5 Fast Facts About Oman - O to V

Omanisation: The Omanisation program has been in operation since 1988, training Omani personnel to replace skilled expatriates. There is a fixed Omanisation ratio in various areas of the private sector as stipulated by the Ministry: transport, storage and communications 60% Omanisation; finance, insurance and real estate 45%; industry 35%; hotels and restaurants 30%; wholesale or retail trading 20% and contracting 15%.

Ramadan: Ramadan is the holy month of fasting during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from publically indulging in these activities between sunrise and sunset. As of 2007, the Oman Government permits tourists staying at selected hotels to purchase and consume alcohol after sunset (from 7pm - 2am) in allocated restaurants. Most international hotels have been granted permission to serve alcohol during Ramadan, including Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt, Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resorts & Spa, The Chedi, Inter-Continental Hotel and the Crowne Plaza.

Regions: Oman is divided into nine main regions – Muscat, the administrative and commercial capital, Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Buraymi, Al Sharqiyah, AlWusta, Dhofar and Musandam. Each of the regions is then divided into smaller wilayats to assist in the administration process.

Religion: Islam is Oman’s official religion; other faiths are also respected.

Visas: Visitor visas are available at all air, land and sea arrival points for citizens of over 50 countries including European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan. Visas on arrival for these countries cost RO 5 and are valid for ten days or R.O 20 which is valid for one month. Those countries not valid for a visa on arrival must obtain a visa before travel. For the latest information please go to www.omanairports.com. Further information can be obtained from the Oman Embassy. (Tel 020 722 50001)

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

OMAN EXHIBITS AT THE MEETINGS SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME

THE SULTANATE OF OMAN EXHIBITS AT THE MEETINGS SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME (STAND K15)

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is exhibiting at the Meetings Show, 8-10 July 2014 Olympia, London, for the first time this year and will be joined by Oman’s newest 5* luxury Rotana Salalah Resort and national carrier Oman Air.

The new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, due for completion in 2016, is set to become an iconic landmark for Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman. Located in its own precinct, this world-class facility is perfectly suited to host international, regional and national conventions, exhibitions and business events. Amongst its features are a tiered auditorium seating 3,200 people and more than 22,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The construction of a new five-star InterContinental Hotel and Golf Clubhouse, Muscat is scheduled to commence towards the end of 2014 with a completion date being at the end of 2016. The hotel will be built on 50,000 square metres of the total built up area of land which is set in a unique hillside location with spectacular panoramic mountain and golf course views. The hotel will feature 270 superior, spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and other facilities.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Suhar offers posh lodging in up-and-coming Suhar. This new hotel is close to industrial hotspots as well as a pristine beach. Each of the 178 rooms and suites is a peaceful oasis in this fun-filled resort, which features multiple on-site restaurants and a stylish outdoor pool. Hosting an event to be remembered in the lavish ballroom or one of six versatile meeting rooms is an experience to be remembered.

All five star hotels in Oman have meeting and event facilities, ballrooms and restaurants ranging from a fully functional theatre at the Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton to an auditorium in the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa. The Royal Opera House and grounds are also available for hire on request. Oman’s hotel stock is growing and a number of key international chains operate in the destination alongside boutique properties. Other prominent hotel brands include: Grand Hyatt Muscat; The Chedi Muscat; Crowne Plaza Muscat; InterContinental and the Marriott Resort Salalah and the Alila in Jabal Al Akhdar.

Luxury boutique hotels and camps in the desert and mountains provide excellent venues for overnight excursions. Other excursions for incentive groups include team building, sailing with or without lessons, diving with Oman Sail and land based team building with Oman’s Outward Bounds Centre. For short business trips to Muscat, dolphin watching cruises and city tours including The Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House and Mutrah Souk are of great interest. 4x4 treasure hunts and Wadi exploring with picnics are fun-filled activities if there is time to spare.

