

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SHORT FILM SCREENING AND TOURISM SOUK ROADSHOW

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM HITS THE ROAD WITH A FOUR-DAY SHORT FILM SCREENING AND TOURISM SOUK ROADSHOW

The Oman Ministry of Tourism will be on the road for a four day roadshow starting on Monday 28 April in Southampton at the Grand Harbour Hotel Southampton (www.grandharbourhotel.co.uk). This will be followed by events on Tuesday 29 April at Brooks Hotel, Dublin (www.brookshotel.ie), Wednesday 30 April being held at MAC the Birmingham Performing Arts Complex (www.macarts.co.uk) and Thursday 01 May at St David’s Hotel & Spa Cardiff (www.thestdavidshotel.com)

The short film screening and tourism souk roadshow will consist of private screenings displaying Oman’s natural unspoilt beauty and its wealth of history and culture. Omani travel experts will be showcasing their products at the souk inspired workshop. Travel trade attendees will receive up to date information from Oman’s private sector; Oman Air, Juweira Salalah and Sifawy Muscat Boutique Hotels, Shangri La Al Jissah Resort, Salalah Rotana Resort, Bahwan, Tour Oman, Zahara Tours, Magic Arabia and Oman World Tourism as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism. The roadshow provides a very comprehensive round-up of Oman’s offerings including the chance to indulge in traditional Omani buffet along with raffle prizes such as a mini iPad, £100 John Lewis shopping vouchers and hotel stays.

2014 has already seen the opening of Salalah Rotana Resort and the Khasab Hotel in Musandam.  Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel is due to open on May 8 in the Hajar Moutains and Azaiba Hotel in Muscat from mid-2014. With new airport terminals at Muscat and Salalah, an aquarium, ports and a national railway project to come, Oman is the destination to watch.

An ancient tradition - The Frankincense Tree.

This tree has gained worldwide fame and frankincense is mentioned in ancient history books. Dhofar has known frankincense since time immemorial. In addition to its aromatic fragrance and use as incense to aromatise houses, frankincense is also used as a therapeutic ingredient.

Humanity has known the frankincense tree since ancient times, and a special relationship has grown between the two. Frankincense is a symbol of life, or rather it is life itself, for the Dhofari people. It is not a mere tree, but an embodiment of culture, history, sociology and geography.

Over the centuries, cities and civilisations have been based on frankincense trade, as the ruins of Samahran and Khawr Rawri cities, bustling with life one thousand years BC, tell us. In these ancient cities, writings in the southern Arabic alphabet, today called Al Jabaliya, relate the story of establishing these cities for the purpose of exporting Frankincense to different parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Omani researcher and historian, Abdul Qadir bin Salim Al Ghassani, mentions in his book ‘Dhofar, the Land of Frankincense’ that Alexander the Great had imported huge quantities of incense from Arab lands.

Other sources suggest that frankincense was used round the throne of King Solomon as incense. These sources also mention that when Emperor Nero’s wife died, the Emperor burned the equivalent of the whole southern Arabian Peninsula’s yield of frankincense. In the preset time, we know that this incense is used at the Vatican in Rome.

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3 environments with its own distinctive flavour: A'Sharqiyah

The nature of this region blends three environments, each having its own distinctive flavour: the coastline, hugging the Arabian Sea and part of the Sea of Oman, tells the story of hard work done by hardy men. Their weapons are the boats they have built with their own strong hands. Their ammunition is their nets spun by their dexterous fingers while chanting melodious work songs. Under cover of night, they sail into the sea and wrangle with its high waves in a constant battle between the desire to earn their living and come home safely. 

At the break of dawn, these hard-working men return with their nets overflowing with fish, chanting the melodious refrain, “Thanks be To Allah” for His boon and a safe trip back home…. This is the first environment of South A'Sharqiyah Governorate, and the most prolific fishery of all the regions of Oman.

The second environment is the sand dunes mirroring the depth of an artistic painting, vibrant with the quiet nomadic life in a pastoral setting embracing the wealth of cattle, camels and horses that North and South A'Sharqiyah Governorate Ais renowned for. This Governorate’s special attribute is typified in Badiya, where horse and camel races take place, and where fans from the Sultanate and abroad come to watch.

The third environment is urban or agricultural and is the meeting point for both the nomadic and coastal environments.

This region has a long history. In the Rass Al Hadd Wilayat in South  A'Sharqiyah Governorate, Allied planes hid during the Second World War. Its meandering alleys still welcome sailors fleeing a damaging storm or violent wind.

South A'Sharqiyah Governorate Wilayat are: Al Kamil & Al Wafi, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Jalan Bani Bu Hassn, Masirah, Sur.

North A'Sharqiyah Governorate Wilayat are: Al Qabil, Al Mudhaibi, Dimma & At Tayyin , Ibra, Wadi Bani Khalid.

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The Human Backbone Mountains: North and South Al Batinah

Omanis compare Al Hajar Mountains to the human backbone, so they call the Governorate which lies

on the Sea of Oman North and South Al Batinah, and the Governorate that lies west of the heights A'Dhahirah.

North and South Al Batinah Governorate is the beach formed by the valleys descending from the mountains, whose width varies between 15 and 80 kilometres. This is the main two agricultural Governorate in Oman, not to mention the nearby mountains and glittering beaches. North and South Al Batinah Governorate is distinguished by the presence of some rare trees like Al Mashut in Wilayt Liwa and Ad Dibaj in Wilayt As Suwayq.

ArRustaq is the provincial centre of the South Al Batinah Governorate and Sohar city is the provincial centre of the North Al Batinah Governorate and lies about 230 kilometres from the capital, Muscat. Sohar was the capital of Oman before the advent of Islam, and was known by the name of Majan. Sohar is one of the most important Wilayat in North Al Batinah Governorateand has been famous for producing and exporting copper for a long time. 

In the fourth century AH (tenth AD), Al Makdessi described Sohar as “a thriving city with a large population and a beautiful city providing comfortable living. Its impressive residential districts spread along the beach, and its towering buildings are built with baked brick and teak wood.” Al Makdessi also goes on to describe "Sohar’s mosque overlooking the sea and its towering minaret,” adding that what distinguishes the city is "its prosperous markets that attract shoppers’ attention and admiration.”

North Al Batinah Governorate Wilayat are: Sohar, As Suwayq, Al-Kabura, Saham, Lway, Shinas. 

South Al Batinah Governorate Wilayat are: Barka, Wadi Al Mawil, Nakhal, Al Awabi, ArRustaq, Al Masana’h.

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