OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM AT THE DESTINATIONS SHOW

WIN AN IPAD MINI OR IPOD NANO WITH THE OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM AT THE DESTINATIONS SHOW (STAND CR15) 

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is excited to be exhibiting on stand CR15 at the 2014 Destinations Show, Earls Court. Drop by the stand and complete a survey to be in with a chance of winning an iPad Mini or iPod Nano.

Oman’s greatest attraction is its diverse landscape. The peninsula of Musandam’s majestic fjords skirt the country’s northern tip. In the south Oman is dotted with magnificent desert expanses, towering mountains and white sandy beaches. The range of activities available in Oman are never ending, from canoeing in the Indian Ocean to bird watching and rock climbing. Boat trips to spot dolphins or close encounters with nestling turtle each serve to make a stay an entirely unique experience. 

The Arabian Sea waters are rich in wildlife, naturally beautiful and perfect for numerous water sports and scuba diving. From beginners to savvy scuba divers Oman caters to all. The Dimaniyat Islands UNESCO site marine reserve are the home to coral reefs, endangered hawksbill turtles, spectacular tropical fish. If you’re lucky and et to dive in Salalah you may get to spot the Arabian Whale. Warm seas, long shallow bays and the year round breeze make the destination a great place for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. Try the destination’s land based adventure thrills from 4x4 sand duning to camel trekking in the vast deserts of the Empty Quarter or Wahiba Sands where dunes can measure up to 200 metres. Rock-climbing, hiking and traversing are more exciting activities that will get your heart racing whilst enjoying the dramatic backdrops. 

The country’s capital, Muscat has a variety of interesting, cultural events throughout the year in particular at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a must to experience a range of musical genres, contemporary and traditional styles www.rohmuscat.org.om. 

One of the most popular ways to see Muscat in 2014 is with the Double Decker Big Bus Tours where tourists and locals alike can explore the city with the 12-stop hop-on, hop-off tours, www.bigbustours.com. 

The New Year kicks off with the Muscat Festival across January and February. As always, the festival will include a number of activities related to Omani heritage and culture as well as fashion shows, food festivals, concerts, special events and fireworks, www.muscat-festival.com.

Other noteworthy events for 2014 include:

February

Oman Food Festival – Held at the Qurum National Park in February, it is a great opportunity to sample traditional Omani cuisine. The festival is run in conjunction with expert chefs and students from the Oman Tourism College.

Traditional Boat Race – Oman’s maritime heritage is commemorated with this traditional boat race in February with boats like Dhow Boats, Old Houri, New Houri and Al Shash competing against each other. 

March

Bird Watching - March is one of the best months for bird watching due to the cooler temperatures. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions: Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird watchers. 

April-July

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

July

Salalah Tourism Festival – Colourful parades take to the streets in July while artistic and cultural exhibitions are arranged by organisations such as the Omani Society of Fine Arts, Omani Women’s Society, Royal Oman Police and Royal Army. Festival activities include artistic and cultural shows and parades.

Renaissance Day – This celebration gives thanks to the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said began his rule in 1970, transforming Oman into the modern, advanced and industrial country of today. The festival takes place 23 July and celebrations are nationwide.

September 

Turtle Spotting – The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz. 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

Eid Al-Adha – The Feast of Sacrifice is a Muslim holiday and the second of the two Eid festivals on 26 October. Morning prayers are followed by family getting together and exchanging gifts.

November

Oman National Day – On 18 November Oman will be celebrating National Day. Muscat celebrates national day with patriotic fervour with street lights, dancing and activities for all to enjoy.