Welcome to Oman. A stunning country with abundant natural beauty. Many people in the UAE visit Oman to escape the city life and enjoy the peace of this sleepy country.
Geography
Oman is located on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the UAE in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest.
- Muscat – capital and the largest city
- Bahla - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Buraimi - border crossing town adjacent to Al Ain in the UAE
- Ibra – home of the Wahiba Sands
- Matrah – beautiful and historic
- Nizwa – home to one of the best-known forts in Oman
- Salalah – southern Oman and popular tourist beach destination
- Sohar - Home of Sindbad
- Sur – old city where dhows are made by hand
Getting there
Many airlines from the UAE fly to Oman including Emirates, Flydubai and Oman Air. The average cost of flights for a 4-day trip is aproximately Dh600 -Dh1,000 depending on when you travel.
Visa requirements
GCC passport holders such as Kuwaitis, Bahrainis, Saudis, Qataris and Emiratis do not need a visa to visit Oman. Many other countries recieve the visa upon arrival, while others have to apply ahead of time. The visa will cost 20 OMR (Dh190 approximately). Click here to find out whether you need a visa ahead of time.
Best Time to travel to Oman
Oman is a country with reliably warm weather. The summer, similar to the UAE is swelteringly hot. So avoid Oman between June and August. The best time to visit is between October and April.
Things to do in Oman
1. Go ‘glamping’
Wake up to the sound of the crashing waves when you try the new Canvas Club tent at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The iconic Muscat property is taking luxury travel to new heights, introducing a premier luxury tent experience on the shores of the sea of Oman. You can stay in the remote beachfront of the hotel, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Al Hajjar Mountains. The experience includes an overnight in the fully equipped, well-appointed family tent located a stone’s throw from the hotel, complemented by the luxury service touch provided by the Ritz-Carlton. In this remote oasis away from the hustle, guests can re-discover the essence of Arabia on the Al Bustan white sandy beach. From a panoramic sunset dinner served on the doorstep of the tent, to a night of stargazing, or spectacular front-row sunrise views, the luxury tent offers families and couples alike an unforgettable luxury camping adventure.This offer includes: overnight stay in the tent, turndown service and breakfast at Al Khiran Terrace.
Starting from approximately Dh1,958 for two, including soft beverages Contact +968 24764205
2. Visit Wadi Shab
Visit a picturesque canyon with tons of caves, waterfalls and pools. a must-see for all visitors to the Sultanate.Wadi Shab is generally a very popular outdoor attraction for both locals and tourists. People mainly visit the location because of the nature and also to take a dip in the freshwater pools. However, the main attraction of Wadi Shab is the water fall in the cave, which is accessible after a 40 minute hike and by crossing 3 swimming pools.
3. Go to Jebel Akhdar
Translates, it means the green mountain, it is one of Oman’s most spectacular areas within the Al Hajar Mountain range. The mountain is known for its greenery and agriculture and is definitely worth a visit.
4. Climb Jebel Shams
This mountain literally means Mountain of the Sun and is the highest mountain of the country. It goes as high as 3 kilometres and is quite the popular sightseeing area.
5. Observe Turtle Beach
There’s something amazing about watching beings coming to life. One of the amazing things you can do in Oman is to visit Turtle beach and to watch the turtles hatch and do their night dash to the sea. It helps that the Sultanate of Oman is home to five out of the seven species of sea turtles in the world.
6. Visit Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Fort
Oman’s most visited monuments. Built in the 17 century these forts are examples of Oman’s rich heritage. During its heyday, Jabrin Fort was an important centre of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic law.
7. Try spiced Omani milk tea
One of the traditional drinks a traditional chai karak recipe from Oman which is served hot and made with sweetened condensed milk, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Usually its made with the famous Oman I condensed milk known as Omela Milk. Make sure you stop by the side of the road for a cuppa.
8. Watch a show at the Royal Opera House
The stunning Royal Opera House is Oman's premier venue for musical arts and culture. Located in Muscat, Oman, the Opera House is there to give you an enriching experience through diverse artistic, cultural, and educational programs. If you’re looking for some culture, this is a great attraction to add to the Oman bucket list. Website rohmuscat.org.om
9. Try your hand at scuba diving
Oman’s coastline is relatively untouched and there are opportunities to dive near the capital of Muscat. You can also head to Oman's northernmost region of Musandam, which juts into the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. This rugged, remote land has nutrient rich waters that support a massive amount of diversity and abundance of marine life. Far to the south, the area around Salalah has a pristine coastline with seemingly endless bays and beaches.
Website www.padi.com