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

The Sultanate Of Oman Exhibits At The Meetings Show For The First Time (Stand K15)

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is exhibiting at the Meetings Show, 8-10 July 2014 Olympia, London, for the first time this year and will be joined by Oman’s newest 5* luxury Rotana Salalah Resort and national carrier Oman Air.

The new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, due for completion in 2016, is set to become an iconic landmark for Muscat and the Sultanate of Oman. Located in its own precinct, this world-class facility is perfectly suited to host international, regional and national conventions, exhibitions and business events. Amongst its features are a tiered auditorium seating 3,200 people and more than 22,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The construction of a new five-star InterContinental Hotel and Golf Clubhouse, Muscat is scheduled to commence towards the end of 2014 with a completion date being at the end of 2016. The hotel will be built on 50,000 square metres of the total built up area of land which is set in a unique hillside location with spectacular panoramic mountain and golf course views. The hotel will feature 270 superior, spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and other facilities.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Suhar offers posh lodging in up-and-coming Suhar. This new hotel is close to industrial hotspots as well as a pristine beach. Each of the 178 rooms and suites is a peaceful oasis in this fun-filled resort, which features multiple on-site restaurants and a stylish outdoor pool. Hosting an event to be remembered in the lavish ballroom or one of six versatile meeting rooms is an experience to be remembered.

All five star hotels in Oman have meeting and event facilities, ballrooms and restaurants ranging from a fully functional theatre at the Al Bustan Palace Ritz Carlton to an auditorium in the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa. The Royal Opera House and grounds are also available for hire on request. Oman’s hotel stock is growing and a number of key international chains operate in the destination alongside boutique properties. Other prominent hotel brands include: Grand Hyatt Muscat; The Chedi Muscat; Crowne Plaza Muscat; InterContinental and the Marriott Resort Salalah and the Alila in Jabal Al Akhdar.

Luxury boutique hotels and camps in the desert and mountains provide excellent venues for overnight excursions. Other excursions for incentive groups include team building, sailing with or without lessons, diving with Oman Sail and land based team building with Oman’s Outward Bounds Centre. For short business trips to Muscat, dolphin watching cruises and city tours including The Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House and Mutrah Souk are of great interest. 4x4 treasure hunts and Wadi exploring with picnics are fun-filled activities if there is time to spare.

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

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM SUMMER UPDATES 2014

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM SUMMER UPDATES 2014

Oman Ministry of Tourism are delighted to be exhibiting at the Meetings Show 8-10 July 2014 at Olympia, London for the first time and this year and will be joined by the new 5* luxury Rotana Salalah Resort and 1001 Events DMC. Where buyers and exhibitors will be inspired to do business, develop industry knowledge and network with the best in the industry.

As a highlight of the South coast’s summer season the British Beach Polo Championship sponsored by Oman Ministry of Tourism will return to Sandbanks, Poole for its seventh year on 11 and 12 July 2014.  Supported by some of the best arena polo players in the world, the hotly anticipated beach festival promises excitement and glamour both on and off the pitch.  England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be competing, with England keen to retain the title after a gripping final against Wales last year.

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

                                       

FAM Trips to Oman 18 - 21 June 2014

Two FAM trips hosted by Oman Air and Ethiad Airways left for Oman on the 18 June with a packed itinerary including hotel visits, a boat trip with Oman Sail, visits to the Grand Mosque, Opera House and Galleria, tours of culture in Nizwa and the breathtaking Jabal Akhdar mountains. Staying overnight in the brand new Alila Resort Jabal Akhdar, a half day tour covering the Frankincense Route, Mirbat and Job's Tomb and finishing with a visit to the Omani heritage museum Bait al Zubair. 

Phil from Personal Travel Agents commented, “Just a quick note to say thanks for arranging a great trip, and for including me in it! I have been trying to get to Oman for a long time now and was not disappointed when I eventually got there. Loved everything about it to be honest, apart from the heat which I realise needs to be taken into account when advising clients. I certainly feel much better equipped to sell it now.” 

Jeanette Coughlon, Travel Counsellors said, “Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thanks so much to all involved for giving me the opportunity to visit Oman - I really appreciate the invitation to participate and experience first-hand this part of the world in which we're seeing increased interest.”

