In Oman, innovation meets tradition

[Saif al-Arab]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=276272289242912

Destination Oman – Best Travel and Tourism Guide of Muscat City

Travel to Oman, Visit Muscat through Oman Travel Guide for Sultanate of Oman Adventure - Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman

 

[Saif al-Arab]

 

[Steve781]

Don't Omanis practice a unique form of Islam, neither Sunni or Shia?

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Don't Omanis practice a unique form of Islam, neither Sunni or Shia?

The majority of the Omanis are Ibadis (75%) while the remaining percentage are Sunnis of the Shafi'i and Maliki madahib mainly.

You can read about Ibadis here;

Ibadi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ibadi Islam: Origins & History of Ibadism

http://islam.uga.edu/ibadis.html

There are better links in Arabic but I don't expect you to understand Arabic so I will skip that.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Top 10 reasons to visit Oman in 2017
Brought to you by

Arabian nights: explore the Khasab Fort in Musandam CREDIT: ALAMY

6 JANUARY 2017 • 9:57AM

Sarah Edworthy

From scuba diving and ancient forts to extraordinary desert camps, Oman should be at the top of your travel bucket list for 2017.

Abeach holiday in Muscat tops the wish list of a sophisticated traveller, but Oman is also the go-to place for scuba diving, fossil hunting, desert camps, frankincense, ancient forts and turtle hatching. Spectacular diversity in landscape translates into myriad possible adventures.

Here are 10 reasons to visit a country that combines mystique with modernity.

1. Authentic Arabia
Oman’s rich heritage as a key trading post creates a sense of pride in ancient culture and a soulful eye towards development (there are no high-rises).

Towns retain traditional charms and Bedouin values. Discover the warmth of the people over a customary kahwa – strong coffee flavoured with cardamom and served with dates.

Local cuisine serves history on a plate: spices from the sea trade with India add piquancy to grilled meats and preserved fruit from the Arabian Peninsula.

2. A land of diversity
From the desert-scape of the Empty Quarter to the lush green south with its fruit plantations and wildlife such as oryx and gazelles, Oman glories in a uniquely diverse topography for nature lovers.

It has the highest mountain on the peninsula as well as enchanting cities, sparkling sea, canyons and fjords.

3. Amazing adventures
Engage with the beauty of the desert at Wahiba Sands: dune-bashing (surfing sand hillocks in a 4x4), camel trekking and camping under the starry night sky.

In the mountains, hike along donkey paths, walk wadis upstream and spot fossils; rock climbers will find cliffs galore. Oman’s pristine waters offer some of the world’s best scuba diving.

4. Fall in love
Romantic retreats come in luxurious forms. The Chedi Muscat is a stylish beach-front sanctuary; Al Baleed Resort in Salalah has tropical gardens, beach and lagoon; the spectacular Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort looks as if it has bubbled up out of the rock.

Luxury retreat: Al Baleed Resort in Salalah
Spa rituals induce bliss at Six Senses Zighy Bay. Also in Musandam, the luxuriant hammam at Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort perches atop the fabled Green Mountain.

For the ultimate boutique adventure, stay in Bedouin-style tents at Desert Nights Camp and Dunes by Al Nahda.

5. Spotlight on Salalah
The lush green capital city of the southern Dhofar province is wraithed in the aroma of frankincense, produced since antiquity from the resin of Boswellia sacra trees.

Salalah abounds in archaeological sites, fruit plantations and wildlife, such as oryx, gazelles and migratory birds.

The gateway to the Empty Quarter, it is an incredible area to view humpback and blue whales.

6. Musandam
Separated from the sultanate by the UAE, this hidden enclave of craggy fjords, hilltop villages and deserted beaches is perfect for a 1,001 Arabian Nights-style escape.

Cruise in a dhow, watch dolphins and dive to coral reefs. Explore the Khasab Fort, admire prehistoric rock paintings and indulge in spa relaxation.

7. Muscat
With a no-skyscraper policy and a trading history stretching back millennia, the capital of Oman retains heart and soul as a port city noted for its dates, mother-of-pearl and fish. Don’t miss the celebrated Muttrah Souq and pomegranate juice bars.

Other recommended sites include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House. For a fascinating time capsule of Omani history, the National Museum showcases 12,500 artefacts dating back to the prehistoric era.

8. Mountains
Oman’s dramatic mountain scenery features pomegranate fields, rose gardens, scenic villages and mesmerising landforms such as the Bimmah sinkhole. It is a must-see, even on a short stay.

