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Oman

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Oman

In the Grand Mosque of Muscat lies a beautiful hand-loomed carpet which once happened to the world’s largest rug until the coming up of the Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque located in the United Arab Emirates that gracefully pinched the record. This is heart rending since Oman barely boasts of any ‘biggests’ or ‘firsts’ in a region that is bend on grand standing. So, what is it that it really boasts? With an embracing society, rich heritage and a striking sense of identity in its archaic, aroma filled trading past with a thorough confidence in a highly educated future.

For the tourists who come here on a holiday, this is one exclusive change to engage with the Arab culture bereft the distorting lens of the enormous wealth. The low rise town of the city have very well retained their Bedouin values and traditional charms which remains at the heart of an Omani welcome. Given the abundant natural beauty accredited to its pristine coastline, wind-blown deserts and spectacular mountains, Oman is a country for everyone seeking to explore the modern face of Arabia while still hoping for a serene sense in its archaic soul. 

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Oman FAQ's

Travel Advice

·         Keep the touts at bay.

·         Do not entertain the beggars.

·         Make sure you have acquired sufficient knowledge about the place you are traveling to.

·         Learn the necessary words and their pronunciations whenever you are traveling to any new location.

·         Do not get involved in any types of brawls or fights with the locals.

·         Be warm and gentle towards the locals.

·         Always carry with you at least one proof of your identity.

·         Do not let anyone deceive you.

·         Always make sure you sit in prepaid taxis or cabs. If you are unable to find prepaid taxis, it is a good idea to negotiate the fare before traveling.

·         Do not override the local cultures and traditions.

·         Do not get involved in drugs of any form.

·         Do not drink more than you can handle.

·          In case a particular area forbids you from clicking a picture adhere to it.

·         Do not film or shoot without taking necessary permissions.

·         If you are eating street food, it is good to check the quality before eating.

·         Drink only bottled mineral water.

·         Check for the seal before buying a bottle.

·         Do not buy a bottle from a brad that isn’t known to you.

·         Book a hotel in a renowned location only.  

Drinking Law

The legal age for drinking in Oman is 21 years. 

Our Recommendations: What you can't afford to miss?

Muscat

The capital as well as the largest metropolitan city of Oman, Muscat covers an area of 3,500 km sq. that includes six provinces called Wilayats. The city dominates the landscape of Muscat. It lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by Western Al Hajar mountains. Muscat has some notable landmarks such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Museum of Omani Heritage, National Museum of Oman, Omani French Museum, Omani Aquarium and Bait Al Falaj Fort among others. Opera house Muscat is also a great place where Omani cultural festivals are celebrated. This beautiful place makes Oman an ideal place to visit and spend your holidays.

Bahla

Bahla town is situated 40 km away from Nizwa and lies in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of Oman. This historic town is home to one of the oldest fortress in the country. Bahla fort built in 13th century, was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Traditional mud bricks were used to construct many buildings which are now more than 100 years old. Castle of Jabreen is a massive three-story structure and has an Islamic architecture design that features beautiful wooden inscriptions and paintings on its ceilings. Be cautious, as Bahla is well known for its Black magic. Due to such practices, tourists are usually afraid to visit this part of the country.

Masirah island

Masirah island situated on the east coast of mainland Oman is the largest island in the country and also forms one of the eleven province of the Ash Sharqiyah Region. The island is home to the Royal Air Force of Oman air base and a popular fish factory which supplies a huge number of edible fishes to the rest of the country. Interiors of the island are mostly covered with desert. Masirah is an ideal place for kitesurfers as wind blows over 20 knots in summers here. You will also find various kitesurfing camps that are organized here. The island is home to loggerhead sea turtles and green turtles which makes it a huge tourist attraction.

Al Hajar mountains

The Al Hajar Mountains are the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula. The mountains contain number of endemic species. Fruit trees grown in the cooler valleys include pomegranate and apricots. The birds you can find in the mountains are Egyptian and lappet-faced vultures. Various endemic species that take refuge in the mountain range are mountain gazelles, the Arabian tahr, Geckos and lizards. It is also home to a subspecies of Wadi Kharrar, a rock gecko. Also, the endangered Arabian leopard is occasionally spotted in the Musandam Peninsula. This is one of the best sightseeing places in Oman.

Nizwa

The former capital of Oman, Nizwa is known as one of the first cities in Oman to convert to Islam. It is situated at the base of Hajar mountains. This magnificent city is well known for date cultivation which includes highly prized varieties of khalas and khunaizi. Nizwa fort is one of Oman's most-visited national monument. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'qub in the year 1668. The fort contains a museum and a tower from where you can get a good view of Nizwa and the surrounding date plantations. Falaj Daris is one of five aflaj that is collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Salalah

Salalah is the second largest city in the sultanate and also the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. The city is popularly known for the cultivation and trade of frankincense. Don't miss the chance to visit Al Baleed archaeological park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Some of the beautiful places to visit in Salalah is Salalah museum, Burj aj nandha, Tomb of Nabi Umran, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sultan Qaboos palace, Gun souq and the Traditional dhofari house among other interesting places. Salalah is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places to explore in Oman.

What you will like there?

Enjoy water activities

Oman is a great place where you can indulge in water sport activities and deep sea fishing further offshore, this is an opportunity you won't easily get elsewhere. Participate in adventurous and thrilling activities like windsurfing, sailing or riding jet skis and speedboats to the interior of the Arabian Sea. Local tour operators can also organize various activities in which you can participate. Other activities include scuba diving, swimming, and snorkeling. So indulge in these sports activities to create a lifetime of memories.

Beach picnic

Oman is surrounded by Arabian Sea which makes it a top choice for locals as well as tourist to spend quality time at beautiful beaches of the country. They are in abundance and you will have a great time with your family there. Ras al Hadd resorts offer acres of white sand where rare sea turtles come to nest each summer that enables a tourist to have peaceful time. Al Mughsayl, Khalouf and Tiwi are some of the beaches where you can visit with your family for a small picnic while on your holidays.

Camel riding

Oman has a vast cover of desserts that gives tourists an opportunity to take camel ride. Riding a camel across Sharqiya Sands is a great experience in the Empty Quarter. Take part in the camel safaris and spend the days across the sands. During your safari ride you can also set up a camp to stay and enjoy a barbecue full of mutton kebabs and also spend a night under the most beautiful starry sky you must have seen.

Birdwatching

You will find various endangered bird species in Oman. The Al-Ansab wetland is a wonderful place near Muscat where you can spot migrating eagles. One can also watch 280 other species of birds migrating to the neighboring Nizwa city. The local people have used trained birds for prey to hunt for centuries. Barr Al-Hikman is one of Oman’s 16 national nature reserves where you will find flamingos, spoonbills and flocks of wading birds. Thus making Oman a great bird watching destination.

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