SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Thursday 4 September 2014

Why We Love Oman (And You Should, Too!)



Oman’s story began over 10,000 years ago where people began to settle in the Muscat Governate during the Stone Age.  A traditional craft that has developed through many generations since then is one that is considered an ancient industry. Omani’s proudly display their pottery pieces as a distinct testimony to the extent to which civilisation has advanced. Although it is often thought of as one of the most primitive and simple forms of art, the intricacy and skill to mould clay into cleverly crafted pots represents the livelihood of many traditional Omani families. Frankincense burners are a great example.
The beauty of Oman continues as it is among the leading countries in the world that support a multitude of other craft industries. The Al Jabal Al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) blooms with roses in April and the farmers who planted, pruned and picked roses reap the harvest of their efforts: the production of distilled rose water.  Harvesting of Frankincense is also a practiced tradition with the trade having been passed down through generations. The frankincense trees or the ‘Land of Frankincense’ is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site marking another segment of Omani heritage that has “outstanding universal value” (UNESCO).

Moving out to salty waters, the climate of Oman below the sea creates an underwater paradise for both fisherman and divers. The nutrient rich water boosts the ecology as huge shoals of fish feed off phytoplankton, making the waters along Salalah’s coast one of the best stretches for fishing among the world’s oceans. Pods of dolphins, manta ray and turtles make for a stunning scuba diving adventure while a resident group of Humpback Whales are the only whales in the world that don’t migrate and can frequently be spotted in the Arabian Sea. Oman’s rich marine bio-systems add another chapter to Oman’s ‘fairytale’ to fall in love with.


Fisherman

Oman’s story continues. Discover the richness of the Omani life... Chapters of culture, history and heritage await.



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