Mesmerising landforms: the Bimmah sinkhole is a must-see CREDIT: GETTY
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort promises relaxation overlooking dramatic canyon views. At Wadi Shab, mountain meets sea; Jebel Shams Resort is located on top of the highest peak of the Al Hajar mountains.

9. Nature
Oman is a heaven for eco-tourists, and its diverse landscapes are home to the oryx and an incredible variety of flora, fauna and birds.

Unspoilt coastlines brim with marine life in coral reefs, spinner dolphins, humpback and blue whales. Visit the Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar to see wild Arabian leopards.

10. Turtle hatching
Nature lovers make a pilgrimage between July and October to witness Oman’s incredible turtle hatching season.

Approximately 20,000 sea turtles – five of the world’s seven species – lumber up on to beaches to bury up to an estimated 60,000 eggs.

Green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles hatch 55 days later – a wonder to witness at Al Dimaniyat Islands.

Epic Oman
A limitless destination full of culture, excitement, natural richness and incredible landscapes

Oman’s diverse, unique and unspoiled landscapes are coupled with a huge range of activities and distinct national culture

To find out everything you need to know about Oman and how British Airways Holidays can help you find the perfect holiday go to omantourism.gov

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/beautiful-oman/reasons-to-visit/


10 reasons why you should visit Oman

Mind-blowing scenery, an incredible coastline, luxury hotels and winter sun are just a few reasons to make a trip to the Sultanate of Oman, says Kate Lough

KATE LOUGH

Thursday 3 November 2016 10:44 GMT

For Londoners, finding for year-round sun without spending the best part of a day on the plane is tricky business. Step in, the Sultanate of Oman. The weather is reliably warm and with new direct flights with BA to its capital Muscat, there’s never been a better time to explore this laid-back Arabian country that’s nothing like its flashy neighbour, Dubai.

Think jaw-dropping landscapes characterised by mountains, sand dunes and a coastline that’s dubbed the ‘Middle Eastern Riviera’, adventure activities and a rich history and culture to explore.

Here are 10 reasons why you should consider Oman for a winter break – whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s holiday or an active family break.

It’s nothing like Dubai

If all the skyscrapers, shopping centres and excess of Dubai don’t float your boat, it doesn’t mean that Oman won’t either. It’s an entirely different, exotic beast that showcases the Arabian world of old, with a people known for their warmth and hospitality.

Perfect winter sun
The Med is now out of bounds, it’s monsooning in Asia and you can’t be bothered with a really long-haul flight. At 7 hours direct from London, Oman is the consistently sunny answer. During our summer, it’s scorching hot – but come October, it ‘cools’ down to about 30 degrees, staying at this delicious temperature until around March, making it the ideal destination for winter sun.

Tastefully luxurious hotels

Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel in the Green Mountains

Oman boasts an ever increasing portfolio of super luxurious hotels – but those which cater to the discerning rather than flashy traveller. A good option for families is the sensational Zighy Bay, which is part of the Six Senses Collection. Perched on the rugged coastline of the northern Musandam Peninsular, you have mountains on one side and turquoise sea on the other. Most of the stone-built suits have private suites for lounging around, for when you’re not taking a sunset dhow trip or relaxing in the spa. Nothing is too much to ask – you can even arrive at the hotel by paraglider.

Perhaps better suited to couples – anyone looking for an extraordinary honeymoon destination? – is the more recently opened Alila Jabal Akhdar. Set 2000m above sea level in the Al Hajar mountain range, the hotel (and its infinity pool) overlooks a dramatic gorge. Stay put or explore the spectacular surrounding landscape.

High octane adventure activities

Kiteboarding in Masira Isla

Oman isn’t just a giant swimming pool/tanning holiday. It’s packed with adventure at every turn, whether it’s scuba diving or kiteboarding off the dramatic coast to hiking in the Hajar Mountains near Muscat, to quad biking in the desert and off-roading in the Omani Grand Canyon to paragliding over its incredible topography. Oman has it all.

Jaw-dropping scenery
Oman is like something out of a James Bond movie. It has more than 3000km of rugged coastline, where turquoise waters peppered with wooden dhows meet natural white sand beaches, many of which are delightfully empty. The land is framed by craggy, camel-coloured mountains, as well as vast stretches of orange desert with vertiginous dunes and lunar-style landscapes where mountains rise dramatically above sea level with no warning. It even has fjord-style rocky inlets – ice not included - in the Musandam peninsula, which is often called the 'Norway of Arabia'. Take a road trip along the Omani Grand Canyon (Wadi Ghul), which stretches from near Muscat towards Dubai, snaking past 500 year old stone villages and you'll end up at Jebel Shams, also known as the Mountain of the Sun, which is 3000m above sea level.

