Found on the East Coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a taste of the real Arabia, offering visitors a mixture of history, culture, luxury, and adventure.
Oman boasts over 3,000km of Indian Ocean coastline providing amazing beaches and many people think this is all it offers. However, mountains rise majestically throughout the country providing escapism during the hot summer months. The desert holds a place for all - adventurers, relaxers, and culture-lovers.
The diversity of these landscapes gives way to an astonishing array of activities. The very northern and southern tips of the country contain hidden secrets that very few know.
Capital of Oman – Muscat
Population - 4,726,413
Official language - Arabic (but English is widely spoken). Other Languages spoken are Hindi and Swahili
Currency – Omani Rial (1 GBP = 0.5 Rial)
Main religion - Islam (other beliefs are respected and practised)
Working week - Sunday to Thursday
Time Zone – GMT + 4 hours
Dress code – Respect local codes of behaviour and traditions of dress. Men and women should cover knees and shoulders
Alcohol - Available in licensed bars and restaurants in hotels and resorts
Climate – The ideal time to visit Oman is from September to March, when the climate is a refreshing 25 to 30°C.
During the Summer months (April to September), the climate remains moderate in the Al Hajar Mountain range and Dhofar region, a rarity on the Arabian Peninsula where summer temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Many travellers consider Oman to be made of sand, desert, beach, and nothing else. This couldn’t be further from the truth and below are just some of the things that separate the country from this stereotype:
The people - Omanis are known for their welcoming embrace, often inviting visitors into their homes for Omani coffee and dates. They’ll be more than happy to tell stories of their country and ask guests for theirs!
The Landscapes - Where else can you see glorious sand beaches, 3,000m high mountains, lush greenery (south), wadis (valleys), fjords (north) and vast, sweeping dunes in the desert.
Wildlife - Oman’s waters offer the chance to see dolphins, turtles, hundreds of fish species and migrating whales. In land, it’s home to the endangered Arabian Oryx, the Arabian Leopard and over a hundred species of bird.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Oman boasts 5 such sites: Aflaj irrigation systems of Oman, Land of Frankincense, Bahla Fort, Ancient City of Qalhat and the archaeological site of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn.
Soft Adventure – Perhaps surprisingly for some, Oman is an adventurer’s paradise, be it on or under the water, in the mountains or on sand. Water sports, camel riding, off-roading and via ferrata to name just a few.
Emerging Destination – With a new Airport Terminal that opened in March 2018, lots of infrastructure and hotel development, Oman is developing into a fantastic place for tourism, but ensuring that it keeps all its traditional values. For instance, there’s a law against high-rise buildings and all businesses must employ a minimum of 40% of Omanis.
The main airport is Muscat International where the new terminal opened in March 2018.
Daily Flights:
· National carrier Oman Air double daily flights from London Heathrow and daily from Manchester.
· British Airways also operate a daily London Heathrow to Muscat service from October to April.
· Oman Air offers connecting flights from Muscat to Khasab (Musandam in the North) and Salalah in the South.
Flight time - from London to Muscat is 7 hours and 30 minutes
· 10-day visa cost – 5 Rials (roughly £10)
· 30-day visa cost – 20 Rials (roughly £40)
Sea travel is growing in popularity with various luxury cruise liners regularly calling port in Oman. There are five seaports in total, with three – The Salalah Port, The Sultan Qaboos Port / Muscat, and Khasab – accommodating cruise liners.
Culture
A melting pot of surrounding traditions, Oman has influences from Arabia, Portugal, Africa, and India. From the Mosque, Souqs and Royal Opera House in Muscat, to the forts all around the country and the Land of Frankincense in Salalah, it’s a land teeming with Cultural opportunities for the UK and Irish traveller.
It’s this mix of cultures that makes Oman stand out from the other countries in region and leads to the Omani people having an immense pride in where they come from and who they are.
