19 Hidden Gems In The Desert Just Waiting For You

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What are some of the best travel locations in Oman that most people have never heard about? Where are they and how to find them? 

There are an endless choices of activities and places to visit for every type of traveller. Whether seeking to indulge on a gorgeous beach vacation, getting involved in a number of unique adventures or discovering cultural wonders, the treasures of Oman will not disappoint you.


A “Wadi” is a valley or ravine that is dry except during the monsoons, when they fill with water, forming oases of cool water and vegetation. Oman has several. In this article, we will show you 19 hidden gems in the desert just waiting for you:

1 - Wadi Al Khoud: situated in Wilayat AlSeeb, Muscat, is considered one of the largest wadi basins in the Sultanate.

2 - Wadi Al Arbiyeen: one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat. It is situated 3 kilometres away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah.

http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-al-arbaeen/

3 - Wadi Ad Dayqah: one of the most easy - to - reach tourist attractions located near Muscat, about 90 kilometres from Wadi Aday. Visitors can cross this wadi and explore the Omani mountains and their natural diversity.

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4 - Wadi Darbat: located in Dhofar. This wadi carves its way through hills and highlands until it reaches Khawr Ruri, where it empties into the Arabian Gulf. During autumn, the wadi's water descending from the mountains forms magnificent waterfalls, cascading from a height of up to 30 metres.

5 - Wadi Al Abyad ( White Valley ): this wadi is about 30 km (1.85 miles) away from the main Muscat - Sohar road, where it extends west of Wilayat Nakjl, Al Batinah Region. Characterised by its abundant fresh water springs and year - round streams.

https://www.y-oman.com/2013/03/destination-wadi-abyad/

6 - Wadi Bani Awf ( Suspended Road ): if you love excitement, adventure, and winding mountain roads, you'll find a challenge in Wadi Bani Awf, Al Batinah region. To traverse this road, you must have a four - wheel drive and the driver must be an expert in mountain driving.

7 - Wadi Bani Kharous: one of the best known Omani wadis. A visitor to Wadi Bani Kharous is attracted by its fascinating flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes. You will be curious to discover unknown sights in its various villages.

8 - Wadi Al Qahfi: located nearly 50 km ( 31 miles ) from Wilayat Mahdah, Al Buraymi Governorate. Water flows most of the year and is distinguished by its fresh quality.

9 - Wadi Damm: located near Al Ayn village, Wilayat Ibri, Ad Dhahirah Region, and is about 45 km ( 28 miles ) from Ibri city. It is a seasonal wadi, dry much of the year. It relies on the rain which gathers in its water ponds. This wadi is remarkable for its characteristic rocky formation sculpted by erosion.

http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-dhum/

10 - Wadi Danak ( Fida ): this wadi originates in Fida town in Dhank Province, specifically in Al Khili, an area so steep it is considered a water reservoir for Yanqul and Shuab wadis, whose waters cascade down the face of the mountains. Wadi Danak's water runs all year round and is home to a multitude of birds.

11 - Wadi Muayden: is in Birkat Al - Mawz, A'Dakhiliyah Region, and one of the biggest and fullest wadis in Oman year round. It is a gateway to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar ( The Green Mountain ) and is home to Al Muayden village. Trekking fans can reach Al Jabal Al Akhdhar through this wadi. 

12 - Wadi ArRaydha: on the way to this valley the visitor passes many fossils and ruins that speak of civilisations past. The spring rains bring beauty to the landscape, with an enchanting, aromatic mix of wild flowers and herbs. You get glimpses of animals grazing on the lush grass in some seasons.

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13 - Wadi AlShab: this wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in the Ash Sharqiyah region. It lies 140 kilometres ( 87 miles ) from Muscat on the Qurayat - Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi. 

http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-shab/

14 - Wadi Bani Khalid: located 203 kilometres ( 126 miles ) from Muscat. Trake the Bidbid - Sur Road in the Ash Sharqiyah region, which forks into a side road leading to Bani Khalid Governorate and then weaves up across the eastern AlHajar Mountains to Bida village deep in the mountains. There you can enjoy the spectacular views of the fertile valley with its spreading trees and abundant water that tumbles down as waterfalls in some areas to form natural pools of water.

15 - Wadi Tiwi: located in Tiwi, Sur Governorate in the Ash Sharqiyah region, it is 2 km ( 1.24 miles ) from Wadi AlShab and spreads over an area of 36 km ( 22.37 miles ) at the foot of the mountain village of Mibam. You can see the valley below, and the azure waters of the sea from some elevated locations.

16 - Wadi At Ta'iyeen: located in the Ash Sharqiyah Province. It extends over 80 km ( 49.71 miles ) across AlHajar Mountain of Bidbid - Sur Road, 92 km ( 57.17 miles ) from Muscat. It is an expansive valley dotted with rocks acacia trees and small hills overlooked by the mountains on both sides. 

17 - Wadi Dimma: located in the Dimma and at Tayyin Governorate ( The Ash Sharqiyah province ) and is known as the Wadi Al Hajir, location of the natural Al Hajir Park.

http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-dima/

18 - Wadi Andam: here you'll find a seamless amalgamation of trees and rocky formations that will steep your senses in total serenity, rejuvenation and relaxation.