Jebel Shams aka The Mountain of the Sun

Desert safaris
If scenery rather than swimming pools is your thing, make sure you do a desert safari. Companies like Oman Safaris organise all types of intrepid trip from camel safaris to 4x4 expeditions to overnight stays with Bedouin families. Highlights to visit include Wahiba Sands – only accessible by 4WD – where you can expect 100m dunes, sandboarding and camping under the stars.

Muscat and its architecture
Oman's mountain-encircled capital city is a must visit. A port city in the north of the country, Muscat reflects the country's past and future through its stunning architecture, where dazzling mosques and palaces are set against contempoary masterpieces. During his 45 years of rules, Oman’s Sultan Qaboos has really added to Muscat’s architectural landscape. His Grand Mosque is a vast, feast for the eyes with unimaginable riches: a 50m gold dome, marble flooring, spectacular chandeliers and vast Persian carpets. Other stops on your itinerary should be the Omani-Italianate Royal Opera House and the flamboyant Al Alaam Palace, which dazzles in gold and yellow.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Its rich history
Although Oman now enjoys status as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, it has a colourful, swashbuckling past due to its strategic location. Travel the country and you’ll find the relics of more than a thousand forts and watchtowers. Some have been restored to their former glory such as Nizwa Fort – a maze of passageways beneath a grand central tower – which is open to visitors. It’s also interesting to explore the effects of the ‘Blessed Renaissance’, the period since 1970 when Sultan Qaboos came to power and set about transforming Oman into an oasis of peace and welfare.

Muttrah Souk

Souks shopping
Muscat has a grand bazaar to rival that of Istanbul so be prepared to get your haggle on. The Muttrah souk is a treasure trove of ceramics, jewellery, llama wool pashminas, gold and leather. Bring cash for the best deals.

The food
Given its geography, Omani cuisine is a hotchpotch of nearby cuisines including Persian, North African, Indian and Arab influences. Carnivores can tuck into marinated meats served with spiced rice, fish lovers will be well catered for in Muscat by platters of lobster and prawn and kingfish curry. Sweet treats and tea also feature heavily in the foodie landscape of Oman, with saffron and cardamom playing a key role in flavour. Make sure you try the local karak, a spiced tea sweetened with condensed milk.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough and Instagram @kateloughtravel

18 stunning photos of Oman:

http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle...ould-visit-oman-in-2016-a3385141.html#gallery

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Bloomberg Pursuits
Why You Need to Go to Oman Now, in 16 Incredible Photos
Wedged among Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, Oman offers an authentic cultural experience in a stable spot in the Middle East. Time a visit from the end of March through mid-May to witness the rose harvest, a centuries-old tradition. Adrenaline junkies will thrill to the easy reach of desert, mountain, and sandy coastline, while the capital, Muscat, compels with historic, heady romance.

by
Nic McCormack
1. marts 2017 14.48 CET
READ NEXT: Muscat Has Everything You Need for Your Next Exotic Vacation

Sur
Oman’s seafaring past, and present, is much in evidence in the shipbuilding city of Sur, to the north of Muscat. Watch craftsmen work at the dhow shipyard and breathe in the aroma of cedar used in the construction of the vessels (known locally as safeena). There’s also a dhow museum, which houses the Fatih Al-Khair, a beautifully restored boat built in Sur 150 years ago. For views of Sur and the coast, climb the Portuguese-built Al Ayjah lighthouse (seen here with the blue roof).

Photographer: by Marc Guitard/Getty Images

Quran School, Muscat Festival
The family-friendly Muscat Festival runs from January through February and is a big cultural happening on the city’s calendar. Celebrating arts, crafts, food, music, and culture (above, local children attend a Quran school), it’s an ideal time to visit the city.

Photographer: mkakade711@gmail.com/Getty Images

Camel Races
Camel racing is big business; winning camels cost from $5 million to $10 million, with the finest specimens reaching even more stratospheric prices. Check the Oman Camel Racing Federation for details on races, where the beasts can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. You may also spy robot jockeys—a blend of a thousand-year tradition and cutting-edge technology meant to replace the now illegal use of child riders.

Photographer: © Abdulrahman Alhinai

Muscat
Low-level and laid-back, the port city of Muscat sits on the Gulf of Oman, backed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains and edged with an attractive cornice that stretches along the harbor, through tranquil gardens, and past the souq to the bustling fish market.

Muscat’s mix of architecture speaks to its journey from more turbulent times to modern day, from the 16th century forts Al Jalali and Mirani above Muscat Harbor to the sultan’s 1972 waterfront palace in blue and gold. More recent examples of contemporary Islamic architecture are the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, completed in 2001, and the Royal Opera House Muscat, which opened in 2011.

