Imagine a country largely untouched by tourism, still going about its daily routines and customs the way it has done for centuries, where people have time to stop and talk and invite you inside out of the heat for a cooling drink, where the skyline has not been peppered with high rises and in some areas the locals still trade in goats as currency. Well, you no longer have to imagine – visit Oman and experience it for yourself!
 
Hugging the south east coastline of the Arabian Peninsula and nestled snugly between Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and today it still remains relatively off the beaten track for tourists. 

Historically, Oman has always been one of the most isolated countries in the Gulf region and it wasn’t until Sultan Qaboos took over the throne in 1970 that Oman started coming out of its shell. Responsible for raising the profile of Oman, Sultan Qaboos set about transforming the country in an effort to recreate the prosperity it had known in bygone centuries when the region was rich in copper and frankincense. However, rather than giving Oman a modern makeover of sky scrapers, mile after mile of impersonal hotel chains and neon signs, Qaboos has ensured that the transformation be managed in a way that is sensitive to the country’s traditional and cultural heritage. In doing so, Oman has only enhanced its identity, rather than lost it to modern technology and consumerism. This is largely the appeal – a country with some means of infrastructure but still operating with traditional values and local hospitality at its core. 

There are over 2000 forts scattered across the country, many of which have been restored to their former glory and ancient crafts such as weaving and carpet making are actively encouraged and supported as local means of sustenance rather than acting as a draw card for tourists. 

What to do in Oman

Live it! Perhaps the best way to experience Oman is to live as the locals do, partaking or merely observing in the daily rituals and way of life. Wake at dawn to the harmonious morning prayer calls, take a simple breakfast at a local cafe, meander through the labyrinthine souks to observe the locals bargain for wares, explore the streets of whitewashed Muscat, stroll along the sandy shores. Spending a few days immersed in the daily rhythm will capture the essence of Oman far better than ticking off a list of sights to see. Then, once you feel fully ensconced in the day to day patter of life, you might want to try some of the following:

1. Cruise the rivers

Take a traditional Dhow boat cruise and watch the picturesque riverside scenery drift serenely by. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

2. Beaches

Swim, snorkel or paddle in the Arabian waters, where the fish come close to the shore. Indulge in a picnic lunch under feathery palms and follow with an afternoon of beach combing for unusual shells. Finish the day in style with a camel ride along the beach at sunset.

3. 4WD adventure

Pump that adrenalin by off-roading up steep mountain tracks to get a feel for the rugged countryside interior.

4. Turtle watching

Be captivated by turtles emerging from the waters at dusk to lay their eggs on the beach at Ras Al Khor, one of the biggest Giant Turtle nesting sites in the world. Finish off your bewitching evening by camping out on the beach under clear starry skies.

5. Villages and Wadis

Hire a car and take to the road, stopping off at remote villages adorned with brick and mud houses and nomadic goat herders. Follow the signs to one of the many wadis and rub shoulders with the locals as they congregate in the oasis sharing the day’s news, cooking in the open air and join in their frequent and spontaneous games of football!

6. Mountain walking

Climb Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain (known as Mountain of the Sun), for a breathtaking view of Oman’s very own version of the Grand Canyon, Wadi Ghul.

7. Muscat

Explore the majestic capital of Muscat and be sure to feast your eyes on the Sultan’s Palace and the 16th century Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. In the evening, free yourself to the pulse of the city’s nightlife.

8. Visit World Heritage Sites

Experience the mystical atmosphere of the World Heritage Sites of Bat and Bahla and lose yourself in moments of reflection at the impressive fortified settlements and ancient burial sites. Haggle for a pot from the local Bahla potters to take home as a souvenir. Be careful not to rub the pot too hard though as Bahla is famous for its genies! Oman is also reputedly the home of Sinbad the Sailor so you can close your eyes and imagine Arabian nights come alive!

9. Muscat Festival

Time your trip with the Muscat Festival, held at the beginning of each year and treat yourself to a festival of colour, dance, concerts and temporary theme parks that open up in the area. See how the locals of Oman party!!

10. Camel Racing

Watch in awe and cheer from the sidelines as camels reach speeds of up to 45 km per hour in a day at the races!

Fast Facts

• Full name: Sultanate of Oman
• Population: 2.6 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital: Muscat
• Area: 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles)
• Climate The best time to visit Oman is between November to March when the temperature is a comfortable average of 25 degree C. Outside of these months the heat can get become oppressive to the uninitiated, unless you are staying primarily along the coast. June to September sees the rains in the south, which although not great for travel, does bring a lush green aspect to the desert interior.
• Major language: Arabic
• Major religion: Islam
• Monetary unit: 1 Rial = 1000 biaza
• Main export: Oil
• GNI per capita: US $9,070 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .om
• International dialling code: +968 

Getting there and around

Many of the large international airlines operate frequent flights to Oman, especially from Europe. Once there, it is possible to take domestic flights with Oman Air, between Muscat, Salalah and Khasab.
 
You can also enter Oman overland at the UAE border. There is a daily bus from Muscat to Dubai. The border of Yemen is not so easily negotiable for travellers. 

Oman itself has a good network of buses and taxis. However, one of the best ways to see Oman is undoubtedly to rent a vehicle and enjoy exploring the country by car, to truly appreciate the diversity and unique scenic backdrop. Or join the locals and enjoy a relaxing cycle through ancient villages and citrus groves with mountains flanking the sides.