The Sultanate of Oman was virtually undiscovered by tourists until recently. Visited only by intrepid travellers, divers and archaeologists, this tiny desert Arabian country has become increasingly popular among holidaymakers looking for a relaxing and sybaritic trip.
Oman’s history is one that’s rich and complex. In 1970 the sultan, Said bin Taimur, was overthrown by his son, the current ruler Sultan Qaboos, and ever since Qaboos has been modernising the country by opening it up to tourism. Every year more and more sea-side resorts and world-class hotels are cropping up around the country. The first stop for travellers taking flights to Oman is the capital, Muscat. Comprising three small towns along the coast, Muscat is a calm and laid-back city and the locals are especially welcoming to tourists. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the Mutrah area including Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest traditional Arab markets in the region and Mutrah Fort which was built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century.
Adventurous travellers coming off flights to Oman should plan to visit Wadi Shab – the stunning valley where water from a stone feeds the lake and date palms. In the south-east of the country is the town of Salalah, renowned for its pungent frankincense and close proximity to the Qara Mountains.
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Oman’s climate is mostly desert. Along the coast, the summer months are hot and humid while the interior is dry. Temperatures are lowest in the mountains and Dhofar region in the south of the country. Temperatures can range between 15 degrees Celsius in the winter and 50 degrees in the summer. Between June and October, Dhofar has a regular monsoon.
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Oman Air, the domestic airline of Oman Aviation Services, flies to Salalah, Sur, Khasab, Diba and Masirah. The Oman National Transport Corporation offers regular bus service to many cities including Salalah, Nizwa, Sohar and Dubai. Small vans - the baiza bus – follow fixed routes and are a cheaper alternative to taxis. The road system is good and car rental companies include the majors: Hertz, Budget and Europcar as well as local companies
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- Muscat: Muttrah Souq occupies a large area behind the Corniche of Muttrah. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and pick up some frankincense or jewellery. Don’t buy anything without haggling.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to the public. It has space for 6,500 worshippers in the main prayer hall and 750 female believers in the women’s musalla. It also has the world’s largest Persian carpet.
- Museums: Bait Al Zubair displays handicrafts, jewellery and weapons. In the museum’s grounds are a model of a traditional mountain village and Omani fishing boats. The Muscat Gate House Museum occupies a fortress-like building and displays artifacts from Neolithic times to the present.
- Al Alam Palace, one of the Sultan’s residences, is close to the ancient forts of Jalali and Mirani.
- Scuba diving: Oman’s coastline is more than 994 miles long and has an abundance of sealife. It is also possible to dive the 83-metre (272 feet) Al Munassir, a ship sunk by the Royal Oman Navy in 2003 in Bandar Khairan, close to Muscat.
- Bull fighting Omani-style is very different to the Spanish version. In Oman, two Brahmin bulls square up to each other and “fight” until one is defeated (usually knocked to the ground or runs away). Find fights on Friday afternoons in winter in Seeb, Barka, Sawadi, and Sohar along the Batinah coast in the north of the country.
- Camel racing is another must-see in Oman. The races are generally held on holidays such as National Day.
- Visit the sites where marine turtles lay their eggs. Turtles are a protected species in Oman and permits are required to visit the sites (include Ras Al Had, Ras Al Junayz and Masirah Island). Hotels and tour operators sell these permits.
- Trekking and mountain climbing: Oman boasts rugged mountains, cliffs, valleys and wadis.
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The main airport for travellers taking flights to Oman is:
Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 25 miles west of the city.
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All visitors (except those with Gulf Co-Operation Council passports) require a visa to enter Oman. Visas can be obtained on arrival: either a single entry "Visit Visa" for a stay of up to a month, or a multiple entry visa, valid for a year (maximum stay three weeks with a maximum three weeks between visits). Fee is OMR6 per person. Those entering from Dubai or holding a tourist visa for Qatar do not require a visa. All visitors require a passport valid for six months (or a year for a multiple entry visa), and an onward or return ticket.
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For British nationals, a single entry "Visit Visa" valid for one month, or one year multiple entry visa (for maximum of three weeks stay per visit) is obtainable on arrival, and a valid passport is required.
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