SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Thursday 5 March 2015

A Walk Through Oman, One Week Itinerary

Are you having only one week holiday? Are you thinking about your next destination? Well... Have you ever been to Oman?




A journey of discovery awaits you in this welcoming land at the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Western civilisation. Enjoy all of the marvels of this unique setting, the ideal gateway to Southern Arabia.



Would you consider Oman as your next holiday destination? Would you like to see more itineraries suggestions from us?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 


Thursday 19 February 2015

You Need To See These Magical Coastlines in Oman

Where are the Oman's greatest coastlines? Do you love to spend time by the shore?




With is long, quiet beaches, tropical bays in the shade of palm trees, towering cliffs that drop into the ocean and 3,165 kilometres of coast, Oman is the ideal destination for anyone who loves to spend time by the shore.

From Muscat, the coast is sandy, with a calm sea and long stretches of beach boasting a wealth of facilities and water sports opportunities. To the north, Musandam Peninsula is famous for its dramatic fjords plunging into the sea to create spectacular inlets and coves. To the south, the Salalah region is full of banana plantations and tropical beaches with turquoise water and palm trees bordering the golden sands. 

The Oman Sea and Arabian Sea host a huge variety of animal species such as turtles, whales and dolphins, while their depths are home to coral reefs, long stretches of which are still intact. 




In this article we will show you what traveller can expect from the Omani Coast


The vibrant capital city of Muscat is blessed with many beaches and a calm sea suitable for year-round swimming. A large number of outstanding tourist facilities makes it an ideal base for visitors who want to combine relaxation by the sea with exploration of the country’s inland regions.

The most popular public beach is Qurum, just a short distance from the city centre.



Bandar Khayran, a bay that is a popular snorkelling spot .



A trip to the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is another must-do experience, particularly for diving enthusiasts.


Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi along the coast of Sur, also enticing snorkelers and divers.




Local fishing boats, souks and museums, is a great base for exploring Oman’s rich maritime history.




Visit some of the dhow shipyards in Sur to marvel at the craftsmanship and reflect on modern innovation and development.

www.bradtguides.com


A completely different side to Oman can be found in the far south of the country. Gorgeous sandy bays lie between crystal-clear water and lush green palm groves. 



In the town of Salalah you can see tropical fruit plantations and stalls loaded with coconuts, bananas and mangos. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax.



The best way to appreciate the rugged, fjord-like terrain of the Musandam Peninsula is to view it from the sea. 



In Khasab, half- or full-day trips include dolphin watching, snorkelling and kayaking can be organised on a traditional Omani dhow. 


These are only part of the magnificent coastline of Oman. Its difficult to capture their splendour through images, you must go there to see them. 

The serene environment and the gravel beach is something that one should be looking for. Watching sunset in some of these coastlines would be one of the most peaceful moments of your life.


What are your favourite beaches location in Oman? Would you add any of them on your holiday bucket list?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 


Thursday 29 January 2015

13 Spectacular Places You Must Visit In Oman

Why is Oman called the land of scenic beauty? What are some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman?




"As-salaamu alaykum", and welcome to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman. Safe and inviting, Oman will hypnotise you with its fragrant ancient souks, mesmerise with dramatic landscapes and leave you spell bound with its stories. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Oman is steeped in history and has inspired some of literature’s most famous tales. 

In this article we will show you why Oman is called the land of scenic beauty. You will discover some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman.


1. Royal Opera House


Royal Opera House, Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/500px)


2. Forts and Castles


Nakhal Fort (beautyeye/flickr)



3. Muthra



Mutrah (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

4. Scuba diving

(Thierry Rouchon/flickr

5. Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar

Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar (internationaltravllermag.com)

6. Caving



Ash Sharqiyah (pierrehaut/flickr)

7. Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

8. Musandam

Musandam (panoramas/flickr)

9. Deserts

(oman-conference.squ.edu.om)

10. Salalah

Salalah (saf eins/flickr)



11. Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar



Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar that thrive in spring/summer (timesofoman.com)


12. Wadi Bani 

Wadi Bani Khalid (andries3/flickr)

13. Wadi Darbat, Salalah

Wadi Darbat, Salalah (wajahatmahmood/flickr)

For anyone who has ever travelled to Oman, what was your favourite thing that you saw, and why? What was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there? 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

Thursday 22 January 2015

Best Golfing Escapes In Oman


Are you planning your next Golfing Escape and want to try a different destination? 


The best time of the year for Golfing in Oman is between September and May, avoiding the Kareef season. 

Oman currently has three 18-hole golf courses in Muscat which are considered some of the finest and most challenging in the region: Almouj Golf, following the outline of the dunes along the Sea of Oman; Ghala Valley Golf Course, found in the unique setting of a wadi; and Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club in a craggy terrain crisscrossed by a number of wadis, with the Hajar Mountains in the background.    

There are golf tournaments organised by the courses so have a look at their websites to keep you up to date!

If you are in the early stage of learning the game, each course also has an Academy staffed by qualified golf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the early stages.




Travelling with family is not an issue in case not all members are into golfing. The whole family can stay at one of the several 5* and boutique hotels and resorts where they can go for a spa session, enjoy the swimming pools, experience diving in Oman or go on a tour of the mountains, desert, Nizwa, dolphin watching… etc

Golfing in the Sultanate of Oman… a unique experience in a breathtaking surrounding.

Please, take a moment to leave a comment below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om                 

Thursday 15 January 2015

Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman


Natural beauty, fascinating traditions and heartfelt hospitality make Oman a country you really should get to know better. From luxurious 5-star beach resorts to sleeping under the stars in the desert, Oman’s diverse landscapes will take your breath away.


