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

The Golf Courses Article of Your Dreams

www.ghalavalley.com

Which would be your favourite course to play golf in Oman?

Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat now has three 18-hole 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.

Par for the Course

Backed by the Hajar Mountains, the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club was Oman’s first PGA 18-hole golf course. Natural wadis have been integrated as challenging features for play. 

www.muscathillsgolf.com

Ghala Valley Golf Club, built into a wadi, has been a popular spot to tee off since its inception in 1971. All of its 18 holes are now entirely grass. 

www.ghalavalley.com

At the Greg Norman-designed Almouj Golf, 18 holes skirt two kilometres of scenic beachfront. Floodlights allow games to continue after dark. Year-round sunshine makes all of these courses a pleasure to play in any season. 

www.almoujgolf.com

Where do you think golf will take you for your future? Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

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

The Rich Cultural Heritage of Muscat

The country’s rich cultural heritage is well preserved in Muscat's many museums, including:

• The Oman Museum, which covers 5,000 years of local history, with displays on shipbuilding, Islam and fort architecture
• Bait Al Zubair located within a traditional Omani house, giving insight into Omani lifestyle and traditions
• The Natural History Museum, with in-depth exhibitions of the country’s geology and wildlife; the museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion
• Beit Al Fransi, former home of the French Consul dedicated to the long rapport between France and Oman
• Bait Al Barandah, where interactive exhibits cover 100 million years of history
• The National Museum in Ruwi, chronicling Oman’s ruling dynasty, as well as exhibiting Omani silverwork and an 8^th-century letter from the Prophet Mohammed to the rulers of Oman, inviting the local people to Islam
• And the Armed Forces Museum, a military museum located in the 150-year old Bait Al Falaj Fort.
• Also worth a visit are The National Gate Museum, Children’s Museum, Currency museum, Ecology Oman Centre, Turtle Museum in Ras Al Hadd and the Franklin Centre Museum in Dhofar.

Additions to the country’s museum scene include:

· Muscat’s brand-new National Museum, with displays covering Omani history from prehistoric times to the present day

·  The new Maritime Museum in Sur, Oman’s northeastern coastal town that has long been an important centre for dhow construction

·   Mawaleh, Seeb’s new Museum of Omani Dress. The brand-new project, whose goal is to conserve Oman’s colourful national dress – and thus safeguard an important part of the country’s identity – is spearheaded by the non-profit group, Centre for Omani Dress (www.omanidress.com). The museum details men's and women's traditional costume, with special sections dedicated to children's clothes and general accessories.

Not a museum, but a Muscat must-see all the same, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was inaugurated in 2001. It is renowned for its enormous hand-woven carpet (70 x 60m) and 14-m Swarovski crystal chandelier.

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

Prince Harry arrives in Oman for Sultanate's National Day

Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi; Undersecretary of Oman Ministry of Tourism greets HRH Prince Harry

Prince Harry arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday 18 November just in time for the Sultanate's National Day, the visit reflects a close personal and respectful relationship that exists between The Royal Families of both countries. The Prince is keen to see and experience the country for the first time following recent successful and enjoyable visits by other members of his family, including The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in 2010, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2013.

He received an official greeting on arrival at Muscat International Airport by His Highness Sayyid Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Culture and Heritage and the Omani Patron of the Omani-British Friendship Association.

Prince Harry and his accompanying delegation also visited the historic Nizwa Souq. He was received by Sheikh Hamad bin Salim Al Aghbari, wali of Nizwa. During his tour to Nizwa Historic Souq and Nizwa Castle, Prince Harry viewed different craft industries and familiarised himself with various Omani traditional crafts. He also visited Jebel Akhdar as well.

Making use of the opportunity to view local arts and crafts at the Souq outside the gates of the Fort, HRH was then greeted with a traditional sword dance inside the Fort's courtyard.

On Tuesday night, His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said hosted a dinner reception at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in honour of Prince Harry and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of his current visit to the Sultanate.

Many other notable figures find Oman to be the perfect holiday destination with; Lulu Guiness,Christopher Biggins and Kate Silverton visiting recently. Find out more here

Beauty has an address ~ Oman www.omantourism.gov.om 

Oman’s Heritage: Forts, Castles And Towers

From ancient ruins and Portuguese forts to a gorgeous Grand Mosque, Oman will satisfy even the most ardenthistory addicts.

Ancients Forts

Oman’s heritage is evident in the 500 forts, castles and towers thatshowcase its rich cultural past. Muscat’s historical port area is the site of the Sultan’s Palace. Here two Portuguese-built 16^th-century forts, Jalali (Eastern) and Mirani (Western) dramatically guard the entrance to Muscat and serve as sentinels to the Sultan’s palace. The local military uses both forts, although the public can wander through their shady courtyards. To the east of a third fort, 16^th-century Muttrah, sits in a restored watchtower. The 100-step climb to the top may be steep, but is worth the effort for breath-taking views.