19 - Wadi An Nakhr: waterfalls cascading from Jabal Shams ( Sun Mountain ) form this valley. This valley contains a village that bears its name and which can be seen from the top of Jabal Shams.

Wadis form a unique environmental system characterised by variety, diversity, and a wealth of natural attractions. Within this fertile environment, people have lived in the wadis (valleys) of Oman for thousands of years. 

If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

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Oman Tourism UK is the Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

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How Tourists From All Over The World Get Access To Oman

How do people access to Oman? What are the best ways to move around and discover its beauty?

How Tourists From All Over The World Get Access To Oman via @Oman_Tourism_UK #adventure

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Access to and within Oman is easy and organised. There is an excellent road network with signage in Arabic and English and most tourist sites can now be reached by saloon car. 

The more remote mountain and desert areas need a 4-Wheel Drive, which can be hired locally or you can join an organised tour. For longer trips, there are domestic flights with Oman Air from Muscat.

Getting Around Oman: By Air, Car, Bus, Ferry and Camel:

1- Take a Ferry:

All NFC’s fast ferries serve passenger and vehicle movements between key ports:

Muscat - Khasab (Musandam)

Khasab - Lima (Musandam) (currently only passengers and cargo)

Shinas - Khasab (launched on 9th May 2012)

Shannah - Masirah (launched on 14th August 2014)

Shinas - Dibba - Khasab (launched on 28th August 2014)

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2- Take the Bus:
Public buses, run by the Oman National Transport. Today the company has in the region 200 buses and 320 staff with its headquarters and main operating base in Al Azaiba. There is one major bus station for local and long distance services in central Ruwi.

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3- Take a Car Rental:
There’s never been an easier way to fill up the trunk and head out on a completely unique adventure. See some options below:

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Some Car Rental options:

Name	Location	Tel	Fax	Email
Al-Mahaa	Al-Sarooj	24603376	24605502	mahaa@omantel.net.om
Avis	Al-Bustan Palace Hotel	24703242	24700050	avisoman@omantel.net.om
Avis	Intercontinental Hotel	24601224	24700050	avisoman@omantel.net.om
Budget	Muscat Airport	24510816	24798144	budgetom@omantel.net.om
Budget	Ruwi	24794721	24798144	budgetom@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Holiday Inn Hotel	24484093	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Muscat Airport	24521369	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Ruwi	24700190	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Hertz	Muscat Airport	24521187	24566125	nttoman@omantel.net.om
Hertz	Wattayah	24566208	24566125	nttoman@omantel.net.om
Sixt	Crown Plaza Hotel	24561427	24565968	tracbest@omantel.net.om
Sixt	Muscat Airport	26846619	24566125	tracbest@omantel.net.om
Thrifty	Khuwair	24489648	24482515	haditha@omantel.net.om

4- Take a Flight:
Muscat - Salalah. Cool off in Salalah during the Khareef season, which lasts from June to early September. 

www.omanair.com

5- Take a 4- Wheel Drive vehicles:
A four-wheel drive vehicle is worth renting if you intend to explore the rugged country outside the city.

6- Take a taxi:    
Make sure you agree the fare with the driver before commencing your journey.

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Fares to key hotels:

Hotel	Location	One way fare (RO)
Al Bustan Palace Hotel	Al Bustan	12.000
Al Falaj Mercure Hotel	Ruwi	10.000
Chedi Hotel	Al Ghubrah	8.000
Crown Plaza Hotel, Muscat	Qurum	10.000
Golden Oasis	Wadi Kabir	10.000
Golden Tulip	Seeb (Muscat International Airport)	6.000
Grand Hyatt Muscat	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Haffa House	Ruwi	10.000
Holiday Inn, Al Madinah	Al Madinah	8.000
Holiday Inn, Muscat	Al Khuwair	8.000
Majan Hotel	Ghubrah South	8.000
Muscat Intercontinental Hotel	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Oman Diving Centre	Barr Al Jissah	15.000
Radisson SAS	Al Khuwair	8.000
Ramada Hotel	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Shangri La, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa	Barr Al Jissah	15.000
Sheraton Oman Hotel	Ruwi	10.000

Fares to major destinations:

Area	Approximate distance from Muscat International Airport	One way fare (RO)
Al-Ghubrah, Azaiba,	12 km	8.000
Al-Kuwair, Quram, Madinat as Sultan Qaboos	20 km	8.000
Barka	52 km	15.000
Nizwa	140km	30.000
Qurayyat	120 km	24.000
Ruwi, Muttrah	32 km	10.000
Sohar	195 km	40.000

7- Take a camel:
For those that have never sat on a camel, this is an experience not to be missed. Also called the “Ship of the Desert”, camels are a vital part of the Omani Society, for it represents a deeply appreciated and highly valued tradition. 

www.razantravel.com

Oman is easier to get to than you might think. Over 20 international airlines fly directly to Muscat International Airport, 32 km west of the city centre. Take off from London Heathrow with Oman Air, our national carrier and you will be in Muscat in just 7.5 hours later. 