Traditional Omani culture is embedded in nearly every aspect of daily life, from clothing and food, arts, and crafts, to the way Omanis welcome visitors. The uniquely Omani culture and heritage continues today in many of the same ways it has been for hundreds of years. Despite the country’s rapid ‘modernisation’ since His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said ascended the throne in 1970, the country has never lost sight of its roots and shows no signs of doing so.
Eleven regions of Oman
Oman covers 309,500 km2, with 3,165 km of coastline, divided into 11 regions. With so much to see and do, a stay of 10 nights would be the average, but some guests do choose to stay anywhere from 5 to 14 nights.
Muscat
A’Dakhiliyah
Dhofar
A’Sharquiyah North and South
Musandam
Al Batinah North and South
Al Wusta
A’Dhahirah
Al Buraymi
Muscat
Capital city and the heart of Oman, Muscat is where the old meets the new in terms of Arabian experiences. The city’s unique architecture stretches from the Airport, all the way into the old town, home to Muttrah Souq and the Sultans Palace. This is a city that never fails to entertain and inspire, with an abundance of choice for visitors, from fine dining at one of the many restaurants scattered across the capital or shopping for traditional souvenirs at Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest in Arabia.
Muttrah Souq is the oldest in Oman, its history stretching back over 200 years, full of shops and stalls selling all from souvenirs to gold and frankincense. Make sure your guests haggle hard to get the best prices!
Cultural tours of Muscat are available, starting at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture, stretching over 416,000 square metres. Both inside and out, the Mosque is intricately designed, and the Men’s prayer hall is home to the 2nd largest single piece of handmade carpet, which took 4 years to complete as well as a chandelier located in the centre, measuring a staggering 14 metres and weighing 8.5 tonnes.
The morning tour continues to take in the Royal Opera House which only opens every day from 8:30am-10:30am. From the outside, the intricate marble architecture is mesmerizing, then inside the wooden, gold and glass features will have you feeling like royalty yourself.
For those interested to delve in Oman’s history, Museums, such as the Children’s Museum, Natural History Museum, National Museum or Bait Al Zubair welcome those who wish to explore the Sultanate’s rich natural and cultural history. For art lovers, there are a number of galleries showcasing modern Omani art.
A’Dakhiliyah – Nizwa and the mountains
This region is home to some of Oman’s greatest attractions are in this region, including the country’s highest mountain – Jebel Shams – and Jebel Al Akhdar, a mountainous plateau that is known for its green terrace fields brimming with roses, pomegranates, and other fruit.
The recently restored Al Hoota Cave is a vast cave system estimated to be over two million years old and rich with stalactites and stalagmites. A shuttle explores the cave, where you can then get out and explore the passageways for yourself.
There are also many ancient castles and forts which have also been beautifully restored and are open to the public are also of interest, especially UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Bahla Fort and the renowned Nizwa Fort and Souq. Very different from Muscat’s equivalent, the Nizwa Souq is famous for its pottery, spices, and the weekly livestock trading market it hosts, whilst Nizwa fort offers an insight into the city’s history as well as beautiful 360 views of the whole city and surrounding mountains.
A’Sharquiyah North and South - Sharquiyah Sands
A’Sharquiyah is the governate immediately south of Muscat and it is here that stunning coastlines give way to the unique ecosystem that is Sharqiyah Sands.
Famed for its ship building, the city of Sur makes for fantastic camping and fishing locations. Due to the various terrains, it’s also an area that offers an amazing range of activities for nature and sea lovers; from turtle watching at Ras Al Hadd, to kite surfing on Masirah Island or visiting the traditional Dhow yard of Sur, where Arabia’s ancient style of boat continue to be crafted by hand.
From the coast you can head to the desert and Sharqiyah Sands, which allows visitors to experience the desert first-hand, with dunes sweeping as far as the eye can see. Local Bedouins continue to breed livestock, including camels and Arabian horses, and visitors get the chance to see camel racing and other competitions throughout the year. The desert is just 90 minutes from Muscat and attracts those looking for both adventure and relaxation, or a mixture of the two!