Nizwa Fort was completed in the 1650s. It is set amid date palm plantations and is one of Oman’s most visited national monuments. It is characterised by its towering walls, its 35-metre central turret and unique location at the heart of Nizwa’s town centre. Other Omani forts of interest are:

• Musandam’s award-winning 17^th-century Khasab Fort and 16th-century Bukha Fort, both built by the Portuguese
• Sohar Fort housing the Sohar Fort Museum, showcases the city’s history of navigation and overseas trade with China
• Rustaq Fort, built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman
• Hazm Fort, also in Rustaq, with its unique columned roof
• Nakhl Fort, boasting panoramic views over an oasis below
• Bahla Fort, which reopened in December 2012 after extensive renovations, and is surrounded by an incredible 12-km wall
• And the 17^th-century Jabrin Fort, constructed as a palace for the imams and famed for the ancient irrigation system flowing through its ramparts.

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

A Favourite Pastime For Omanis: Horseback Riding

Few scenes evoke wild Arabia as the image of riding horseback across desert dunes. Which makes it no surprise that there's a long tradition of riding in Oman, from show jumping and dressage to endurance racing and simple countryside exploration. 

Horses symbolise integrity and pride. Because of the horse’s high status and appreciation by Muslims, Oman has been famous since ancient times for raising, breeding, acquiring and caring for horses.

Horse racing is a favourite pastime for Omanis. Horse races are held annually, such as The Royal Horse Racing, organised by the Royal Stables, and horse racing in Omani States. You can find horse racing schedules on this link: www.rca.gov.om

Qurum Park, Muscat's largest green expanse, is criss-crossed by a variety of riding trails, while the park’s riding school, Qurum Equestrian (www.qe.hashimani.com) offers lessons, beach excursions and pony rides. Various companies offer horseback riding holidays across the country.

Note that Oman's hotter summertime weather makes riding an activity best pursued between October and April.

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

The Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism celebrates its 10th Anniversary and record visitor figures at WTM.

At the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Ministry of Tourism's creation, the Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, joined by 21 private sector companies, announced a consistent 10% increase of visitor figures from the UK for 2014.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013.

Her Excellency announced new events for 2015, The Sultan’s 45th Anniversary Year, include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale which was launched on 03 Monday November at WTM and new hotel openings.

During the show key meetings were held with ABTA, UNWTO, Global Spa and Wellness Summit – watch this space for future conferences.

Oman was the Middle East Just a Drop re-filling station and Headline sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards.

Last day at WTM, the Oman Ministry of Tourism delegation joined seminars including bloggers networking, social media and film tourism.

The winner of the stand visitors business card draw Ipad mini was Yvonne Holmes from Classic Travel.

Oman 10th Anniversary L-R: Alison Cryer, Director UK & Ireland of the Oman Ministry of Tourism, Director General Haitham Al Ghassani, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Khalid Al Azri, Omani Student.

Rally Royale L-R: Ruba Jurdi- Founder of Rally Royale, Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Alison Cryer - Director UK & Ireland of the Oman Ministry of Tourism, Arthur op den Brouw, Founder and marketing and communications for Rally Royale.

World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014 L-R: Undersecretary Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi presenting her award.

Just a Drop L-R: Assistant Director General Haitham Al Ghassani 

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY

   THE SULTANATE OF OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM MARKS ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY,

   PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS DURING WORLD TRAVEL MARKET.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism tenth anniversary marks its many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at WTM by a delegation from the ministry and 21 companies from the Oman private sector at the cutting of an anniversary cake on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. Her Excellency will be joining other Minister’s from all over the world to discuss the impact of mega-events on tourism at this year’s UNWTO WTM Summit and will share Oman’s own experience of hosting the annual Tour of Oman international cycle race in its 15^th year.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013 while the most recent accolade received from the travel trade, the Star Middle East Tourist Office Award, will be presented to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

New events include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale to be launched on the first day of WTM. The Oman Grand Tour 2015 will have owners of pre-seventies vintage and classic cars taking part in the 21-day trip across the country that is expected to cover over 4,000 kilometres, starting on October 18, 2015. The Tour, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region, will also coincide with Oman's 45th National Day celebrations.

Private sector representatives are attending WTM as an opportunity to promote Oman’s latest accommodation openings including the Alila Jabal Akhdar mountain resort, the first five star hotel in Dhofar, the Salalah Rotana Resort and the Al Nahda Resort & Spa 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda opening in 2015. Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in the next two years include The Kempinski Hotel (2015) and The Fairmont Hotel (2016) at Muscat’s The Wave. The Ministry is looking towards Wellness Tourism as a new sector for growth with new spa resorts coming on board. Muscat has seen recent growth in the MICE market and this is anticipated to grow even faster with the opening of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition centre in 2016.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is the proud sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards on the third day of WTM and will be talking at length about the destination's sustainable tourism offerings. A new Public Transport Master Plan to be ready by December 2014 and once implemented will provide a state of the art bus network that can be integrated into bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems at a later stage.

