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Find your oasis in a region of natural treasures, sharing experiences that create a cultural festival for the senses.
Oman is
one Arab country that has it absolutely right, carefully modernizing without
sacrificing its traditional style or culture. This means visitors enjoy the
best of both worlds – old-world surroundings, hospitality, and charm with good,
modern facilities.
Occupying
the south-eastern area of the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates, Oman was once the last stop on the spice route to
India.
Today,
this 119,500 square-mile country
benefits from oil and gas reserves and a small but growing number of
tourists, who visit to enjoy its 2,000 forts, palaces, souqs (bazaars) and
beautiful, sandy beaches.
Another big attraction is its varied and dramatic countryside – rocky mountains and
deep water inlets in the north, a heartland of dunes and salt flats, a coast with
untouched coves and beaches stretching thousands of miles and, in the south,
Dhofar’s green, green hills.
Muscat,
Oman’s modern, bustling capital has everything a visitor to Arabia could wish
for and more, including an ornate Sultan’s Palace overlooking the historic
city’s harbor, mosques, museums, souqs, malls, and wonderful beaches.
Salalah,
down in the south, has many more attractions – from the ruins of Queen Sheba’s
palace to the sap of the frankincense tree and some of the best seafood in the
country.
Oman’s official
language is Arabic, and English is spoken widely. The local currency is the
Omani Rial (OMR). All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are available
throughout the country.
Oman has a
tropical climate with little rain throughout the year. Summers are hot and
winters warm, with cool – if not cold – nights. From mid-June to mid-September,
the southern coast is swept by the South-West Monsoon, bringing with it cool,
wet and misty weather. During the summer the coastal strip is lush and green,
with tropical beaches.
The
average monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
25 |
26 |
29 |
34 |
39 |
40 |
38 |
36 |
36 |
34 |
30 |
27 |
|
Night |
16 |
17 |
20 |
24 |
28 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
27 |
24 |
20 |
18 |
Oman
offers visitors a great opportunity to experience shopping as it used to be.
Muscat’s Muttrah Souk and its counterpart at Nizwa are everything traditional
Arabian markets should be, offering a range of products at prices to be haggled
over!
In fact,
almost every Omani town has its souk – a good source of traditional items such
as khanjars (a type of Omani dagger),
coffee pots, saddles, silver and gold jewelry, hand-woven textiles, goat-hair
carpets, baskets, camel straps, and frankincense.
Of course,
Oman’s retail therapy is not all souks and tradition – the country has its
modern side too, and very much so. Muscat City Centre’s 140 shops and malls,
such as the Markaz Al-Bahjah and Lulu complex, sell almost everything.
Most of
Oman’s nightlife centres on hotels and cinemas at Shatti Al-Qurum, while Muscat
also has a few nightclubs. During the khareef
– the rainy season in July and August – Salalah really gets into its after-dark
stride for Festival.
Eating out
and visiting traditional tea and coffee shops are an important part of relaxing
in this hospitable Muslim country. And although local people avoid alcohol,
visitors are always free to settle down with a drink at specially licensed
hotels and restaurants.
Hotel bars
range from quiet lounges to British theme pubs and clubs with dance floors.
Below are
some examples:
Sightseeing and other activities are mainly restricted to Muscat – and
Salalah. Take an excursion to this southern town to discover the Queen of
Sheba’s palace – or at least its ruins – the ancient frankincense tree, and
seafood.
Before
traveling to Oman visitors will need to ask their doctor about vaccinations -
and because medical services are expensive health insurance is recommended. Oman
is generally safe but the usual precautions should be taken against crime. Women
are advised not to appear in shorts or scanty clothing.