What Makes Visiting Oman So Special?

Oman isn’t the first place in the Middle East that jet setters usually think of visiting. That is a pity as this means that a considerable number of adventurous tourists are missing out on a truly special Arabian experience.

The Arab world is far from uniform, with each country possessing its own unique traditions. Oman like its other neighbors embodies that, with beautiful mosques and bazaars you’d expect from the region with a touch of its own style and history.

Find out now why visiting as a tourist Oman is so special. This article explains the best things to see and do in the country whilst traveling and what you should prepare before arriving in Arabia.

Oman Travel Checklist

Before you start planning and booking your flights it’s important to make sure that you have all the essentials you might need for the trip figured out before you get to Oman. Remember to have the following items prepared before you set off:

• A valid Oman Online Visa
• Lightweight cotton or cashmere clothing (ideally garments that can cover the arms and legs)
• Good quality hiking boots
• Sandals
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if you are traveling from or have recently been in an affected area)
• Sunglasses
• Enough Omani Rial notes to last for the duration of your trip
• A three-pin UK-style power adaptor

What to See and Do on a Visit to Oman

There’s plenty to see and do when exploring Arabia’s easternmost country. It is a land filled with unique experiences and there’s an abundance of activities that tourists to the nation should be sure not to miss.

Embrace the Colour and the Atmosphere

Oman is an incredible place to experience the Middle East. It is a land of ornate whitewashed buildings adorned with beautiful blue and green tile mosaic, combined with spectacular natural landscapes. For photographers or Instagrammers, there are plenty of great sights to snap.

For a real taste of the Middle East, visitors are highly recommended to pay a visit to a traditional Omani souk. These huge markets, sometimes covering square kilometers in size are awesome places to find local handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and other souvenirs.

Bathe in the History of the Arabian Peninsula

Oman is a superb place for anyone with an interest in history. The country is home to around 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and there are many other antiquities to explore. The most important historical sites include:

• Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn archaeological sites: Ancient settlements dating back to 3000 BCE.
• Bahla Fort: An incredible fortification dating back to the 12th Century.
• The Land of Frankincense: A group of important sites that glimpse back at the bygone Frankincense trade that Oman once dominated.
• Qualhat: An ancient Omani city dating back to the 11th Century.

Explore the Wildlife of the Omani Coastline

Whilst a lot of Oman is mountainous or covered by desertland, it is home to a rich variety of wildlife. Around 400 species of birds live in the country as well as larger animals like leopards, gazelles, Arabian oryx, ibex, and desert foxes, and that’s just on land.

Oman is of course a coastal country, which makes it fantastic for fans of marine wildlife. Fans of diving or wildlife spotters can potential sight sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and even whales whilst on a visit.

One of these highlights includes excursions to see baby turtles hatching during the nesting season. This is best enjoyed in the small town of Ras Al Jinz on the east coast of Oman, where visitors can observe the nesting habits of over 7 species of sea turtle.

Get a Taste of City Life in Muscat

Muscat is the capital city of Oman and it is the best place to experience the finest restaurants and some of the most important sites that the whole country has to offer. Whether you want to get to know more about the country’s cultural landscape or just enjoy the charms of city life in Oman, Muscat is your ideal destination.

Among the most important landmarks are the following:

• The Grand Mosque
• Al Alam Palace
• Al Jalali Fort
• Oman’s Royal Opera House
• Bait al Zubair Museum

Muscat itself may not be as glitzy and glamorous as Dubai or its other UAE neighbors. Yet it remains one of the best places to get a feel for the pace of Arabian life outside of bigger and more extravagant destinations like Riyadh or Dubai.

Tourists can expect a memorable experience if they visit Oman. It may not boast the hype of other Middle Eastern destinations but it has plenty to offer visitors and is a wonderful place to get to know a side of Arabia you’ve probably never seen.

Author Bio:

Daniel Moore is an experienced content writer. He is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where he shares his valuable travel tips with the audience.