The Sultanate of Oman stand is the ideal spot for WTM visitors to take a short well deserved break during the show where they will find Omani coffee and dates served in traditional Omani style, a Just A Drop Water refill area and travel agents will have the chance to win an iPad Mini in a business card draw where every travel agent entry will receive a ceramic keying or banner pen.

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

10th Anniversary of The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism at WTM 2014

The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s tenth anniversary marks its many achievements over the past ten years in particular consistent visitor growth and the accolades received for its successful marketing campaigns. Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism is joined at WTM by a delegation from the ministry and 21 companies from the Oman private sector at the cutting of an anniversary cake on Monday, the first day of the exhibition. Her Excellency will be joining other Minister’s from all over the world to discuss the impact of mega-events on tourism at this year’s UNWTO WTM Summit and will share Oman’s own experience of hosting the annual Tour of Oman international cycle race in its 15^th year.

UK visitor numbers have grown from 25,000 in 2003 to 133,529 in 2013 and Worldwide to nearly 1.4 million in 2013 while the most recent accolade received from the travel trade, the Star Middle East Tourist Office Award, will be presented to Her Excellency, Maitha Al Mahrouqi at this year’s exhibition.

New events include a long-distance classic car rally organised by British company Rally Royale to be launched on the first day of WTM. The Oman Grand Tour 2015 will have owners of pre-seventies vintage and classic cars taking part in the 21-day trip across the country that is expected to cover over 4,000 kilometres, starting on October 18, 2015. The Tour, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf region, will also coincide with Oman's 45th National Day celebrations.

Private sector representatives are attending WTM as an opportunity to promote Oman’s latest accommodation openings including the AlilaJabal Akhdar mountain resort, the first five star hotel in Dhofar, the SalalahRotana Resort and the Al Nahda Resort & Spa 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda opening in 2015. Further properties in the pipeline to be opened in the next two years include The Kempinski Hotel (2015) and The Fairmont Hotel (2016) at Muscat’s The Wave. The Ministry is looking towards Wellness Tourism as a new sector for growth with new spa resorts coming on board. Muscat has seen recent growth in the MICE market and this is anticipated to grow even faster with the opening of the new Oman Convention and Exhibition centre in 2016.

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is the proud sponsor of the World Responsible Tourism Awards on the third day of World Travel Market and will be talking at length about the destination's sustainable tourism offerings. A new Public Transport Master Plan to be ready by December 2014 and once implemented will provide a state of the art bus network that can be integrated into bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems at a later stage.

The Oman stand is the ideal spot for WTM visitors to take a short well deserved break during the show where they will find Omani coffee and dates served in traditional Omani style, a Just A Drop Water refill area and travel agents will have the chance to win an iPad Mini in a business card draw where every travel agent entry will receive a ceramic keying or banner pen.

Ancient Trade Routes And Cross Remote Plateaus: Hiking in Oman

Oman’s mountains provide excellent conditions for trekking. Intrepid explorers can expect to stumble across otherworldly vistas, unusual fossils and herds of impressively sure-footed mountain goats. Hikes through Jabal Akhdar often follow T. Falaj, or rivers of underground water that have been channelled through narrow canals for irrigation, connect many of the mountain villages. On hot summer days, groups of local children splash around, dipping in and out of the falaj’s cooling flow.

Perched at 2,000m, the town of Wakan is ringed by walking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. With its surrounding date palms, grapevines and pomegranate trees, it personifies Jabal Akhdar (“Green Mountain”). The village is often rated as one of the Sultanate’s prettiest. The trek to the precipitous Wadi an Nakhur, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, is punctuated with panoramic vistas. Clusters of ancient stone homes, such as the picturesque Al Sab and Birkat al Mawz, perch along its lofty peaks.

Musandam, the northernmost region of the country, offers experienced hikers rocky, wide-open terrain that spills across dramatic cliffs. On a clear day, It is possible to see across the Strait of Hormuz to the Iranian coastline. Around the coastal village of Sur, the Eastern Hajar Mountains enable visitors to combine elevated trekking with beachside camping.

For trekkers keen to leave Oman’s tourist trails far behind, centuries of Arabian Sea erosion have created the stunning limestone rock formations at Ras Duqm in the southern region of AlWasta. Its surrounding terrain draws gulls and terns, making it particularly appealing to keen birdwatchers. Ras Markaz, a remote promontory located here, shelters a kilometre-long sandy beach.

In contrast to Oman’s other regions, Salalah in the southern Dhofar province enjoys the annual monsoon, or khareef. Cooler temperatures, perennial waterfalls and a year-round verdant landscape make the region ideal for exploring on foot.

Experiencedrock-climbers seeking more challenging routes in Oman may refer to this Press Pack’s ‘Adventure Travel’ section. For hikers of all levels, Oman Trekking Explorer is an excellent guidebook to the country’s many and varied trails. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com. 

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