OMAN

Amid the ever-changing states of the Arabian Gulf, Oman offers a refreshing reminder of a seemingly bygone age. Overdevelopment has yet to blight its most spectacular landscapes and cultural traditions remain remarkably undiluted, making the sultanate one of the best places in the Gulf to experience traditional Arabia. Quiet stretches of coast are shaded with nodding palm trees and dotted with fishing boats. Mudbrick villages nestle amid sprawling date plantations or cling to the sides of remote valleys. Craggy chains of towering mountains are scored with precipitous canyons and rocky wadis, while the wind-blown dunes and gravel plains of the great inland deserts stretch away into the distance.

Of course, it’s not all savagely beautiful, sparsely populated landscapes. Oman has embraced the modern world, and in parts of the country the contemporary is very much in evidence, particularly in the low-key glitter and bustle of the capital, Muscat, and in the burgeoning cities of Salalah and Sohar. Despite the trappings of modernity, however, much of the rest of the country retains a powerful sense of place and past. Busy souks continue to resound with the clamor of shoppers bargaining over frankincense, jewelry and food. Venerable forts and crumbling watchtowers still stand sentinel over towns they once protected, goats wander past huddles of ochre-colored houses, and the white-robed Omanis themselves saunter quietly amid the palms.

Capital: Muscat

Best time to visit:

Southern Oman has a monsoon season unlike other Gulf countries, and this lasts from June to September.

Though you may not want to visit this particular area during the monsoons, October is a good time to visit Oman because in Dhofar everything is green and lush, and the rest of the country is pleasantly warm.

Minimum days required: 5 days

Places of Interest:

Jebel Akhdar

Balha Fort

Nizwa Fort

WadiDhaiqah

Ras Al Jinz

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Muttrah Souk

Khor Ash Sham

Al Ayn

Sur

Western Hajar

Climate:

The varied topography/geography of Oman makes its climate varied too. Muscat is hot and very humid from mid March to October, and pleasantly warm from October to March (so no cool/cold weather for you in winter).

 In Muscat, temperatures go up to 40º C and above in May and June, while in winter temperatures are about 25º C.

 In the Salalah area temperatures reach 30º C in December. But monsoons bring rain to Southern Oman (Salalah) every year from June to September. The Dhofar area is very green and lush in October.

Currency: Omani Riyal

Things to carry:

Sunglasses, hat, water bottle, sun tan lotion, modest swimsuits for swimming and an umbrella if you are visiting Salalah during the rains.

For most of the year, light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton, are best suited to Oman’s climate.

To comply with Omani traditions, it is best to avoid wearing revealing dresses or swimming costumes in residential areas.

 From December to March, a light wrap may be required in the evening.

How to get there:

Air

UK, USA, Australia, India, Egypt and other Gulf countries have flights to and from Seeb International Airport (Muscat) .