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. 

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Calendar Of Annual Local Events in Oman - September to November

There's so much happening in Oman all year round. Plan ahead with our monthly events calendar. 

September

Turtle Spotting

The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz is during September. These turtles migrate to Oman from the Red Sea and East African Coast.

Golf

Due to the climate, golfing in Oman is most popular from the months of September to May. Muscat now has three 18-hole grass golf courses, with more expected to launch in the near future.

October

Another good time to spot respiratory birds such as gulls, terns, warblers and eagles.

National Bank of Oman Golf Classic

The championship course at Almouj Golf, The Wave, Muscat is perfect setting for this promising new European Challenge tournament.

November

Dubai to Muscat Race

Each November, around three-dozen sailing yachts compete in the Dubai to Muscat Race, navigating the Strait of Hormuz en route.

Muscat Regatta

Following the Dubai to Muscat Race, the Muscat Regatta includes two days of competitive yacht and dinghy sailing, followed by a race across the waves from Muscat to Khasab on the Musandam Peninsula.

Oman National Day

Both Sultan Qaboos’ birthday and Oman’s National Day, 18 November is an important public holiday in Oman.

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Calendar Of Annual Local Events in Oman - May to July

There's so much happening in Oman all year round. Plan ahead with our monthly events calendar. 

May

Masirah Turtle Festival Week 

Launched in 2010, the Environment Society of Oman has held a dedicated Masirah TurtleFestival Week each May. Conservation-focussed activities include marine research, turtle-themed football competitions and local beach clean-ups. Masirah is the largest nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles in the world.

June-July

Renaissance Day

Celebrating Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s ascension to the throne in 1970, 23 July is a public holiday in Oman.

Salalah Tourism Festival (formerly the Khareef Festival)

While the rest of the region is reeling under sweltering temperatures, Salalah revelsin cooling rains from the southwest monsoon winds, which leave the landscape verdant and cloaked in mist. This phenomenon of rain-bearing fog is known locally as khareef. The season begins in late June and ends in late September. The Salalah Tourism Festival – a veritable extravaganza – hosts a variety of cultural, sports, and entertainment activities at the purpose-built Baladiya Entertainment Centre. The facility comprises a main theatre, an open-air venue and a heritage village as well asextensive fairgrounds. Expect theatre performances, folkloric shows, concerts by prominent Arab and Gulf singers, a kite festival, children’s plays and an Omani poetry forum.

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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.

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

Calendar Of Annual Local Events in Oman - March to April

There's so much happening in Oman all year round. Plan ahead with our monthly events calendar. 

March

Bird Watching

March is one of the best months for bird watching due to cooler temperatures andmigratory patterns. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions. The Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, and the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locationsfor bird watchers. Many exotic species also live on the Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam. There are 516 species on the Oman Bird list.

Oman International Salsa & Zouk Festival

The fifth edition of Oman’s Salsa & Dance Festival will be held in 2015. Internationally acclaimed performers offer lessons in everything from hip-hop to samba, with barbeques and all-night salsa parties running alongside.

www.oiszf.com

April

Scuba Diving

Oman is now one of the most popular diving destinations in the Middle East. The most prominent diving areas around Muscat are: Bandar Khayran, Al Fahal Islands, Dimaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat) and Al Jissah Beach. The best time to dive in Muscat and around is from April to July.

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Calendar Of Annual Local Events in Oman - January to February

There's so much happening in Oman all year round. Plan ahead with our monthly events calendar. 

January-February

Extreme Sailing Series

Book a ringside seat for the ninth annual Extreme Sailing Series, kicking off againin 2015 at Muscat’s The Wave. Multihull sailing vessels race in challenging conditions daringly close to the spectators watching from the shores.

www.extremesailingseries.com/gallery 

Muscat Festival 2015 

Held in Muscat’s picturesque Qurum and Naseem parks, the Muscat Festival is unmissable January 15 to February 14, 2015 . The festival showcases Oman’s national heritage and attracts close to two million visitors every year. Expect juggling, parades, magic shows, exhibitions of regional arts and crafts, plus the annual Oman Food Festival and Muscat Art Festival. The festival begins at the end of January and runs through February.

www.muscat-festival.com

Tour of Oman

The Tour of Oman (February) takes place on a track designed by Eddy Merckx, UCI cyclist and sportsman, whose aim was to bring a version of Tour de France to Oman. This cycling race takes place over six stages and crosses 848km of breath-taking scenery.

http://www.tourofoman.om/photogallery

Mussanah Race Week

Overtwo hundred top sailors from 30 countries battle it out in the Gulf of Oman, near Muscat, at this high-octane international dinghy regatta, hosted by Oman Sail

www.mussanahraceweek.com

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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? 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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