10 Fast Facts About Oman - E to L

Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220/240 AC volts with British-type plugs.

Facilities for the physically challenged: Most hotels and public places provide facilities and make special arrangements for physically challenged visitors.

Getting around: Oman has a modern network of roads and motorways. Several car-hire companies offer a range of vehicles, including four-wheel drives for visitors who are heading off-road. Taxis are the easiest way to get around Muscat. It is best if you agree on the fare beforehand, as taxis are not metered. Most hotels can arrange transport for guests, including limousines or bus services for larger groups. The world’s fastest diesel-powered passenger ferries, the Shinas and Hormuz catamarans (www.nfc.om), link Muscat directly with Oman’s northernmost peninsula, Musandam. They are the first of a fleet of five high-speed vessels that will improve access to more remote areas of Oman for residents and tourists alike.

One of the most popular ways to see Muscat is aboard one of the city’s new Big Bus Tours (www.bigbustours.com). Tourists and locals alike may explore the city on double-decker buses. The hop-on, hop-off tours stop at 12 Muscat landmarks, including the Royal Palaces, Muttrah Souk and the new Royal Opera House.

Getting there: Muscat International Airport is located 30km from Muscat city centre. It offers both international and domestic flights. Flying from Heathrow, award-winning national carrier Oman Air (www.omanair.com) offers daily, 7 hour, non-stop direct flights from London to Muscat. Oman Air is also the country’s domestic airline, offering 42 flights a week to Salalah in Dhofar, and daily flights to Musandam (Khasab Airport). Many other international airlines fly into Muscat, including British Airways (direct), Gulf Air via Bahrain, Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, Emirates Airlines via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha, as well as Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss Air. Qatar Airways also fly’s to Salalah via Doha. 

Government: Oman is known formally as the Sultanate of Oman. The country is an absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who ascended to power in 1970 and his appointed cabinet.

Health: While tap water is safe for drinking, most Omanis opt for locally bottled mineral water. Most hotels have medical help available and the country possesses a modern medical infrastructure in terms of private and government medical facilities.

Hotels: Oman currently offers over 12,792 rooms including many three, four, five and one six-star properties including leading hotel brands: Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace, Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah, Grand Hyatt Muscat, Intercontinental Muscat, Crowne Plaza, The Chedi among others. This is set to increase to 19,415 by 2015.

Most recently the Juweira Boutique Hotel (www.juweirahotel.com) was designed by Egyptian architect Adel Mokhtar, this five-star resort is based at Salalah Beach. As well as more than 100 elegant guestrooms, the hotel boasts 21 luxury suites. All rooms and suites possess private sea-facing terraces. The Duqm City Hotel a 117 room business hotel equipped with comfortable rooms and business amenities opened its doors at the end of 2012 catering for business travellers seeking affordable and contemporary Omani hospitality along with the 4 Star, 200 room Duqm Crowne Plaza both ideally located from which to visit the Duqm Rock Gardens. A dozen eco-friendly luxury tents were added to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve’s (www.rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com) accommodation options in early 2013. An 800-metre walkway links the spacious tents, located atop a picturesque hill, to the reserve’s Scientific and Visitor Centre.

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Local Time: GMT + 4 hours

Location: The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. The United Arab Emirates splits the country, with Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula separated from the larger Omani mainland by approximately 100km. The warm waters of the Arabian Sea lap the country’s East Coast. 

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

8 Fast Facts About Oman - A to C

Alcohol: Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, clubs, bars and international restaurants.

Awards: In May 2010 Khasab Fort, located in Musandam, was awarded a prestigious award for excellence at the Museums & Heritage Awards ceremony. In 2011, the country was awarded Business Destinations’ Best Destinations for Cultural Tourism in the Middle East 2011 Travel Awards. Muscat was coined Arab Tourism capital for 2012 by the Tourism Ministers of the Arab League Nations and named one of 2012’s top ten cities to visit by Lonely Planet. Condé Nast Traveller voted Oman one of 2013’s top holiday destinations to watch. The Guardian names Muscat DiveCentre as one of the top 100 holiday beach 2014. ABTA Magazine names Oman as one of the top 12 destinations to watch in 2014. In September 2014 Oman’s UK office won the Travel Bulletin Star Award as Star Middle East Tourist Board.

