Oman
Waves of apricot sand beckon from across the Oman border where earth and water collide; bringing a mysterious, raw backdrop and peak-shrouded towns with an undiscovered feel to the table.
Waves of apricot sand beckon from across the Oman border where earth and water collide; bringing a mysterious, raw backdrop and peak-shrouded towns with an undiscovered feel to the table.
A land comprised of jagged fjords, soft sea and 82 per cent desert, Oman certainly makes an impression. The abundant trading history residing in this landscape means Omanis have long been welcoming of different cultures, but they’ve not lost touch with the simplicity of the old ways.
Locals still shop alongside tourists in Muscat’s souks, they still fish on traditional dhows, and they derive as much pleasure as anyone else from the apricot and pomegranate-strewn terraced orchards. And despite being less showy than its UAE neighbours, Oman still has some ‘biggests and bests’, beating them to the finish line in terms of beaches and housing the world’s most expensive perfumery.
In pursuit of…
… a nomadic way of life
In an area of exhibitionism, this region takes a step back to let its heritage and extraterrestrial scenery take centre stage. The land holds a library of stories worth telling and the proud locals will indulge anyone who will listen. Annual festivals celebrate art and the world-renowned spectacle of blooming roses in Jebel Akhdar, after-hours tours of Muscat’s intricately decorated Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque wax lyrical of a deep-rooted faith, and walks through the hillside villages guided by a local and the inviting aroma of a Frankincense tour in Salalah tell the tales of life both past and present.
The abundant trading history residing in this landscape means Omanis have long been welcoming of different cultures, but they’ve not lost touch with the simplicity of the old ways.
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A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in Oman, from Muscat’s glittering souks to the rose-studded mountains.
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![a group of goats in a rocky area]()
Oman Mountains
Punctured by wadis, marred by primordial petroglyphs, the vertical nature of the Hajar Mountains isn’t the only characteristic defying the typical lifeless desert aesthetic. Life finds a way here, from the birth of beautiful pink blooms each year to gullies roamed by wildlife the likes of Arabian leopards, gazelles and mountain goats.
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![View of muscat street and buildings from across water]()
Muscat
With the modern developments concentrated to the outskirts, Muscat lets its centre – a result of three fishing villages melded together – do the talking. Stalls glitter with bright yellow gold and the spicy scents of cardamom, frankincense and turmeric and tall pale exteriors house the brilliance of the Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
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![Three small boats on the water as the sun sets behind]()
Musandam Peninsula
A sharp point jutting into the Strait of Hormuz, this quiet corner is a world of steep, tough mountains dotted occasionally with dainty fishing villages. Although technically a part of Oman, it’s usually visitors from the UAE that traverse over the border, looking for a wild side to break up a glitzy beach break.
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Its essence...
NOMADIC
TRADITION
WELCOMING
The leading line-up
Oman
Extraordinary
experiences
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![a table and chairs on a glass deck overlooking a valley]()
Join the country’s largest cultural event in Muscat.From mid-January to mid-February, Omanis gather together to celebrate all things art, culture and tradition. Putting on a show in the form of theatrical performances, acrobatic events, educational programmes and a firework display.
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![a table and chairs on a glass deck overlooking a valley]()
Discover the secrets to harvesting 7,000 world-famous roses.Visiting in Damask rose season features on the bucket list of many a traveller. Follow a mountain guru to tour the ripples of pink terraces before heading to one of the oldest distilleries to learn the ancient technique of harvesting rose water.
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![a table and chairs on a glass deck overlooking a valley]()
Tour two of Muscat’s shining architectural diamonds.Completed 10 years apart, the Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque speak to Oman’s opulent side. While one pays homage to the arts and one houses the world’s second largest carpet (beaten only by one in neighbouring Abu Dhabi), you don’t need to be religious or a fan of the opera to appreciate either’s elegant facades.
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![a table and chairs on a glass deck overlooking a valley]()
Brave the summer heat and venture out in search of turtles.Rivalling the Maldives when it comes to numbers of these sea-faring reptiles, the bumpy boat ride out to Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve not only rewards with turtles but with an encyclopaedia of bird species too.
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Destination essentials
WHEN TO VISIT
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
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