                  


Adventure seekers can explore some of the world’s largest caves, discover spectacular diving spots or simply watch the world float by aboard a dhow.

Vibrant souks sell traditional silverware, spices and Omani dresses, providing explorers with colorful impressions, and hagglers with timeless souvenirs.
  
If you still have doubts we give you the Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman:

1. 5,000-year-old traditions and culture, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 500 forts and castles. 


2. Variety of accommodation, from luxury, boutique, resorts, and spas to eco-friendly desert and mountain camps. 


3. Amazing wildlife, from Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve to flamingos in Dhofar. 



4. Real adventure, from climbing, hiking and caving to watersports, diving and kitesurfing. 


5. Diverse marine life including dolphins, turtles and whales. 



6. Unspoilt beaches, 2,000 miles of coastline and remote islands. 


Musandam beaches, Oman - Like us: http://bit.ly/OmanUK-Musandam

7. Growing golf scene, including three championship 18-hole golf courses. 



Almouj Golf, The Wave, Oman

8. Omani hospitality and gastronomy. 



9. Desert experiences, including wadi drives and oases. 





10. Non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air; daily flights with Etihad from London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester.


Still don't know where to go for your next holiday? If you need more reasons to visit Oman please see 101 Things to See and Do in Oman. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below!


Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om



Thursday 8 January 2015

Calendar Of Annual Local Events in Oman - September to November

There's so much happening in Oman all year round. Plan ahead with our monthly events calendar. 


September

Turtle Spotting

The best time of year to spot turtles nesting on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz is during September. These turtles migrate to Oman from the Red Sea and East African Coast.

Golf

Due to the climate, golfing in Oman is most popular from the months of September to May. Muscat now has three 18-hole grass golf courses, with more expected to launch in the near future.



October

Another good time to spot respiratory birds such as gulls, terns, warblers and eagles.

National Bank of Oman Golf Classic

The championship course at Almouj Golf, The Wave, Muscat is perfect setting for this promising new European Challenge tournament.


November

Dubai to Muscat Race

Each November, around three-dozen sailing yachts compete in the Dubai to Muscat Race, navigating the Strait of Hormuz en route.


Muscat Regatta

Following the Dubai to Muscat Race, the Muscat Regatta includes two days of competitive yacht and dinghy sailing, followed by a race across the waves from Muscat to Khasab on the Musandam Peninsula.


Oman National Day

Both Sultan Qaboos’ birthday and Oman’s National Day, 18 November is an important public holiday in Oman.

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om



Monday 1 December 2014

The Golf Courses Article of Your Dreams

www.ghalavalley.com
Which would be your favourite course to play golf in Oman?

Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat now has three 18-hole golf courses within easy reach of each other, with more expected to be launch in the near future. For those wanting to learn the game, each course also has an Academy staffed by qualified golf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the early stages.

The climate makes golfing most popular in Oman between the months of September and May.

Par for the Course

Backed by the Hajar Mountains, the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club was Oman’s first PGA 18-hole golf course. Natural wadis have been integrated as challenging features for play. 



www.muscathillsgolf.com

Ghala Valley Golf Club, built into a wadi, has been a popular spot to tee off since its inception in 1971. All of its 18 holes are now entirely grass. 


www.ghalavalley.com

At the Greg Norman-designed Almouj Golf, 18 holes skirt two kilometres of scenic beachfront. Floodlights allow games to continue after dark. Year-round sunshine makes all of these courses a pleasure to play in any season. 


www.almoujgolf.com

Where do you think golf will take you for your future? Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om


Thursday 27 November 2014

The Rich Cultural Heritage of Muscat

The country’s rich cultural heritage is well preserved in Muscat's many museums, including:

  • The Oman Museum, which covers 5,000 years of local history, with displays on shipbuilding, Islam and fort architecture
  • Bait Al Zubair located within a traditional Omani house, giving insight into Omani lifestyle and traditions
  • The Natural History Museum, with in-depth exhibitions of the country’s geology and wildlife; the museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and expansion
  • Beit Al Fransi, former home of the French Consul dedicated to the long rapport between France and Oman
  • Bait Al Barandah, where interactive exhibits cover 100 million years of history
  • The National Museum in Ruwi, chronicling Oman’s ruling dynasty, as well as exhibiting Omani silverwork and an 8th-century letter from the Prophet Mohammed to the rulers of Oman, inviting the local people to Islam
  • And the Armed Forces Museum, a military museum located in the 150-year old Bait Al Falaj Fort.
  • Also worth a visit are The National Gate Museum, Children’s Museum, Currency museum, Ecology Oman Centre, Turtle Museum in Ras Al Hadd and the Franklin Centre Museum in Dhofar.



Additions to the country’s museum scene include:

· Muscat’s brand-new National Museum, with displays covering Omani history from prehistoric times to the present day
·  The new Maritime Museum in Sur, Oman’s northeastern coastal town that has long been an important centre for dhow construction
·   Mawaleh, Seeb’s new Museum of Omani Dress. The brand-new project, whose goal is to conserve Oman’s colourful national dress – and thus safeguard an important part of the country’s identity – is spearheaded by the non-profit group, Centre for Omani Dress (www.omanidress.com). The museum details men's and women's traditional costume, with special sections dedicated to children's clothes and general accessories.


Not a museum, but a Muscat must-see all the same, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was inaugurated in 2001. It is renowned for its enormous hand-woven carpet (70 x 60m) and 14-m Swarovski crystal chandelier.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om