Oman Travel Guide: Everything you Need to Know before Travel
Oman is located in the southeast part of the Arabian Peninsula and has a coastline that runs from the Straits of Hormuz in the north to the border of Yemen towards the southern part of the peninsula. It is surrounded by three seas: the Arabian Gulf, The Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.
Because of its strategic location, Oman has had a long, robust, and diverse background.
First to profit from this was the Portuguese, who held Muscat for 143 years from 1507 until 1650. They also were in charge of Mombasa, Zanzibar, and other areas along the coast north of Mozambique.
Omanis began to push for power in the 1690s, ultimately winning in 1979, when 1979 the Al Said dynasty came to the throne. They still rule until the present day.
Zanzibar was a highly useful property because it was the heart of the slavery market during this period. This was why at the turn of the 19th Century, the Imam, who was then in Muscat, Sai’id ibn Sultan, constructed impressive gardens and palaces in the area. The conflict between the Sultan’s two sons prompted the British to intervene, ultimately leading to one son inheriting Zanzibar, and the second son being the inheritor of Muscat and Oman.
Oman, as today, was at the time a divided state. The coastal regions include the capital city Muscat and the inner (known informally as Oman), which provides for Jebel Akhdar, the Al Hajar mountains, and Jebel Akhdar. The Treaty of Seeb, signed in 1920, brought the country closer.
Between 1932 and 1970, the country was in a period of isolation and internalized into a system that could be described as feudal. It was a status quo until the bloodless coup of Qaboos bin Said removed his grandfather Sultan Said bin Taimur. Following the coup, Sultan Qaboos was able to open up Oman and began reforms, as well as modernization plans. In 1970, slavery was also banned.
Today, Oman is a major oil producer, and its economy still depends on oil exports. Tourism is overgrowing, and there is hope that it will soon become one of the most important sectors in the country.
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What To Do in Oman?
Oman provides visitors with a fantastic contrast of mountains, deserts, and beaches, as well as all the amenities of modern-day bustling cities.
There are plenty of possibilities to explore and learn because of its varied nature and colorful heritage. Musandam, located in the north, has magnificent Fjords, and in the south, it has a stunning desert, sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and lush vegetation.
Below are a few suggestions that could tempt you to stay away from the shore for a day:
Explore the Dunes
Drive from Muscat and head to Wadi Bani Khalid, where you can see huge caverns and pools of water. From there, you can drive toward The Wahiba Sands and enjoy time playing in the 4×4 on the dunes.
Sultan Qaboos Great Mosque
There is no way that an excursion to Oman could be not complete without a visit to this magnificent structure.
Wakan Village
Go for a drive around Barka to witness Barka’s Fish Souq. From there, you can travel toward the pure waters of Thowara Spring. Ultimately, make your way towards Wakan Village, one of the most stunning mountain villages with breathtaking views.
Nizwa
Around a 1 1/2 hour drive away from Muscat is the city of the ancient origin of Nizwa. The city, which is surrounded by palm plantations and mountains, is dominated by the Fort, which was constructed during the seventeenth Century to protect the city’s importance as a trade route.
Jabal Shams
Explore the Jabal Shams with a 4×4 vehicle. Jabal Shams. Jabal Shams is the highest point in the Hajar mountain range and part of the Omani Grand Canyon.
Dhow Cruise to Musandam
Take the traditional Omani Dhow in Khasab and head to the sparkling aquamarine waters in Musandam. Discover conventional fishing villages along the shoreline. Stop to take a snorkeling trip and swim.
The historical Dhofar
Begin your journey in Salalah and then travel to the former fishing village of Taqah and then visit Taqah Castle, the formal official residence of the Wali (Governor). Continue to Sumharam, the easternmost outpost of the route of the ancient incense. Mirbat, the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Dhofar, is the next stop and the starting point of the Frankincense route. The final stop you will make is the natural source from Ayan Razat.
Qara Mountains and the Tomb of the Prophet Job
Explore the windy and steep roads through the Qara mountains. You can also explore the burial site of the prophet Job situated in the lush mountains that make up the Salalah Plains. Return to sea level, and visit the beaches of Mughsail, where one can take in the water at high tide as it blasts through the natural titanic Blow Holes.
Best Time to Visit Oman
Muscat, as well as the Musandam peninsula, share similar temperatures all through the year. Salalah, located in the southwest of the country, gives travelers a completely different experience due to its rainy season (Khareef) throughout the summer months, making the temperature less hot than the hot summer temperatures that are common across the country.
January and February are the months with temperatures more chilly during this time, and you can anticipate the occasional rain shower.
The temperatures of March, April, and May are beginning to climb into the lower 30 degrees. However, humidity levels are still low.
June to August – the temperatures of Muscat and the Musandam peninsula are incredibly humid and hot, frequently exceeding 35 degrees. In Salalah, temperatures are cooler when the khareef is fully flowing, likely around 30 degrees. However, the humidity levels are still high.
September temperatures remain extremely scorching in Muscat and on the Musandam peninsula but warmer in Salalah.
October, November, December, and October temperatures fall and then return to about 30 degrees. December is likely the coldest month in Oman, with temperatures in the lower 20s and nights more chilly.
How to Reach Oman
Oman Air is the main airline of Oman. London Heathrow operates daily flights to Muscat at approximately 7 hours.
The region is Musandam (Khasab), located in Oman’s northern province of Oman, which is a brief flight away from Muscat (about 1 hour). It is also accessible via vehicle from Dubai.
A flight between Muscat to Salalah takes approximately one and a half hours. There are direct flights available from certain different Gulf countries.
Oman Travel Tips
Entry Requirements
Visas are required to enter Oman. As of the 21st of March 2018, they are getting a visa upon arrival is impossible. Instead, travelers to Oman are required to request a visa before the date of their travel.
Visas can be obtained via the new E-Visa processing system https://evisa.rop.gov.om/home.
Furthermore, your passport must be of at least six months of validity starting from the time of entering Oman.
Medication
Note that some prescription and over-the-counter medications are prohibited in Oman. Contact your physician or health professional before traveling to get guidance. Omani’s Ministry of Health can also provide advice.
If you’re traveling with any medication, make sure you have a copy of your prescription.
Currency
The currency used in Oman is called the Omani Rial (OMR). In addition, there are 1000 Baisas per Omani Rial.
1 OMR is about PS1.80.
Dress Code
It is advised that travelers to Oman must be covered in knees and shoulders in all instances when they leave the boundaries of the hotel.
If you choose to go to the mosque, you must dress completely.
Religion and Language:
Arabic is considered to be the primary language of Oman. English is also spoken widely. It is possible to find signage in Arabic and English, particularly in and near tourist spots.
Oman is an Islamic country that is a majority follower of Ibadi, the Ibadi School of Islam.
Note that it is illegal to share a hotel room with someone of the opposite gender to whom you’re not married or close. Homosexuality is also prohibited in Oman.