Dhofar - Salalah
The southernmost region of Oman is Dhofar, home to some of the country’s diverse attractions and stunning landscapes. It’s also where the city of Salalah is found, with Oman Air operating a daily flight into Salalah’s Airport from Muscat.
When it comes to attractions, Dhofar is the site of Prophet Ayoub’s Grave nestled deep in the mountains, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Land of Frankincense. The southern coast, close to the Hallaniyat Islands, is ideal for deep sea diving and snorkelling, just some of the more adventurous activities.
What really sets this area aside from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula is lush greenery, alongside rose gardens, tropical fruits and the World’s best Frankincense trees, leaving a lovely fragrance in the air. This greenery is due to the monsoon season that is ushered in during the summer months, when most of the Arabian Peninsula experiences soaring temperatures. Resulting in cooling rains and pleasant temperatures, this makes Dhofar the ‘Summer getaway’ for many of the locals in this area of the World. Locally known as Khareef, this special season starts from late June to late September and coincides with the Salalah Tourism Festival, which is held every year.
Musandam
Separated from Oman’s main body by the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula is a spectacular area of natural beauty, where 2000m high mountains meet the sea with stunning fjords and crystal-clear waters making this area one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world.
With a daily flight from Muscat, the city of Khasab is the perfect place for a base from which Musandam can be explored. A cruise on a traditional Dhow can be used as the ideal way to spot pods of dolphin resting and feeding, whilst away from the water, the mountains and fjords can be discovered by 4WD vehicle or mountain bike if travellers are feeling adventurous.
Another Omani novelty is the village of Kumzar, which is accessible only by boat and requires an invitation from a local. Nestled in an isolated bay close to the Strait of Hormuz, locals speak their own language known as Kumzari but given its remote location, the village is a pleasantly modern surprise.
Beaches
With a coastline that stretches 3,165km, beach life is obviously a very important aspect of Oman’s appeal to travellers. The majority are beautiful sand beaches, ideal for relaxing on the edge of the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea and below is just a selection of the most popular:
Beaches of Muscat
Muscat has many beaches, Al Seeb Beach and Al Qurum Beach are just two of the public beaches and Al Bustan beach is one of the famous private beaches, featuring a ladies-only section.
Ras Al Hadd Beach
In the region of A’Sharquiyah, this is the beach famous for turtle watching as it’s home to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve. From July to October, roughly 13,000 turtle eggs are laid, and guests can watch them hatch and make their maiden voyage into the water.
Duqm Beach
Al Wusta is where Duqm beach is located, offering exotic flora and fauna, as well as soft sands and a cool breeze, all of which can be enjoyed from beachfront hotels.
Al Sawadi Beach
70km west of Muscat, Al Sawadi Beach has a number of resorts surrounding it, offering aquatic activities, as well as having beautiful rock islands scattered close to the coast. It’s the perfect location for bird watching, with the islands a hotspot for migratory and indigenous birds.
Wadis and Lagoons
Throughout Oman, wadis carve their way through the mountains and result in naturally formed lagoons and sinkholes. A wadi is a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season.
Wadi Shab
Just 90 minutes from Muscat, Wadi Shab can either be explored by boat or via a hike to explore the mountainous surroundings, before rewarding the efforts by cooling down in the crystal water of the valley.
Dhofar
Due to the alternative climate, there a number of lagoons in Salalah, which are home to a large number of flamingos.
Bimmah Sinkhole
An hour out of Muscat and on the way to Wadi Shab, the Bimmah Sinkhole is considered a “beautiful natural disaster”. The sinkhole is 20 metres deep and filled with turquoise water.
Water Adventure
Access to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea means that Oman offers plenty of opportunity for adventure on and under the water, including sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. Oman is the most popular diving destination in the Arabian Peninsula, boasting exceptionally diverse marine life, including dolphins, hundreds of fish species and migrating whales, as well as stunning coral reefs.
