Oman is a land of beautiful landscape and scenery, blending the past and the present perfectly, with 5000 years of history yet with an array of modern and excellent hotels This diverse destination boasts long sandy beaches, glistening turquoise sea, remarkable rock formations and golden-yellow dunes. Covering 300,000 square kilometres, Oman sits on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, a place of fascinating colours and shapes, and away from the fabulous beaches, there are hugely rewarding excursions into its spectacular interior. Much of Oman is desert and half-day to full day to overnight desert safaris can be enjoyed; equally, its mountains are painted with a lush green palette of waterfalls, caves, and gorges with clear water pools. History is everywhere in Oman, forts, sparkling white houses and beautiful mosques dominate the skyline. The coastline in Oman is extensive and boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the world. The Omani waters are rich with hundreds of varieties of fish, colourful coral and mysterious remains of ancient shipwrecks making diving and snorkelling a must. The people of Oman are friendly and hospitable and make a visit to this country special and unique. A country rich in diverse natural beauty, with year-round sunshine and hot summer months Oman offers a truly authentic Arabian experience and ideal luxury holiday destination.
Facts
Capital
Muscat
Airport
Seeb International Airport.
Size
300,000 square kilometres
Currency
Omani Rial (£1= 0.63 Rial)
Population
The population in Oman is 2.8 million
Temperature
The hottest months are from April to September when temperatures average 40 degrees Centigrade. The Khareef season runs from July to September when the Dhofar region in the south benefits from rain and cooler temperatures. The Omani winter is pleasantly warm and sunny; it runs from October through to March when temperatures average 25 degrees Centigrade.
Local highlights
Watersports including sailing, diving, snorkelling and windsurfing. Experience the many Souqs and markets in Oman where the rich aroma of herbs and spices, frankincense and myrrh are prominent. Traditional brass, copper, clay and wooden bowls and boxes as well as a colourful array of glassware and fabric are also present here. The Muscat festival in January and February, the Salalah`s Khareef festival from mid-July until the end of August. Seafood is renowned in Omani cooking: crab, prawns, crayfish, tuna and lobster with a unique piquant flavour. In the winter months enjoy traditional Omani cuisine at an Arabian banquet where guests sit on cushions at low tables in a traditional Bedouin tent.
Getting out and about
Oman has a comprehensive system of cheap but slow long-distance shared taxis and microbuses. Road signs are written in English, as well as in Arabic, so hiring a car is also an option; private taxis, often in 4x4 vehicles, are probably the most convenient option, with drivers also acting as guides. We can arrange private excursions in advance of your arrival to Qatar. Please speak to our specialist consultants for more details.
Travel arrangements
British Airways flies daily from London Heathrow to Oman (touching down en route in Abu Dhabi). The flight time is about 9 hours.