Fancy a Trip to Oman?
A Holiday In The Middle East
Fancy a Trip to Oman? Clive Greaves tells us about this often overlooked travel destination following his recent visit to this unique country. Oman is certainly an interesting holiday destination and one with a great historical past. It boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from vast desert dunes to rugged mountains and stunning coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. One thing you may or may not know is that Oman was in the past known as the “capital of frankincense”. It was a major hub for the frankincense trade – a valuable resin with both spiritual and medicinal significance. The ancient city of Salalah is particularly famous for its connection to this trade.
Today people visit not for the frankincense but for a holiday location with lots of unique experiences and definitely worth exploring! Clive tell us his experiences …
Maybe I’m naive, but I couldn’t find much wrong with Oman. True, I was only there for a short visit in November as part of an ‘Explore’ group, the sort of holiday which protects you from all sorts of evils, like talking to the locals to find your way round, but even from this limited perspective the country seems to, well, work.
So Much To See and Do In Oman
We took in Muscat, a rival in sheer cleanliness to Zurich. We drove the desert ocean road and across the Wahiba sands. We visited Nizwa, the former capital of the country, the Green Mountains and the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman.
Grand Mosque Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is home to the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Hugely impressed by the interior of the mosque which has an 8-tonne Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging in the men’s prayer room, along with the world’s second largest carpet on the floor (600 female weavers; 28 colours; 54 pieces).
Very Clean Everywhere – Apart From The Plastic
We travelled on to camp on the coast – shoreline, waves and sands were everything you could wish for until – uh oh – we came across the piles of plastic trash, which seemed to be everywhere. Yep, plastic, and the falling oil price are probably Oman’s biggest problems.
Dhow Ship Building Yard Near Sur
Close to the port of Sur we took a look at a dhow ship building yard. Dhows are traditional Omani sailing vessels that have been used for centuries in maritime trade and fishing. Visitors can still see these beautiful vessels along Oman’s coastlines. Bangladeshi craftsmen build huge ships out of teak with hammers and chisels and their bare feet as a vice are something worth seeing. These craft were the lifeblood of Oman’s trading past and Ayega, nearby, has a harbour full of them.
The wadi, which are seasonal water courses, are, along with the falaj irrigation system, the life water of the small Omani settlements where fruits, especially dates, are grown. The falaj is an ancient system of water distribution begun by the Persians and maintained by communal agreements; the branching channels are opened for a couple of hours a day to water an individual farmer’s plot, then blocked off with anything to hand: rocks, wood, piles of old clothes.
Nizwa Souk and Fort
Nizwa souk has been renovated. So has the old fort. Whilst these places have a curious ‘film set’ atmosphere, you can get what you want: frankincense, silver, scarves or an old 303 rifle from the weapons market, which consists of 3 elderly chaps sitting under a palm tree selling an assortment of rifles and traditional daggers. The Khanjar, is the traditional Omani dagger, is an iconic symbol of Omani culture. It’s often worn as part of the national dress and holds cultural significance. The fort has a very good museum, too.
Jebel Akhdar Mountain Range
Your Toyota Land Cruiser will then take you back to Muscat via the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. Translating to “Green Mountain,” Jebel Akhdar is part of the Al Hajar mountain range. It’s known for its terraced farming, cool climate, and picturesque villages, offering a stark contrast to Oman’s desert landscapes. Located above the Grand Canyon, it was once a cave system and covered in a shallow sea, as evidenced by the fossils and shells which have been found there.
Why Visit Oman ?
Lots of tourists go to Oman, and it’s easy to see why; cleanliness (except for the….plastic bottles), good infrastructure, good hotels, fantastic desert geology, friendly organisation, wicked dune bashing and extremely good public loos in the middle of nowhere make it a very attractive place to visit, especially in the latter part of the year, when temperatures have moderated.
Some Other Fun Facts You Might like to Know About Oman
Mutrah Souq: Located in Muscat, Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman. It’s a labyrinthine collection of shops offering everything from spices and textiles to traditional Omani artifacts.
Turtle Nesting Sites: Oman is home to several important turtle nesting sites, particularly the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve. This reserve provides a protected environment for endangered green sea turtles to lay their eggs.
Omani Coffee Culture: Omani coffee, called “qahwa,” is an essential part of Omani hospitality. It’s typically served with dates and holds a significant place in social interactions.
Wadi Shab: Wadi Shab is one of the most popular outdoor destinations known for its stunning natural beauty. It features turquoise pools, dramatic cliffs, and cave formations, making it a favourite spot for hiking and swimming.
Now I’m writing to the Minister for Tourism about those piles of plastic.
Article and top photo by Clive Greaves
All other photos by Jennifer Lisle
Other places in the Middle East you might like to visit include Ras Al Khaimah (which is just 1 hour 20 minutes from Dubai) and one of its top attractions, the Longest Zip Line in the World.
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