Photographer: Whitworth Images/Getty Images

Muttrah Souq
Better to get lost in Muttrah Souq than stick to the main drag, where the more expensive stalls are located. Instead, do your haggling in the warren of alleyways. It’s a treasure trove of all things Arabian, with a bewitching array of spices, perfumes, textiles, and jewelry, including Omani silver and a standalone gold market. Muttrah was originally a fishing village but became part of Muscat as the city grew.

Photographer: Rutger Geerling/Flickr

Oman’s Deserts
There’s no shortage of desert in Oman, but not all sands are created equal. Bawshar Sands, near Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, is a good location for dune-bashing in SUVs and on bikes, as is Ramlat Tawq. Beautiful A’Sharqiyah Sands, aka Wahiba Sands, the original homeland of the Bedouins, is rich in oases and ideal for camping and activities such as desert surfing.

As its name suggests, the Empty Quarter has little in the way of oasis greenery. At 250,000 square miles, the world’s largest continuous sand desert is still unexplored in parts, so it’s best approached alongside an experienced guide.

Photographer: John Seaton Callahan/Getty Images

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sometimes second-best is good enough. One of Muscat’s main attractions is the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which has the world’s second-largest carpet (45,208 square feet) and the second-largest chandelier (46 feet high and festooned with 600,000 Swarovski crystals). Named for Oman’s 76-year-old Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, this soaring creation of white marble, colorful mosaics, and carved wood was finished in 2001.

The four minarets and 164-foot-high gold dome are easily located in Muscat’s low-slung skyline. Non-Muslims can visit from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily, except on Fridays.

Photographer: Jason Edwards/Getty Images/National Geographic RF

Oman’s Beaches
With more than 1,056 miles of coastline, Oman’s beaches are as varied as they are beautiful. Khalouf Beach, south of Muscat, is wide and secluded, but for flamingos and eagles and fishing dhows bobbing in the Arabian Sea.

For green turtle sightings, the beach at Ras al-Jinz on Oman’s most easterly point is your best option (hatching takes place in September through November). In southern Oman, dramatic cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to Mughsayl’s powder white sands.

Photographer: Mlenny/Getty Images

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Located on Al Jabal (Green Mountain) at 6,562 feet above sea level and perched above a dramatic gorge, most of the 115 rooms at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort have breathtaking canyon views. The design is contemporary with traditional elements, such as decorative latticework and arabesque lanterns, while the exteriors reflect the tawny shades of the surrounding landscape.

The location provides plenty of high-octane activities, from rock climbing to abseiling to mountain biking, as well as more chilled pursuits, including stargazing and visits to mountain villages where rose water is distilled. Local roses are also infused into the Anantara Spa (above) and its hammam treatments.

Photographer: Paul Thuysbaert

Hud Hud
Hud Hud is a luxury mobile camp that moves among all of Oman’s natural splendor: from the Hajar Mountains, Wahiba Sands, beaches of Khalouf, Bar al Hikman, and Daymaniyat Islands in the north to the Empty Quarter and secluded beach near Mirbat in the south.

The low-impact, candle- and solar-lit camps include twin and double sleeping tents with private bathrooms, traditional furnishings, comfy mattresses, and crisp cotton linen, as well as large majilis with comfortable cushions and rugs on which you can mingle with your fellow campers. Food is served alfresco around a campfire.

Source: Hud Hud Travels

Mishkak
Follow the sight of rising smoke and a delicious smell, and chances are you’ve discovered mishkak. These skewers of marinated meat and seafood are grilled over charcoal and served with spicy tamarind sauce in places like Muttrah Souq’s night market.

Omani cuisine benefits from the country’s location along centuries-old spice routes, so along with the typical Middle Eastern ingredients such as dried limes, rose water, and saffron, dishes also include the less expected, like coconut, nutmeg, and wheat berries.

Photographer: Jason Edwards/Getty Images/National Geographic RF

Rose Harvest
The Al Jabal Al Akhdar landscape turns fuchsia during the rose harvest from the end of March through mid-May. Blossoms are picked early in the day and taken to mountain villages including Al-Aqr, Wadi Bani Habib, and Al-Fiqaine to be distilled into rose water in a process that’s been around for centuries.

Photographer: © Abdulrahman Alhinai

Making Rose Water
The rose petals are simmered in water for hours in a mud oven known as an Al-duhjan, with the resulting rose water collected in copper attachments. It’s then stored in large pots called Al-karas for about a month. Omani rose water is used in perfume and beauty products, as well as for cooking and medicinal and ceremonial purposes.