 

Business hours: Oman’s weekend begins on Friday afternoon and continues through Saturday, in line with the majority of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Government offices are closed the whole of Friday and Saturday. The Omani work week runs Sunday to Thursday. Banks, embassies and consulates are open from 8am to noon, Sunday to Thursday. Most shops and malls open from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm. During Ramadan, shops close later at night.

Climate: The coolest time to visit Oman is between October and April, with daytime temperatures between 25°C and 35°C and night time temperatures around 17°C to 19°C. The weather is hotter and more humid in summertime, which stretches from April to September. For year-round mild weather, head to the Southern Dhofar region, which also enjoy a refreshing monsoon season between June and September. Air-conditioning is the norm in vehicles and most buildings, including hotels, conference centres, exhibition halls and shopping malls.

Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing in cotton or blends is ideal most of the year. Sweaters or a light jacket may be needed for the cooler evenings. The dress code in Oman is comparatively relaxed, but legs and shoulders should be covered outside the hotels, where revealing and inappropriate clothing may be considered offensive

Currency: The rial (RO) is the Omani currency and is divided into 100 baisas. The rate of conversion is £1 = RO 0.65 or $1 = RO 0.39 as of August 2014. Banks and exchange bureaus are found throughout Muscat.

Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted in major hotels, stores and larger shops. However, cash is primarily used in traditional souks, and bargaining power is increased with the ready availability of hard currency. ATM machines are available in some hotels, Muscat Airport, cities and larger towns throughout the country.

Customs: No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Oman. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic material. Duty free shops are available at Muscat International Airport on arrival and on departure. The shops sell a variety of products including alcohol and cigarettes.

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

3 Things You Must See And Do Muscat

Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style.

You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture.

If you are heading to Muscat on your next holidays or even if you haven't consider it yet or you are not sure what to see and do once in there, then this top 6 list is for you:

1. Mutrah Souq: every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!

2. Botanic Garden: a set of documented living plants for scientific research, as well as for conservation and display. One of the largest botanic gardens in the Gulf region. 

3. Al Bustan Beach: sprawls over the beach and overlooks the mountains that intertwine with the hotel’s sands and beaches. These mountains lend the beach an unsurpassed sense of privacy.

You can find in Muscat a wonderful variety of nature: golden beaches, mountainous heights, and golden sand dunes. There is so much to see and do in Muscat, the choices are endless...

See more on our Pinterest board: Oman | Muscat

A distinctive natural diversity: Dhofar

Dhofar Governorate is famous for its seasonal weather, locally known as monsoon or “Khareef”,

when it witnesses its best period, clothed in lush greenery and its hills surrounded by white fog. Light rains drizzle to cool the air. During this time, it is frequented by many visitors, especially from within Oman and the neighbouring countries. Salalah Tourism Festival takes place from 15 July to 31 August every year. The festival is part of Khareef(monsoon) that extends from the end of July until the beginning of September.

Dhofar Governorate stretches over an area of one third of Oman and forms the Sultanate’s southern part. Dhofar includes a distinctive natural diversity where the coast blends with the mountains and the desert in wonderful harmony so that the mountains look like a fertile crescent, rising to a height of 1,500 metres and then descending into a flat plain that embraces sandy beaches stretching for hundreds of kilometres.

One can imagine the magnificence of this province when most parts of the Arabian Peninsula witness a rise in temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer. But, in Salalah, the capital of Dhofar that lies 1,040 kilometres away from Muscat, temperatures never rise above 27 degrees Celsius. There are daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, as well as other Arab Gulf states.

