For the traveller seeking new adventures, Oman offers it all. The country occupies the south-eastern tip of the Arabian peninsula, edged by 3,165 kilometres of coastline that stretches along the Gulf of Oman down to the Arabian Sea. It’s an amazingly diverse nation with topography that spans from rugged mountains and fjords in the north to lush green hills in the south. In between, spectacular sand dunes and salt flats provide a host of other sightseeing opportunities.
With 5,000 years of history behind it, holidays in Oman appeal to those who have a strong interest in the arts and architecture. For a relatively small country, it has an astounding number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include: Bat featuring 3,000-year-old tombs and the Frankincense Route that starts in Dhofar and runs through ancient towns like Al-blaid, Zafar, and Shisr. To understand Oman’s history and culture, a visit to its museums are a must. The Omani Museum in Qurum displays everything from prehistoric soapstone to ancient jewellery. The National Museum in Ruwi traces the history of five sultans and their impact on the country. For something a bit different, take a look at the Oil and Gas Museum in Qurum, which follows the development of the industry, that literally fuels the economy, with geological and technical displays. More ancient history can be found at one of Oman’s archeological sites such as Ubar. This city under the sand was discovered just over 15 years ago by an American satellite and objects from recent digs have been dating to around 100 BC.
There’s no shortage of natural wonders to be discovered on an Oman holiday. Among them is the Teiq Cave which is one of the world’s largest with an area of over 300 million square metres available to explore. The Empty Quarter is the largest desert in the world. It spans four countries and is home to the planet’s largest oil field. Parts remain unexplored. Other areas have seen camel caravans carrying frankincense over the centuries. The Sharqiyah Sands have a stark beauty that has made it a major tourist attraction that is best explored with experienced guides and four-wheel drive tours. Diverse and dazzling, exotic Oman is a fabulous destination for those who seek the extraordinary.
Shopping for silver is a worthy endeavour. The quality and workmanship of the jewellery is exquisite.
With over 460 species, birdwatching is a popular pastime for locals and tourists alike.
The vast array of watersports from diving to kayaking and surfing ensure that there are always adventures to be had.