Oman Holidays

Where is Oman? On the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman shares borders with the United Arab Emirates to the north-west. The Musandam peninsula is an exclave separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, which juts into the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

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Capital culture Muscat, the capital of Oman, is at the centre of a strong traditional culture. Picture-perfect 16th-Century forts protect the Old Quarter’s 500-year-old walls and pearl-embossed swords stand stately in the Bait Al Zubair Museum. As they have done for centuries, locals head into the souks to trade as the scent of rosewater coffee with a side of Omani dates wafts from the gilded foyers of hotels.

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Fjord-like Musandam Separated by the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, Musandam is perfect for thrill-seeking adventures with rock climbing, canyoning, hiking, sea kayaking and scuba diving just some of the activities available. Alternatively, opt for a more sedate experience with a cruise on a traditional dhow cruise around the stunning Musandam khors (fjords) as you try to spot the bottlenose and spinner dolphins that frequent these waters. 

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Desert oasis Set in a desert oasis and encircled by the Western Hajar Mountains and sprawling date plantations, the former capital of Nizwa is one of the Sultanate’s oldest cities and once an important trade and religious centre. Nizwa has a buzzing souk where you can haggle for silver works, spices and dates or local handicrafts. 

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Beaches If you prefer to snorkel and sunbathe, you’ve a choice of beaches from Al Qurum in Muscat, one of the most beautiful and popular in Oman; and Bandar Jissah, a resort just outside of the capital city of golden sands, bright blue seas and coconut and banana plantations. Between the months of July and October, loggerhead, leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles come to Oman’s beaches to lay their eggs.

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Multi-centre holidays You could contrast the traditional sights of Oman with the splendid isolation of the Maldives, or choose to continue the exotic feel with a stay on the spice island of Zanzibar. You could even explore more of the UAE and visit one of the lesser-known emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah, or experience the dynamic ambitious nature of Dubai.

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Shopping You’ll find both international and high street brands in lavish malls in Muscat but the real adventure lies in shopping in the traditional souks. Muttrah is the most famous of these, filled with a maze of tiny alleys with stalls selling everything from jewellery to wooden handicrafts and Arabian perfumes to decadently embellished textiles. In Nizwa and Salalah you’ll also find captivating souks, with the latter known for its famous Dhofari frankincense. And while the shopping malls may be filled with well-known brands, it’s the supermarkets that are a highlight, where you can pick up Yemeni honey, huge jars of dates, exotic spices and sandalwood soaps.

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