Dhofar Governorate Wilayat are: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shalim and Halaniyat Islands, Dalkoot, Rakhyut, Thamrit, Mokshin, Al Mazuna.

Discover more about Dhofar in our Pinterest board: Oman | Dhofar

The pulsating heart of Oman: Muscat

Muscat Governorate is considered the pulsating heart of Oman. It is linked to Port Sultan Qaboos by Muttrah Corniche where the visitor to Muscat can view the wonderful variety of nature: golden beaches, mountainous heights, and golden sand dunes (Bawshar Sands).

Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture.

This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoying its contemporary spirit. Muscat is renowned as one of the cleanest Arab capitals, and has gained the honour of winning the Cleanest Arab City Contest several consecutive times.

Muscat as a city has played a prominent historical role due to its strategic location.

Muscat Governorate Wilayt are: Muscat, Mutrah, Bawshar, Al Seeb, Qurayyat, and Al Amirat.

Discover more about Muscat in our Pinterest board: Oman | Muscat

AlWasta Beaches: Cleanliness And The Purity Of Their Waters

AlWasta Governorate is located to the south of the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah and A'Dhahirah

Governorate. It is flanked on the east by the Arabian Sea, on the west by The Empty Quarter, and by Dhofar Governorate to the South. It occupies a large area in the middle of the Sultanate.

Its beaches stretch for vast distances along the Arabian Sea. These beaches are famous for their cleanliness and the purity of their waters. This has resulted in an increase of marine plants which give the water its green colour. You can also find other types of plants swaying in the shallow waters of Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula). 

Many birds pass this area during their annual migration. On land, the moderate climate, influenced by the annual autumn season in Dhofar, helps the growth of a variety of plants and rare mammals such as the Arabian oryx and the Nubian ibex. In addition to all this natural wealth, the area abounds in a large number of oil and gas fields, making it rich on every score.

AlWasta Governorate Wilayat are: Hima, Mahut, AD Duqum, AL-Jasir

Discover more about Muscat in our Pinterest board: Oman | AlWasta

Tradition and unforgettable enjoyment: Musandam

The Musandam Peninsula is located on the northern border of the Sultanate of Oman. The high

mountains in this region rise for more than two thousand metres above sea level. The mountains spread out in a naturally geometrical way. This area also contains the most important waterway, The Strait of Hormuz.

The juxtaposition of sea and mountains is considered one of the exclusive features of this area. Excursions in boats and traditional ships give the visitor unforgettable enjoyment, while diving fans at the beautiful coral reefs can plunge to their hearts’ content. Archaeological sites also abound in this area.

Khasab is the Governorate of Musandam's regional centre and is located 570 kilometres from Muscat. Khasab, home to Khasab Port, it is located in the far north of the governorate and takes its name from its fertile soil. Khasab Governorate is famous for its magnificent villages and the thrilling roads that lead its mountain tops. Khasab can be reached by daily flights from Muscat, by sea in fast ferries and by car through a road that cuts through the United Arab Emirates.

Governorates of Musandam Wilayat are: Khasab, Bukha, Diba, Madha.

Discover more about Musandam in our Pinterest board: Oman | Musandam

The beauty, diversity and abundance of sea life in Oman

Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs, small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best months for diving in Oman are the period from April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times.

Turtle Watching in Oman:

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate.

Whale Watching in Oman:

The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species.

Discover more about Sea Life in Oman in our Pinterest board: 

Oman | Sea Life

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM SPONSORED THE ORCHID SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN’S EXHIBIT AND WON GOLD AT CHELSEA!

The Oman Ministry of Tourism sponsors of The Orchid Society of Great Britain’s stand GP/H1 for the second year running after a very successful show last year with their gold medal winning exhibit are delighted to win a gold medal again in 2014. Oman has many exotic orchids including Eulophia guineensis, Eulophia petersii, Habenaria myodes and Habenaria malacophylla which are all native to Oman.