Reserves
Bandar Khayran Reserve - a 30-minute boat ride from Bandar Al Rowdha Marina Bay in Muscat and offers the chance to watch dolphins swim alongside the boat, as the whitewashed houses pass on the rugged mountains. The coral reef at this reserve is home to stunning marine life and has 22 diving locations.
Al Fahal Island (Shark Island) - 4km or 10 minutes from Muscat, various species, shapes, and schools of fish are often found in and around the corals and reefs and if divers are lucky, they’ll even see whale sharks!
Al Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve - located 70km west of Muscat, the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is brimming with several coral reefs, home to a large number of sea turtles and is a magnet for migratory and indigenous birds. The nature reserve is made up of 9 islands and is the perfect location for diving or snorkelling
Mountains
Unlike much of the surrounding regions, a large percentage of Oman’s skylines are dominated by rugged mountains, whether it’s the peaks that border the capital of Muscat, the range that rise the highest in A’Dakhiliyah, or the ‘fjords of Arabia’ in Musandam.
Jabal Shams is the highest mountain of the Al Hajar range and indeed the country, standing at an impressive 3,028m. This range begins in the Musandam Peninsula in the very north, astonishingly extending about 440 km to Ras Al-Hadd in the east.
Flora and Fauna
The mountains give way to a plethora of wildlife and plant life, depending on the altitude. In the cooler valleys, the plants include fruit trees such as pomegranate and apricot, whilst slightly higher wild olive and fig trees can be found and then higher still there are junipers.
Alongside the grazing domestic goats, camels and donkey, the peaks are also home to the Arabian gazelle, a number of birds species including vultures and several different geckos and lizards. Down South in Dhofar, the range grows different plants altogether, with acacia and gum trees, as well as accommodating the rare Arabian leopard, Arabian fox, and Nubian Ibex.
Mountain Activities
As well as being the ideal location for wildlife, the mountains provide travellers with the opportunity for plenty of activity. Whether it’s a leisurely walk to a stunning view or a more adventurous trek along a cliff OR a full-blown hike, such as the path that leads from the Jabal Shams plateau alongside Wadi Nakhar ending at the highest point in Oman. The best time of year for this activity would be in the coolest season, October to April.
Climbing and Via Ferrata
For rock climbing, Jabal Misht is the ideal location, with a rocky front that extends 6km along and more than 850m up. There are trails for all levels of climber, including first timers! For the more adventurous, Jebel Akhdar is a place where Via Ferrata (the iron way) is a must-do. Steel cables feed through manmade handles that built into the rock, creating a pathway up (or down) the rock face, with some parts guests are able to zip line. Not for the faint-hearted – a definite pulse raiser!
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Travelling around Oman by bike is becoming more popular, whether it’s exploring the peaks and going across the rocky terrain or sticking to the roads and having relaxed cycle. The professional road race the Tour of Oman has become an annual event since 2010 and March 2019 saw the introduction of The Haute Route to Oman, totalling 238km with 5,500M+ of climbing.
Canyoning
The wadis and gorges found around the mountains provide the perfect opportunity for canyoning. Adventurous visitors can scramble, wade, swim, walk and even abseil their way through pools, waterfalls, rocks, and caves. Canyoning in Oman is rated easy to medium, much like the Via Ferrata, it isn’t for the faint hearted, including technical descents, tight squeezes, and leaps into water pools.
Deserts
As to be expected with a country in this region of the World, a large part of Oman is covered by desert! The sweeping sands offer beautiful views, traditional culture, wildlife, and a variety of activity levels, providing experiences to all types of travellers. Visitors can learn about the Bedouin tribes that still call the desert home, see the camels and Oryx in their natural habitat and explore the dunes however they wish. The chance to camp overnight in varying grades of accommodation adds another dimension, with stargazing unlike any other due to the lack of light pollution for miles around.
The Empty Quarter
The largest contiguous sand desert in the World, the Empty Quarter covers an astounding 650,000 km², spanning four countries including south-western Oman and receives just 1.2 inches of rain a year. Due to its sheer size, it’s the ideal place for peaceful camping and witnessing untouched nature.
