Nakhal Fort, in Al Batinah governorate, offers spectacular views of the surrounding plain.
The Sultanate of Oman offers rich possibilities for every kind of tourist.
Whether you have 24 hours, three days, a week or several weeks, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience, in safety – certain of a warm Omani welcome.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the sunshine, to explore stunning mountain and desert landscapes or to savour a rich culture and long heritage, Oman can offer you a holiday to remember.
The Khor Al Batah Bridge connects the two halves of Sur.
The ideal time to visit Oman is from September to March, when the climate is a glorious 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Even during the summer months (April to September), the climate remains moderate in the Al Hajar mountains and the Dhofar region, a rarity on the Arabian Peninsula, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
If you only have time for a short visit, then exploring the capital Muscat can give you a flavour of what Oman has to offer.
Muscat is a unique blend of old and new. The city is one of the greatest examples of harmonisation of Arab traditions and modernisation, thanks to the low-lying white buildings that characterise most of its urban landscape.
Oman's mosques are striking examples of traditional architecture.
Only a short distance from the city centre, crystal clear waters and scenic, unspoilt, sandy beaches stretch out against a backdrop of the dramatic western Al Hajar Mountains that dominate the landscape of the capital.
Attractions in Muscat include historic forts and castles, traditional souqs (markets), various museums (including the prestigious National Museum), the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House. You can see an example of the cultural events on offer at the Royal Opera House by clicking here.
The capital also offers modern shopping malls, a variety of accommodation facilities, including five-star resorts and hotels, and fine dining choices, as well as golf clubs and sports facilities.
Within easy reach of Muscat, you can enjoy fishing, diving, and dolphin watching experiences, and explore wonderful sinkholes, caves and hot springs.
You can find souvenirs and intriguing gifts in Oman's souqs.
The more time you can spend in Oman, the more you will come to appreciate the richness of what it has to offer.
Like its dramatic and varied landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Al Hajar Mountains with the towering 3,000 metre peaks of Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams to the extraordinary beauty of the dunes of the Shariqayh Sands or the infinite calm of the desert in the Empty Quarter in Dhofar and Al Wusta.
The wadis of Oman are a unique feature of its varied landscapes.
In the south of Oman in Dhofar you can experience the tropics in lush landscapes turned green by the Khareef – the seasonal south east monsoon. In the very north, in Musandam, you can experience the “Norway of Arabia”, exploring picturesque fjords where sheer cliffs rise up from clear blue waters.
In many provinces of Oman you can explore its ancient heritage in cities like Nizwa, Sur and Al Rustaq, with visits to historic locations like Bahla Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site, and archaeological sites like Bat with its traces of human habitation 5,000 years ago. You can explore the rich and varied culture that finds expression in traditional handcrafts, music and dance from the mountain top villages of Jabal Akhdar to the Bedouin camps of the Sharqiyah sands.
And there’s a rich and fascinating natural heritage to explore from the oryx of the vast wildlife sanctuary at Hayma in Al Wusta, to the unique sea turtle sanctuaries on the beaches of Ras al Hadd and Ras al-Jinz , through dolphin and whale watching along the coast to the wild birds of Barka province and Masira island, not to mention the parrots of Muscat.
For the adventurous, 4-wheel drive trekking through the desert is a memorable experience.
Wherever you go, you can be assured of a warm welcome and a comfortable stay. Omanis are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, and across the Sultanate there are luxury resorts and fine dining to be enjoyed.
And for those looking for an active, adventurous holiday Oman is a vast playground. From exploring dunes and deserts in a 4WD to mountain trekking and climbing to snorkelling over coral reefs in crystal clear waters, it offers an extraordinary range of possibilities.
Photographs: Ahmed Al-Toqi
You can find out more about visiting Oman here.