Two orchids native to Oman appear on the display this year including the beautiful and easy-to-grow Eulophia guineensis, and the more unusual Eulophia petersii. Eulophia guineensis grows in the tropical highlands in southern Oman, and has attractive pink and white flowers with the extravagant ‘lip’, which is characteristic of most orchids. The first Botanical Garden is being created near Muscat, Oman’s capital which aims to display the entire flora of the Sultanate, including its native orchids.

This year’s team:
Mrs Valerie Micklewright – Hon. Sec. of the OSGB, Chelsea 2013 Gold medallist
Lady Samantha Hurley – Editor OSGB Journal, Chelsea 2013 Gold medallist
Mr André Roux – contributor to the OSGB Journal, London Orchid Show 2013 Gold medallist

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

                                   

Discover the richness of the Omani life

Oman's history tells stories of heroism, courage, wisdom, patriotism, love and devotion to homeland.
This brings us closer to understanding the richness of the Omani cultural experience which has contributed to the building of modern Oman.

Oman’s strategic location has played a major role in many campaigns and regional conflicts in this region. Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf. It also controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important facilities in the region, linking the Sea of Oman with the Arabian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a gateway to all ships coming from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Al Wattih in Muscat Governorate is one of the first inhabited cities. Modern archaeological discoveries suggest that humans settled in it during the Stone Age, i.e. more than 10,000 years ago.

The Babylonians and the Assyrians settled in Oman because they wanted to control the trade route that linked Asia to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

With the spread of Islam, and Mazin Bin Gadhubah joining Islam as the first person in Oman and his emigration to Medina to meet the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, the first mosque was built in Oman. This is Al Midhmar Mosque that still stands to this day in Wilayt Samail . These events paved the way for the two kings of Oman at that time, Jua’fer and Abd Ibni Al Jalandi, to enter Islam wholeheartedly and with utter conviction after receiving a letter from the Prophet, Peace be upon Him. A Hadith mentions that the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, said “God’s mercy be on the people of Al Ghubaira” (i.e. the people of Oman). “They have believed in me although they had not seen me”. Also stated in the sermon our Master Abu Bakr Al-Sidiq, the caliph of the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, to the people of Oman: “People of Oman you, you have entered Islam voluntarily although the Prophet has not come to your land on foot or on horse. You have not opposed him as other Arabs opposed him, and you have not called for separation or dispersion. May God unite you in benevolence.”

With the election of Ibn Masood, the first imam, in 751 AD, the Imamate era began in Oman and lasted four centuries until 1154. Several attempts were made to restore the rule of the Imamate in Oman in the mid-fifteenth century, but did not succeed.

During the period 1498-1507 AD, the Portuguese tried to control Oman. Omani history tells the story of the Omani people who expelled the Portuguese with their struggle and heroism. Nasser bin Murshid was elected Imam in 1624.

Because of the coastal location of Oman, the Omani navy occupied a leading position regionally. This sparked the ire of the Portuguese, who did not forget their devastating defeat. Fierce battles erupted between the Portuguese Navy (which had made India its base after the liberation of Oman) and the strong Omani navy. After a fierce battle, the Omani fleet was able to defeat the Portuguese fleet.

In 1698, the Omani Empire then expanded to include the cities of the African east coast, stretching from Mombasa to Kila, Zanzibar, Pemba and Bata. Mozambique remained under Portuguese rule until the twentieth century.

Oman had been the target of a number of attempts by the Persians to invade its territory, but the steadfastness and heroism of the Omanis were successfully combined to defeat the occupier. The invaders were defeated, underscoring the exploits of Omani heroes in defending their lands. This great victory was achieved at the hands of Imam Ahmed bin Saeed Al Busaidi, who defeated the Persians and was elected imam.

With the advent of 1970 came the dawn of a modern renaissance in the Sultanate, with the beginning of the prosperous era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may God protect him.

Discover more about Oman Life in our Pinterest board: Oman | Life

A must when visiting Oman: Turtle Watching

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles.

They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate.

At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag themselves out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles’ night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities.

Discover more about Sea Life in Oman in our Pinterest board: Oman | Sea Life