Traveling to Oman: A hidden gem

Oman may not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of where to go on holiday, but maybe it should be. As a travel destination, the country has so much to offer, but unlike its neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, it remains largely undiscovered by tourists and has kept its own traditional character.

What to See in Oman

The Arabic Kingdom of Oman is a land of high mountains, pristine coastline, lush oases, and rolling deserts. Cities like Muscat boast intricately designed mosques and scenic esplanades, while the relaxed atmosphere of rural fishing villages harks back to a simpler time.

There are a number of places in Oman that are well worth a visit. From natural wonders like the canyons and pools of Wadi Shab to the impressive architecture of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the country has something for every traveller.

Some of the best places to visit are as follows.

Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is the most easily accessible city as well as the largest. It has a much more relaxed atmosphere than other major cities in the region like Dubai. Muscat’s skyline is not dominated by skyscrapers or neon lights, but by minarets, medieval forts, and other low-rise buildings.

The Muttrah Corniche waterfront promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants overlooking the picturesque harbour, where luxury yachts float alongside traditional fishing boats.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Muscat Royal Opera House feature stunning Islamic architecture, while travellers who want to experience real Omani culture can visit Muttrah Fish Market or buy local crafts from the old Muttrah Souk marketplace.

Wahiba Sands

No visit to the Arabian Peninsula would be complete without seeing the desert. Wahiba Sands has undulating sand dunes as far as the eye can see—some as tall as 100m.

What’s more, you can explore this golden wilderness by car. Taking a ride in a 4×4 up and down the dunes, known as “dune bashing”, is a 40-minute roller coaster ride through nature.

Al-Mughsail Beach

The South of Oman has various white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters. Al-Mughsail Beach, located around half an hour’s drive from the city of Salalah, is a perfect example.

Al-Mughsail Beach is framed by mountains and greenery, dotted with frankincense trees.

It is usually quiet, sometimes completely empty apart from the odd camel passing through.

Diana’s Point

High in the Jebel Akhtar mountains is a ledge named for Princess Diana, who once visited the site. Diana’s Point offers spectacular views over Oman’s mountains, rocky valleys, and ancient terraced farming villages.

Diana’s Point is found within the grounds of the new Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar 5-star resort, so guests staying here can enjoy this special vantage point.

When to Go to Oman

Oman is 82% desert. The interior is hot and dry, while the coastline is more humid, but still far from cold, with mean summer temperatures in Muscat being around 33 °C (91.4 °F).

For visitors who wish to avoid the most extreme heat, November to February is the best time to visit. October, March, and April are also fairly bearable.

Travellers heading to the south of Oman may wish to put up with the heat of the period from June to September for the monsoon season. This may sound like an uncomfortable time to visit, but the moisture generated by monsoons causes the mountains and coastline to bloom with tropical vegetation, creating a picture-perfect landscape.

Is Oman Safe for Tourists?

Oman is arguably the safest and most stable state in the Middle East. It has no conflicts with neighboring countries and has no history of terrorism (the impact of terrorism in Oman is ranked as “0” on the Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace).

The crime rate is fairly low and serious crime is downright rare. As in most major cities and tourist destinations, visitors have reported incidents of pickpocketing and petty theft, so it is advisable to be vigilant of your belongings.

How to Get to Oman

Muscat International Airport serves the country’s capital and provides the easiest way for international travelers to arrive in Oman. There are domestic flights from Muscat to other Omani cities, including Salalah, Sohar, and Khasab.

Oman has no rail system, but public buses connect the main cities and provide a convenient way to get around them.

The best option for getting around Oman is hiring a car and various international car hire chains (such as AVIS, Budget, and Thrifty) have set up shop in the country for this purpose. Four-wheel drives are recommended for exploring off-road—in the Omani desert, for example.

Foreign nationals (with the notable exception of citizens from fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries) will have to obtain a visa to enter Oman.