The
Sultanate of Oman is the second largest nation on the Arabian peninsula situated
on the Eastern edge of Arabia. With 1700km of beautiful coastline, Oman s shores
face directly onto the Indian Ocean, giving rise to the name, The Arabian Sea.
For centuries this magnificent and diverse land was referred to Arabia Felix .
The true reason for this is thought to be largely based on the warm and
hospitable virtues of Oman s people.
A land stepped in history, dating back over 5000 years. Today, although blessed
with modern infrastructure, the land of Frankincense and Myrrh has retained its
sense of hospitality and friendliness.
The stunning natural beauty of Oman s majestic mountains, undulating contours of
the Sharqiya desert (Wahiba Sands) and the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) the
surprising lush green wooded hills of Dhofar and a pristine underwater world of
coral reefs where rare and tropical marine life flourish, offers visitors a
truly special and unique experience.
The Global Peace Index is an attempt to measure the relative position of nations
and regions peacefulness. It is maintained by the Economist, an international
panel of peace experts from peace institutes and think tanks, together with the
Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney, Australia rated
Oman number 22 within the top 30 most peaceful countries Australia came in at
25, New Zealand in the top 10!
Only 45 minutes flight from Dubai with many daily connections ...
Ahlan Wasahlan .. Welcome, as we have countless travellers since the
beginning of time.
The mountains, the sea and the past have met at Muscat to set one of the most
beautiful capitals of the Arabian Peninsula and the one that has so happily
joined past present and future. Muscat is harmony and fairy tale put together.
Harmony as no one is better at wielding past and present, showing off historical
and cultural heritage, continuing architectural traditions while using the most
sophisticated techniques and the noblest of materials. A fairy tale scene at
night when the buildings lacy stone edges shimmer in the moonlight that reaches
out to highlight the golden minarets.
Past, present .. Muscat juggles these words with brilliance.
In 1970 when Sultan Qaboos was enthroned it emerged out of a long sleep to
expand, defying the mountain, nesting in its hollows, weaving its way through
its valleys to settle at the foot of these magnificent mountains, the Hajar,
with their fortress guarded passes.
Legends of Sinbad the Sailor, Queen of Sheba and merchants from all the great
civilisations of the Gulf , the East or the West moored their loaded with gold,
precious stones, incense, shimmering cloth, spices and hides turning Muscat like
all other harbours on the Omani coast, into a large emporium still in evidence
today - Muttrah, a suburb of the city, is where you will find the traditional
souks situated in the long-winding alleys, where all types of traditional Omani
products are on sale.
Muscat today has not been spoilt by its development. Sultan Qaboos has decreed
that new cities and developments remain faithful to traditional Arab
Architecture, Mosques, ministries, head offices, residencies, hotels and resorts
have architectural harmony with a restrained majesty that successfully mixes
tradition and creativity...
No buildings will be built over 6 Storey s high...
Ultra-modern complexes, world-class highways, 3 6 Star Hotels and Resorts, an
international airport and a major seaport. A unique blend of old and new with
many grandiose mosques, castles, forts, souks and towers uniquely blended with
world class hospitality.
Faithful to is tradition of hospitality, Muscat light up to welcome you, to tell
us its story, its hopes and the secrets of this harmony which so enchant
everybody who visits. In 1995 at a young age it was selected at the most
beautiful Arab capital and In 2004 the Clean- Scuba Diving / Snorkling: 1700km
long wild and varied coastline; wealth of scenery / wildlife: Muscat Area /
Fahal Island / Al Sawadi Beach Resort.
Deep Sea Diving: As part of the tourism development plan to
further upgrade the Eco Tourism and Dive product the Royal 84 metre ship, "Al
Munnassir . The 3,000 tonne ship was sunk in 30 metres of water in the turquoise
waters of Bandar Khairan close to the country s capital, Muscat. This wreck is
now become one of the most spectacular diving sites off Oman. It has now and
will continue to become home to fish and other marine life. Divers can now see
the development of the coral which will eventually make the Al Munnassir" an
important part of the eco system. Other sites are also within easy distance from
Muscat with Diving Centres being PADI accredited.
Kayaking: Available right off the coast of Muscat; Tours
available among the fjords of Bander Al-Kheran and Muscat glass bottom boats are
also available
Game Fishing: Marlin / Tuna with game fishing trips organised in the
Arabian Sea. Plenty of bait fish abound to attract the big game fish. Sur and
Masirah are also ideal locations.
Whale / Dolphin: Dolphins abound in the warm coastal waters
hundreds roam around following the tuna. Sperm and Humpback whales are prominent
truly a magnificent sight seeing these majestic creatures in their natural
habitat. Watching tours can be organised by most tour operators with some
operators taking tours in traditional dhow s)
Turtle Watching: The beaches of Ras Al Hadd / Ras Al Jinz and
Masirah Island are some of the areas where several species of marine turtles
come to nest and lay their eggs. Species include: Giant Green turtles /
Loggerheads / Hawksbill and Leatherbacks which live for over 100 years, swim
throughout the Indian Ocean, the length and breadth of the ocean but always
return to the same site to lay their eggs! Ideal Season June through to October.
Wadi & Dune Bashing: Quite a unique activity in the Arabian
Peninsula Basically the rules are you go crazy with a 4x4 in wadis (rocky & dry
riverbeds) over the shifting deserts sands this achievement rates just as high
as camel racing! Mix this with spectacular nature, animals (suicidal goats)
camels, donkeys, and plenty of other 4x4 and it makes it one hair raising
experience! Should only be carried out by experienced drives and tour guides ..
Camping: Why not camp out under the stars!!!! Sweeping Deserts
to rugged mountain plateaus, plus fertile valley oases and sparkling beaches -
located throughout Oman make the whole country a campers paradise! A night under
the stars in the desert camps Al Raha Camp and Sama Wasil Desert Camp: ( http://samavillages.com/al-wasil/index.html)
Tours / sites available from most wholesalers.
Rock Climbing: Spectacular mountains rising 3,000m at highest point
throughout the country mixed in with spurs, wadi s, deep canyons and towering
cliffs make Oman a rock climbers heaven from the novice to the experienced
climber! Best period for climbing: October to April. The rim walk on the Grand
Canyon in the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) is one out of this world must do
experience s. Best Guide book for Rock Climbers: Adventure Oman (Anne Dale &
Jerry Hadwin)
Camel Racing: An extraordinary part of Omani society as it s a
highly valued tradition. Held at tracks in most regions