Sharqiya Sands
Just over a 2-hour drive from Muscat, the geography of Sharqiya Sands varies greatly, with smaller dunes and wide flat areas in the north, whilst to the east the dunes build up to 100 metres with views of the crashing waves, and in the south, there are less dunes and more flat expanses, home to huge populations of migrating birds.
Desert Activities
With such a large area covered, activities are certainly not in short supply in Oman’s desert. From the high octane to the tamer, it’s an adventurer’s playground waiting to be explored.
Dune Bashing
A truly unique experience, local operators can organise for individuals or groups to be taken out in a 4x4 and given shown the dunes in a very different way. The driver will deflate the tyres just the right amount in order to throw the car from side to side and traverse the slopes in exhilarating style.
Quad Biking and Sand Surfing
Dune bashing may require an experience driver, but there are many activities that can be enjoyed following instruction and a brief lesson. Quad biking is an excellent way to zoom through the desert, with the wind flowing through your hair and dunes flying by, whilst sand surfing provides an alternative mode of guests navigating their way down the dunes.
Camel riding
For those looking for a slower pace of travel through the sands, camel rides not only provide an exclusive perspective, they’re also an insight into the mode of transport that Bedouins have used for generations.
Golf
2009 saw the first golf course open in Oman and it has been a sport in constant development since, with the country now boasting several top class 18-hole courses of varying difficulty, all with academies staffed by qualified instructors. The perfect weather for golf is usually experienced between September and May, and during the evenings in Summer.
Al Mouj
Located along a 2km stretch of pristine Indian Ocean coastline, with the rugged Al Hajar mountain range in the background, the 7,342 yard long, 18-hole Championship Course at Al Mouj Golf is Oman’s first links style course offering amateurs and professionals a challenging, yet rewarding, game of golf. Designed by International golfing legend Greg Norman, the resort also features a world-class academy, a floodlit par-3 nine-hole course, an academy retail shop, floodlit driving range and restaurant.
Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club
This is the first 18 hole grassed golf course to be built in the Sultanate of Oman, designed over 45 hectors of land, and boasting sea views and a spectacular back drop of the mountains. Landscaped in and around the natural Wadi terrain, the course offers generous fairways yet challenging shots over the wadi ridges.
Ghala Valley Golf Club
Ghala Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Oman, starting out as a modest 9-hole sand course when it was established in 1971 by Colonel Cooper. It has since grown to 250+ members, more than any other club in Oman, and an 18-hole, fully grassed course. The course also plays the host to the Oman Nationals Championships and has done since its inception in the 1970’s and has been privileged to host the MENA Tour since 2013.
Muscat Hotels and Resorts
Accommodation can be such a key part of a trip and Oman’s options certainly don’t disappoint.
With Muscat being such a varied city, whether travellers would like a resort with a private beach, a hotel moments from the Airport, to stay in a complex such as The Wave or to be remote from it all, the capital has them covered.
No matter if the primary function is to relax, stay entertained or find adventure just steps from the room, Muscat can offer it all. With a mixture of full and half board, many of the designs reflect the diverse culture that Oman is so proud of, from the palm and date trees that line the pools, to the grand architecture.
Mountain Hotels and Resorts
In keeping with the spectacular landscapes and adventure opportunities in the mountains of Oman, the resorts of Jebel Akhdar are breath-taking. From cliff side villas with canyon views and private infinity pools, to suites that offer an altogether different experience, there’s a variety of resorts perched on the peaks, to accommodate all types of travellers.
In many cases, the buildings are inspired by the ancient forts of the country, combining traditional Omani construction techniques using local stones with contemporary architecture, to create a distinctive environment. Many of the of properties offer activities such as yoga overlooking the canyon, via Ferrata and mountain climbing, tours of the local villages and a wide variety of spa treatments.
Camping
Another advantage of the variety of landscape that Oman possesses, it’s a campers paradise! Especially when this is combined with the fact that wild camping is a favourite pastime in the Sultanate and is legal as long as campers ensure they are not on private land or damaging land or livestock.