Photographer: Ahmed Altoqi

Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams (“mountain of the sun”) is Oman’s highest mountain. But rather than the 9,872-foot summit itself, its big attraction is the view of the dramatic topography of Wadi Ghul, Oman’s equivalent of the Grand Canyon, which is the only canyon in the world deeper than this one. The mountain is part of the dramatic Hajar range in the north, which parallels the arc of the Gulf of Oman coastline.

Photographer: Alfred Knipper Photography/Getty Images

Tomb of Bibi Maryam
The ruins of the ancient city of Qalhat include the tomb of Bibi Maryam, located between Muscat and Sur. By the 13th century it was Oman’s main commercial port, and the country’s first capital before the arrival of Islam. The vibrant, fortified city attracted many foreign travelers, including Marco Polo, who described it as prosperous. It’s believed to have been destroyed intentionally in a scorched-earth affair after it came under the influence of the Portuguese. The shrine leads to a crypt and underground corridors.

Photographer: Bernardo Ricci Armani/Getty Images

Hawiyat Najm
The Bimmah Sinkhole, known as Hawiyat Najm, located between Muscat and Sur, is the perfect place for a swim in freshwater. More than 130 feet wide and 65 feet deep, it was caused by erosion; a more romantic legend explains that it was caused by a falling star (Hawiyat Najm translates as “falling star”).

Just south from here is Wadi Shab, one of the country’s most beautiful freshwater swimming spots. Trek along a mountain ravine lined with date and banana palms to the aquamarine waters surrounded by sandstone cliffs.

Photographer: Vincent Boisvert/Getty Images

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/phot...e-must-see-sights-cities-activities-in-photos

 

[Saif al-Arab]

11 great reasons to visit amazing Oman now​

By Candice Bain on May 29, 2015

The Sultanate of Oman is a country of dramatic landscapes, endless coastline, rich history and friendly people. Enjoy the luxury hotels of the laidback capital Muscat, hike a mountain or escape into the Empty Quarter. This little known gem on the Arabian peninsula is just waiting to be discovered. With ambitious plans to grow tourism and double the number of hotel rooms by 2020, the time to go is now – before everybody else realises what they’re missing.

1. Explore 3,165 km of coastline

Everything from jagged cliffs to empty sandy beaches awaits you at Oman’s coastline. Have a picnic on beach all by yourself or strike up an instant friendship with a local fisherman and set out to sea with him for a glimpse of the coastline from the ocean waves.

2. Discover over 500 forts

There are some 500 forts and towers scattered around the sultanate. Some are now merely ruins while others are preserved as World Heritage sites and offer magnificent windows into the country’s turbulent past. From Bahla fort, surrounded by a a charming town with a traditional souk, stone alleyways and old mosques; to Muttrah fort in Muscat, sitting atop a hillside and gazing out to sea; to the most magnificent of all, Nizwa Fort. Nothing gives a sense of the rich history of Oman more than exploring these impressive fortifications.

3. Haggle in the souk

Relax, this isn’t going to be a barrage of hardsell. Oman’s souks are laid back and friendly places where you can mix with locals and soak up the atmosphere. Nizwa souk is one of the largest in the country and sells everything from jewellery, handicrafts and pottery to vegetables and meat. It comes alive on Friday morning when folk from outlying villages come to buy and sell cattle, donkeys, sheep and goats. If you’re not in the market for some livestock it’s also good place to buy a souvenir kanjar, the traditional Omani dagger.

4. See the desert turn lush and green

In the summer months, when the rest of the Arabian Peninsula is arid, brown and baking under an unforgiving sun, Salalah in southern Oman is wrapped in the cooling mists of a monsoon. The khareef, (the Arabic word for ‘autumn’) is a south western monsoon which turns the desert around the city of Salalah lush and verdant between July and September. People flock here from all over the Gulf region to escape the scorching heat at home and to explore the souks and dramatic coastline.

5. See dolphins in their natural habitat

Ten different varieties of dolphins can be found in Omani waters with the coast of Musandam and the sea off Muscat being the most popular areas to view them. Having these sociable, smart cetaceans choose to play alongside your boat is an incomparable thrill for adults and children alike.

6. Hike the highest mountain in Arabia and marvel at Oman’s Grand Canyon

Rising over 3000m from the surrounding plains, highest mountain in the Arabian Peninsula, Jebel Shams, is a barren, rugged limestone land of high peaks, deep canyons and million-year-old fossils. A precipitous, winding mountain road takes you up the mountain to the marked hiking trails beyond the villages. You can take a relatively easy walk along the edge of the spectacular Wadi Ghul, the 1000m deep chasm popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, or a challenging hike up to southern summit of the ‘sun mountain’ as Jebel Shams means in Arabic. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for the hike up the mountain as the path is very rocky and uneven.

