Boasting of a well preserved cultural heritage, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the least known, yet exciting tourist destination in the Middle East. Known as the Jewel of Arabia, some of the famous landmarks include Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, the forts of Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani which flank his Majesty’s colourful and elegant Al-Alam Palace, Burj As-Sahwa, Clock Tower Square, and Al-Bustan Palace Hotel. It is not a destination that has development and modernity through towering glass skyscrappers and glitzy malls but of beautiful landscapes and fascinating architecture. The capital city of Muscat still retains the charm of another era – from the expansive architecture of several government headquarters to the quaint villas that are ubiquitous. The recently opened Royal Opera House Muscat is the latest attraction in Oman’s capital. This expansive architectural feat comprises of a concert theatre auditorium, gardens, art centre, et al, and can accommodate 1100 people for an event. Muscat and Musandam are the most popular dolphin watching locations in Oman. The rugged beauty of the coastline becomes all the more visible from the sea – and for those interested in snorkelling there are equally if not more beautiful vistas visible underwater to explore and appreciate.
A hub of exotic aromatic delights – from the smell of frankincense and traditional perfumes to herbs and spices from the Middle East and the subcontinent, The Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest and certainly the most frequented market in Muscat. Traditionally being an important port city, Sur has been known for shipbuilding. The two hour drive from Muscat is punctuated with many attractions, namely fishing village of Quriyat, Wadi Arbayeen and Biman Sinkhole. Biman Sinkhole is a limestone crater filled with blue green water. The beach of Ras al Jinz greenback turtle conservation in Sur is frequented by as many as 10,000-15,000 female turtles every year, which come at night, lay their eggs, cover them up and then dig a hole to fool predators before going back to the sea. The As Saleel Nature Park is located in Wilayat Al Kamil W’al Wafi in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and lies 57 kilometres from wilayat of Sur. It extends over an area of 220 square kilometres, and is predominantly covered by forests of acacia trees. It is home to a number of rare species such as the Arabian gazelle, the Omani wild cat (Al Senmar) and other animals which have made this environment their home, including the red fox, the Egyptian Eagle and others.
Another interesting place of interest is the Springs of Dhofar which is famous for the presence of more than 360 springs distributed on the mountain brows and the edges of mountains adjacent to the coastal plain, while a small number of springs are present in An Najd area. Most of these springs have water all year round. Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs, small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best months for diving in Oman are the period from April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times. The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Al Khayran, Al Fahil Island, Dimaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. Each of the above mentioned locations contains not less than 11 different diving sites, each with a diverse environment while Wadi Bin Khalid – the oasis in the mountains with its clear water and palm trees is a perfect picnic spot. One can also opt for dune bashing in Wahiba Sands and a visit to the simple but colourful home of a Bedouin tribal family is another must.
Salim Bin Adey Al-Mamari, director general of Tourism Promotion, Sultanate of Oman mentioned, “Tourism in a country like Oman is not simple. While we are not closing doors to tourists, we have to be careful as we have just have around 12,000 hotel rooms. We want responsible tourists coming to Oman, who will not just give a boost to our tourism industry but also help us maintain and sustain our culture and heritage. We do not want big numbers but to be able to maintain Oman as a destination.”