What do you think is the best way to move around Oman? Are there any other ways you'd like to try? We'd love to hear from you. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comments below!

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Oman Tourism UK is the Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

Follow @Oman_Tourism_UK

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5 Reasons Why You Should Absolutely Visit Salalah This Year

Towards the end of June each year, as the Khareef (monsoon) season begins, the landscape around the southern city of Salalah, is almost magically transformed. The dull browns are replaced by rolling green hills, misty woods and sparkling mountains springs.

1 - Because of its incredible rock formation.
The rocky outcrops on the beach in Mughsayl contain many blow holes that spout dramatically during high tide.

2 - Because there are gorgeous landscapes.
Travel down long winding wadis through dense forest set along rocky slopes and see them suddenly disappear into the mists.

3 - Because you can have so much fun.
The annual Khareef Festival offers the best in entertainment for the whole family.

4 - Because its stunning green colours.
Overnight, the rugged brown hills around Salalah are transformed magically into a lush green landscape.

http://travelleroasis.om/en/

5 - Because of its mountains.
Green mountains drop to the very edge of the Indian Ocean.

During Khareef season, temperature drop to a comfortable 30 degrees making Salalah a perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy the annual Khareef Festival which takes place every July and August. The Salalah Tourism Festival runs from mid June to the end of September.


New website for travellers heading to Dhofar here:  travelleroasis.om/en/ 
Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om 

An Experience Not To Be Missed For Culture Seekers

A Must if Visiting Muscat - beautiful hall, excellent acoustics.

Culture seekers can revel in Oman’s burgeoning contemporary scene, with Muscat’s Royal Opera House, the Muscat Art Festival and the city’s cutting-edge architecture attracting visitors from across the globe.

Royal Opera House

Labelled “The Jewel of Muscat” since its opening in October 2011, the Royal Opera House Muscat established Oman as the epicentre of classical music in the Gulf States. Local and international concerts, as well as one-of-a-kind operas, are staged here. Recent performers have included Milan’s Teatro Alla Scala BalletCompany, London’sRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo. The Opera House’s innovative main hall (1,000+ seats, 80,000 m2) possesses a unique mobile shell designed by one of the world’s leading architectural firms, Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo. Free tours are available in the morning (10 am) and the adjoining Galleria has a selection of great lunch or dinner options.

Bait MuznaGallery

Tucked into Muscat’s Old Town, the Bait MuznaGallery exhibits artworks by emerging contemporary Omani artists. The gallery, spread over three floors of a classically restored Omani residence, has been thriving for more than a decade. Local artists also lead art workshops inside the gallery.

Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art

The Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art, which opened in 2011, stretches throughout the rooms of a traditional mid 20th-century Omani home. In sharp contrast to its permanent onsite displays of traditional local heritage, the Ghalyas' contemporary Art Gallery showcases the works of Omani as well as dozens of international artists.The museum will be opening six new areas: this additional exhibition space will allow the museum to exhibit pieces from their permanent collection that have never been on show to the general public.

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

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

The Art Of Body Painting, Henna Design.

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Can an ancient tradition become a fashion trend? 

The art of body painting with henna has been used in Oman for centuries.

Henna designs vary across regions of Oman  although the general tendency is to paint the entire bottom of the foot and the palm of the hands. As an example, in Musandam, the palm of the hand is not decorated, but a circle in the middle of it is drawn instead.

Do you know how Henna is actually made? Henna is made out from the dye prepared from a plant called “Lawsonia inermis” that can be commonly found in Asia or Africa. In its natural state it is a reddish brown but if you see orange Henna this is how it looks on white skin.

It is commonly used by children and women for weddings or holidays such as the Eids but for children it is a case of balling their fists with a handful of henna mix, and then tying their fists closed with cloth. Nowadays, women wear it on a daily basis reapplying it as soon as if fades. Old women usually colour their nails and their fingertips and for babies it is done by decorating their soles and palms, or even the full body, as a blessing and for protection.

Henna designs can be used to display hidden messages or meanings. Among the most commonly used designs are birds and parrots representing messengers of love, flowers which are said to mean joy and happiness or butterflies and dragonflies symbolising change or rebirthing.

Why not try it when you next visit Oman? 

A Streamlined Sensory Experience: Camel Trekking

Following in the steps of the traditional transport used by Oman’s Bedouin tribes, camel trekking is perhaps the most exotic way to discover the local lands. Exploration of the desert’s endless dunes is a streamlined sensory experience – a pared down combination of horizon gazing, meals prepared over open fires and silent contemplation.

Various local outfits offer day, weekend or weeklong treks through picturesque swathes of desert including the Wahiba Sands. For the adventurous, camel trekking may be paired with camping under Oman’s star-studded skies. The bravest travellers may even follow in the steps of Wilfred Thesiger, who traversed much of the country by camel using a team of local guides.

For a further understanding as to the important role that camels continue to play in Omani culture and history, it is worth visiting former capital of Nizwa’s Livestock Market. Camels, goats and cattle are sold, bartered and exchanged at this weekly market, which is held outside of the town’s souk on Friday mornings.

For anyone who has visited Oman, what was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there?

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