7. Cruise the ‘Norway of Arabia’ in the Musandam Peninsula

A stunning Omani enclave encircled by the UAE and reaching out towards Iran, Musandam is where the barren mountains of the Northern Al Hajar range crash down into the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf. Take a cruise through fjords on a traditional wooden dhow, pass villages only accessible by sea, snorkel amid multi-coloured fish in the warm clear waters of the Strait of Hormuz, and watch pods of dolphins play alongside the boat. Accessible as a day trip from Dubai but worth staying overnight to explore.

8. Experience the magic of turtle nesting season

Every year around 20,000 sea turtles make their way to the beaches of Oman to lay their eggs and the Sultanate takes its important conservation role seriously, with strong penalties for anybody caught harming the creatures. Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found here, including green turtles and loggerhead turtles. Raz al Jinz Turtle Centre is an eco tourism project within a nature reserve dedicated to protecting green turtles and their natural environment. Guests at the centre can take a nightly guided walk to witness green turtles struggle ashore and painstakingly excavate a hole for their eggs before carefully covering them over with sand and heading back out to sea. It’s a magical experience to watch these magnificent creatures under the light of the moon.

9. Explore the Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter

Follow in the footsteps of the great explorer Wilfred Thesiger who trekked through the Wahiba Sands on the edge of the world’s biggest sand desert, the Rub al Khali – the Empty Quarter – in search of the fabled Lost City of Ubar. Today there are luxury Bedouin style eco camps allowing visitors to experience the stunning beauty of the dunes without the hardships that Thesiger endured.

10. Be awed at the Grand Mosque in Muscat

The capital of the Sultanate, Muscat, has developed rapidly since the ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos, came to power in 1970 but remains a charming city. Its low rise buildings are scattered amid rocky hills leading down to the ports of Muttrah and Old Muscat. The pride of the city is the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which can hold 20,000 worshippers and is open to non-Muslims. There’s also an international opera house, a fort, the buzzing Muttrah souk, a palace complex, museums, lots of great restaurants and fantastic luxury hotels.

11. It’s safe, welcoming and friendly

Oman may be in a troubled neighbourhood but it’s a peaceful country which is probably safer than your home town. The people can be a little reserved at first but are welcoming and just plain happy to see you visiting the country that they are understandably proud of.

http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2015/05/29/11-great-reasons-to-visit-amazing-oman-now/

Why Oman is the destination you should visit now​

SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

Oman is stunning.

JON JENSENCNN

WHILE the United Arab Emirates draws international visitors to its flashy five-star hotels and massive shopping malls, its neighbour to the east, Oman, has taken a slightly more subtle approach to developing its tourism industry.

Oman is hoping that the preservation of its heritage sites and spectacular landscapes — rather than rapid modernisation of both — will attract visitors seeking a more laid back Arabian experience.

The capital, Muscat, may not have many towering glass skyscrapers, but that doesn’t mean that visitors to this Gulf nation have to rough it.

Oman has a wealth of luxury experiences that provide modern comforts in a unique Middle Eastern setting.

The dramatic landscape. Picture: Lucio Andretto

1. The Chedi, Muscat

Muscat’s waterfront has a charming promenade next to the city’s old Matrouh souk, perfect for a sunset stroll. The bazaar next door is small, but has narrow alleys lined with carpet and spice vendors, and is one of the most authentic in the Middle East.

The beachfront Chedi Hotel, just west of the old city, is one of Muscat’s best. Built in traditional Omani style and with a bright white facade, its 182 rooms and high ceilings offer an atmosphere of palatial grandeur.

The Chedi’s narrow infinity pool, which the hotel claims is the longest pool in all of Oman, stretches to the Indian Ocean and is major draw.

The Chedi Muscat; North Ghubra 32, Way No. 3215, Street No. 46, Muscat; +968 2452 4400

Pool at Chedi Muscat Hotel in the city of Muscat.Source:Supplied

2. Royal Opera House

Abu Dhabi and Doha may be building world-class museums like the Louvre and the Guggenheim, but Muscat is the only city on the Arabian Peninsula with its own opera house.

Oman’s ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, opened the Royal Opera House Muscat in 2011. The main hall seats around 1000 and regularly stages concerts, ballets and theatrical productions.

It has hosted international artists such as Placido Domingo and the London Symphony Orchestra.