There are hundreds of stunning camping locations for travellers to choose from, with white pebble sand beaches on the coast and rocky outcrops above the clouds in the mountains. There is also the option to join a local tour operator who offer organised camping trips.
Of course, alongside wild camping there’s the more comfortable camping options available with the desert camps, which range all the way up to 5-star resort. Offering the chance to live as the Bedouin tribes do, they look like basic tents from the outside but once entered look more like the inside of a boutique hotel. The majority camps offer rooms that are fully air conditioned, with an ensuite bathroom.
The camps provide a truly unique chance at peace and quiet, whilst giving guests the perfect opportunity for stargazing, with absolutely zero light pollution for miles around.
Salalah Hotels and Resorts
When travellers venture down to the south of Oman, the city of Salalah is their base and offers a variety of resorts, both beach-front and further in land. A mixture of big brand names and independent resorts provide a variety of room types, including villas with private pools, and others that allow guests to stroll straight from room to beach in a matter of moments.
The differing climate in the south of Oman means that it’s never too hot to be out enjoying the sun and the accommodation options certainly allow this. Salalah also offers different food options, in both the hotels and the local restaurants, especially when it comes to seafood due to the proximity to the Indian Ocean coastline. Those with a sense of adventure would be wise to head just north of Salalah to the fishing village of Mirbat to enjoy the freshest catch of grouper, king fish, and cuttlefish.
Musandam Hotels and Resorts
Oman’s northernmost governorate, the Musandam Peninsula has a variety of accommodation options, the majority of which are either found in the far north of the region or the south-eastern area, close to the UAE border.
In the far north, close to the region’s airport Khasab International, options range from stunning fjord-side resorts, to beach apartments, as well as villa and hotel properties further in land. The options closer to the border include the only resort in the world to offer guests the choice of three particular arrival experiences: 4x4 drive down from the top of the hill overlooking the bay is the usual arrival method, however there’s also a scenic fifteen-minute speed boat trip from a nearby port or for the ultimate arrival experience, they can travel as a passenger with a professional paraglider.
What to do in Oman
Emerald Water at Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is the best thing to experience during your Oman route. The wadi (gorge) is a beautiful quite easy 45-min walk along with many emerald green water pools. Perfect to cool down during your hike. After the walk, you will reach the last part where you can swim through the cave and see a waterfall at the end.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque
In 2001, The Sultan Qaboos Mosque was opened in Muscat. Nowadays Oman’s most important spiritual site. Its beauty defined by architecture and detail is getting attention from all over the world. Though it definitely isn’t crowded compared to other spiritual sites around the world.
Fairytales at Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort is one of Oman’s oldest and most beautiful castles. It is a great place to wander around for an hour or two. Loads of signs telling some interesting stories about the fort its purposes and defense system. Get up to the big main round fort and have a view over the green oasis of palms.
Swim in Bimmah Sinkhole
This huge naturally shaped swimming pool is next to the main road near Wadi Shab. Have a splash and cool down in that crazy blue coloured water. The story goes that the hole was created by a huge meteor.
Fun Facts
Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It is estimated that humans have been living in Oman for at least 106,000 years, making it one of the oldest human-inhabited countries on Earth.
Oman is a terrorism free country. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Oman is one of the safest and most secure countries in the Arab World.
Omanis are among the finest breeders of Arabian horses. The Arabian or the Arab Horse is a unique breed that originated in the Arab Peninsula and is one of the oldest breeds in the world.
Alcohol can only be bought with a license in Oman. It is almost unheard of to drink, except by tourists and non-Muslims. In Oman, a person needs a license, which is issued by the police, to buy alcohol.
Frankincense essence is in every Omani house. Omanis burn frankincense every day and leave it in every room of their houses. That’s why sometimes, just walking in the streets, you will smell frankincense.
Oman was one of the last countries to abolish slavery. It was finally outlawed in 1970. Only Mauritania in 1981 was later.
Visa – E-visa available from https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home.
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