The beautifully constructed building itself is worth a visit even if you can’t catch a show; it blends traditional Omani design with modern acoustic technology and is one of the most recognisable sights in Muscat.

Royal Opera House Muscat; Al Kharjiyah St., Muscat; +968 2440 3300

The Royal Opera House. Picture: Prasad Pillai

3. The Green Mountain

No visit to Oman would be complete without seeing the stunning views from the top of Jabal Akhdar, located at nearly 3048 meters up in the Hajar Mountain range. It’s just a short drive from the capital.

Jabal Akhdar, whose name means “green mountain” in Arabic, is covered with trees and shrubs in an otherwise mostly desert landscape. With its mild temperatures year-round, Jabal Akhdar is the perfect retreat for visitors looking for outdoor adventure or an off-road trek.

Tourists can discover Oman’s green mountain from the comforts of a newly built five-star hilltop resort. The luxurious Alila Jabal Akhdar opened earlier this year, and offers a pool, spa and 86 rooms with sweeping views of the mountains.

Alila Jabal Akhdar; Plot No. 4 Al Roose, Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa; +968 2534 4200

Alila Jabal Akhdar has opened this year.Source:Supplied

4. Zighy Bay

Located just north of the United Arab Emirates, the small enclave of Musandam is one of the most geographically unique areas in Gulf region.

For centuries, only boats could access the traditional Omani fishing villages that dot the coastline of this mountainous peninsula.

But a new dirt road built over the jagged cliffs now allows for land access to Zighy Bay, a secluded cove that has a stunning stretch of white-sand beach.

Zighy Bay is also home to a Six Senses resort with more than 80 villas, many with their own private pools. The resort offers the region’s most unique way to get to a hotel room: parasailing from a rocky overlook 1,000 feet above.

Six Senses Zighy Bay; Musandam Peninsula; Dibba Bayeh, Oman; +968 2673 5555

Dinner table setting overlooking Zighy Bay.Source:Supplied

5. Sailing explorations

Centuries ago, Omanis dominated the Indian Ocean and earned a reputation as the best seafarers in the world. Omani sailors like the legendary Sinbad used wooden dhows to expand their Gulf sultanate’s reach as far south as Zanzibar in East Africa.

Today, the government is hoping that its maritime heritage will draw tourists to its own shores.

“Oman’s dramatic coastline with its secluded coves, beautifully sandy beaches, enchanting islands and rich marine life is undoubtedly best explored by sea,” says Oman Sail’s Ghada Al-Said.

Oman Sail is a government-funded project that teaches Omani children modern sailing techniques. It also offers bespoke charter packages for tourists, from sunset cruises to overnight yacht tours.

Oman Sail; 18th November St., The Wave Muscat, Muscat; +968 2418 1400

Get out on the water.

6. Wahiba Sands

Camping under the stars in the desert is a favourite Omani pastime and Wahiba Sands is one of the favourite locations to do it — a rejuvenating desert retreat far from Muscat, where Bedouin tour guides offer desert safaris and overnight camping treks.

The 1000 Nights Camps may be the most exclusive “hotel” in the entire desert. The rooms are large air-conditioned tents that have all the amenities of most five-star hotels: bathrooms, televisions and even a refrigerated minibar.

1000 Nights Camps; Mandinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Oman; +968 9944 8158

Enjoy some time in the desert.Source:News Corp Australia

7. Shuwa

One of the most popular dishes in Oman is called shuwa, succulent lamb served with spice-infused rice.

Preparing shuwa typically involves slaughtering a sheep, marinating the meat with coriander, black pepper, cumin and cardamom, and then slow-cooking the morsels in an underground sand oven with charcoal.

The whole process can take a full day, which is why shuwa is typically served as a feast only on Omani holidays and special occasions.

There are several high-end restaurants in Muscat that serve home-cooked shuwa within minutes of ordering. One of the better ones is called Kargeen, a family-style restaurant with outdoor garden seating low to the ground in typical Omani fashion.

Kargeen; Al Bashair St., Muscat; +968 2469 9055

Shuwa is popular in Oman. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller

This article was written by Jon Jensen from CNN and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

There are more stunning spots in Oman. Picture: Andries3

Sultan's Palace complex with Al-Jalali fort in Old Muscat, Oman.

A dramatic sunset. Picture: Mark Hills

There is also luxury.

On the edge. Picture: Marc Veraart

View from above. Picture: Mark Hills

http://www.news.com.au/travel/trave...w/news-story/b11958e64ab0889108df6288b7af4cac

Some of the articles erroneously claim that the highest mountains in Arabia are found in Oman. This is not true. They are found in Yemen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabal_an_Nabi_Shu'ayb

Nice video of Oman:

 

[KediKesenFare3]

And Oman is cheaper than UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

And Oman is cheaper than UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Yes, it is. Have you visited? If not I would highly recommend it. You will probably like it. However I would recommend you to avoid the months of May, June, July, August and September if you cannot tolerate warm weather well (35-40℃).

Check this beach out:

Also there are over 500 forts in Oman. I have heard that there are more forts/castles per capita in Oman than anywhere else.

 

[KediKesenFare3]

I've never been to Oman, unfortunately. But friends told me that Oman is cheaper than other GCC states and I had a friend from Oman back at the university couple years ago. Is it true that the King of Oman is gay?

 

[Saif al-Arab]

I've never been to Oman, unfortunately. But friends told me that Oman is cheaper than other GCC states and I had a friend from Oman back at the university couple years ago. Is it true that the King of Oman is gay?

Well, the Sultan is a bachelor and there have been rumors of this being the case for a very long time. He might also be asexual for all we know. Anyway he is a very popular ruler in Oman regardless and he has ruled since 1970 so he is one of the longest ruling monarchs/head of states out there.

It will be interesting to see who will replace him eventually.

EDIT: He appears to have been married between 1976-1979 so not a bachelor. Nevertheless a divorce without a heir could point towards something here.

 

[somebozo]

I've never been to Oman, unfortunately. But friends told me that Oman is cheaper than other GCC states and I had a friend from Oman back at the university couple years ago. Is it true that the King of Oman is gay?

These are just rumors..as I happen to have some friends in Jeddah who are close relatives of Sultan Qaboos family..also in today's world..even gays with no interest in women can reproduce by artificial insemination..

 

[Saif al-Arab]

36 Photos to Remind You How Beautiful Oman Is
Written by Aprille Muscara

Oman boasts gorgeous architecture…

Zulfa Mosque, Seeb (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

An arresting mix of traditional and modern…

Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/flickr)

Royal Opera House, Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/500px)

With intricate details not to be missed…

Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muscat (Marco Carrubba/flickr)

WOW!

Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muscat (thepooldiariesvisuals/flickr)


The country is famed for its elegantly detailed ornamental doors…

(Ahmed Al-Shukaili/pbase)

And its over 1000 forts, towers and castles…

Nakhal Fort (beautyeye/flickr)


Ceiling decorations in Bahla Fort (Ahmed Al-Shukaili/pbase)

The Sultanate is also renowned for its wide-ranging, spellbinding coastline…

(marcveraart/flickr)

(marcveraart/flickr)


(I want to be here NOW!)

Shangri-La’s Al Barr Al Jissah Resort (internationaltravellermag.com)



Some parts of which are surreal and otherworldly…

(beautyeye/flickr)

Bausher (reehan/flickr)

(lucio a/flickr)



The alluring waters beckon you in…

Salalah (saf eins/flickr)

(reehan/flickr)



Don’t you wish that was you?

Musandam (panoramas/flickr)



And another magical world awaits exploration underwater…

(Thierry Rouchon/flickr)



Fishing boats are also a common sight…

(multivu.com)

Fisherman (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Continued:

And the day’s catch is a sight in itself…

Mutrah (Krishna Kumar/flickr)



Springtime in Oman is lush and vibrant…

Wadi Darbat, Salalah (wajahatmahmood/flickr)



While summer in the mountains is a time of growth and harvest…

Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar that thrive in spring/summer (timesofoman.com)



Meanwhile, hidden oases offer refreshing tranquility…

Wadi Bani Khalid (andries3/flickr)

(reehanphotographicgallery/flickr)

Bimmah Sink Hole (amazinplacesonearth.com)



Amidst rugged yet marvelous terrain…

(Natascha Mehrabi/500px)



With spectacular caves just beneath the surface…

Ash Sharqiyah (pierrehaut/flickr)



The rolling dunes of Oman’s Empty Quarter are as enchanting as those that stretch into Saudi Arabia and the UAE…

(oman-conference.squ.edu.om)



So enchanting you’ll want to escape there for a weekend getaway…

(marcveraart/flickr)



Oman’s mountains also offer respite and clarity…

(internationaltravellermag.com)

Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar (internationaltravllermag.com)

Jebel Shams (Krishna Kumar/flickr)



Especially Jabal Shams, the country’s highest peak. From there you’ll find dramatic views of the “Grand Canyon of Oman”…

(avantourists.com)

Muscat (marcveraart/flickr)

Mountain Goat (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

http://scoopempire.com/36-photos-remind-beautiful-oman/

 

[ArabianEmpires&Caliphates]