Oman

Are you interested in learning the ancient habits and traditions of the Arab peninsula and discovering how life was like in these lands before the economic boom?
Also referred to as ‘the last bastion of unspoiled Arabia’, Oman is the perfect country where to safely experience authentic Arab culture. If you’re interested in history and eager to visit ancient fortresses; if you want to spend a day swimming in the relaxing crystal blue waters of an oasis; or, if you are simply craving a few nights camping on the sandy dunes of the desert, then a holiday in Oman is the perfect fit for you! Unlike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the sights and sounds of your Oman holiday will not be overshadowed by record-breaking skyscrapers but rather, the simple and ancient architecture of these lands. Oman has indeed cherished and protected its ancient sites and as a consequence, you will be able to visit many of its fortresses situated in the heart of the desert as well as its several little villages anchored to the rocky mountains. But there is much more than just sandy deserts to experience during your Oman journey! Travel to Oman and swim in the Arabian sea, climb mountains up to 3000 meters high, and most importantly, learn the traditions and habits of a culture that is widely unknown to the Western population. 
Nizwa Bahla Fort in Ad Dakhiliya, Oman. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

 

 

Omani Mountains at Jabal Akhdar in Al Hajar Mountains, Oman at sunset. This place is 2000 meters above sea level.

 

Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arab peninsula, Oman is a land dominated by the desert. It’s indeed one of the few countries in the world with no rivers. However, there are several watercourses with seasonal flows, called wadis, that form fresh oases in the middle of the desert where you will be able to swim. The capital, Muscat, is situated in the northeast of the country where the mountain chain of Al Hajar, with peaks of over 3000 meters, blends with the Arabian sea. Apart from a few big cities, Oman is characterized by its ancient small villages, the most picturesque are: Misfat Al Abriyeen, Kumzar Village, and Balad Sayt. The country is also home to more than 500 ancient fortresses and the most known can be found in Nizwa, Jibreen, Nakhal, and Khasab. 

Nakhal, Oman: Storm coming to the medieval Arabian fort of Nakhal, Oman, Arabia. Walls, palm trees, and mountains in a haze.

But what’s the best time to travel to Oman? Of course, Oman is a very warm country, with the average temperature during the winter being higher than the average temperature on a typical UK summer. Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching the 50-degree celsius, so try to avoid traveling to Oman from June to September. The best period to visit the country is between November to March when temperatures are around  27 °C to 19 °C during the day. But beware, in November the risk of cyclones on the coast of the Arabian Sea can be high!  

Close-up of the traditional Omani Halwa dessert

Oman cuisine is heavily based on meat and fish. Here you will be able to try some local specialities such camel biryani, camel meat cooked with rice and vegetables. If trying camel meat is a bit too much for you, you can still order Majboos, a similar version with chicken, usually served with yoghurt or green salad on the side. If you prefer fish, you can’t miss Mashuai, grilled kingfish served with a savoury lemon sauce. In terms of sweets, you can try the typical Halva, a dessert made of sugar, honey, rose water and eggs. Of course, throughout the day you will also be offered the local coffee, Kahwa, served with cardamom and dates on the side.

Nizwa, Oman: Omani men in traditional outfits resting and drinking coffee

The typical clothes worn by Omani are quite conservative. Men tend to wear a colorful hat called Kuma and a simple white tunic called dishdasha. Women typically wear a colorful dress with matching trousers, called sirwal. Bear in mind that Oman is an Arab country and that pieces of clothes that show too much skin may not be appropriate. On average, activewear is always a good choice. If you’re visiting Oman during the winter, bring light clothes for the day and a jacket for the night. If you’re visiting during the summer make sure to bring with you loose-fitting clothes made with natural material and something to protect yourself from the strong sun. 

Money/ currency Oman – Rial 

The currency of Oman is the Omani rial. One Omani rial is approximately 1.80 pounds. Oman can be quite expensive so make sure to bring enough money with you. First and foremost you need to take into account that public transport in the country is almost nonexistent. This means that, unless you’re going to stay in a resort, you will either have to rent a car or move around with a taxi, which can be expensive. Moreover, there are no hostels in the country, and prices for hotels range from affordable to expensive. In other words, unless you’re planning to camp outside every night, a trip to Oman is never cheap. 

Arabic alphabet texture

The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely understood and road signs are often in both languages. If you’re staying in Muscat or the second biggest city in the country, Salalah, you shouldn’t worry too much. Even if you are trying to communicate with a person who doesn’t understand you, you will surely find someone nearby who knows English and will be happy to help. Anyway, trying to learn a few basic words or sentences in Arabic, such as ‘thanks’, ‘sorry’, ‘good morning’ and ‘goodbye’ is always a good idea! Other languages spoken in the area are Balochi, a form of Arabic typical of Iran, and Urdu, the primary language used in Pakistan.

The goat auction in the Nizwa livestock market is one of the major events happening every Friday. Participated by old Oman nationals in their traditional dress, caps, Arabic kandoora

Omani is extremely welcoming people and they will always do their best to make sure their guests are comfortable. Daily life in Oman revolves around two main buildings: the mosque and the local market. But remember that here the division between the sexes is very present. Both markets, called souq, and mosques have different sections for women and men. The Muslim religion is at the core of everyday life and the days are marked by praying times. Make sure to visit some mosques, such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque during your stay. The market is another fundamental social space in Oman. One of the most ancient markets can be found in the city of Sinaw where bedouins bring their own animals, such as camels and goats, to sell. 

Oman passport

But let’s talk about some practicalities! If you have a UK passport you will be able to travel within Oman for a period of up to 10 days, however, if you wish to stay longer, you will have to apply for an online visa. The process of applying for an eViza is very fast and it will only take 24 hours to receive approval. During the online application, you will be asked questions such as passport details, travel itinerary, and your education level. In order to apply, you will need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a recent digital photo, and your email address. The eVisa will be valid for six months and it will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days. Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to issue a visa request on arrival so make sure to get one before your departure.

2 round plug

It should also be pretty straightforward to charge your electrical devices as Oman uses type C and G outlets. Lastly, if you are planning to rent a car remember that in Oman cars drive on the right side of the road.

Why travel to Oman?
Nizwa Bahla Fort in Ad Dakhiliya, Oman. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

 

 

Location and Geography
Omani Mountains at Jabal Akhdar in Al Hajar Mountains, Oman at sunset. This place is 2000 meters above sea level.

 

Situated on the southeastern coast of the Arab peninsula, Oman is a land dominated by the desert. It’s indeed one of the few countries in the world with no rivers. However, there are several watercourses with seasonal flows, called wadis, that form fresh oases in the middle of the desert where you will be able to swim. The capital, Muscat, is situated in the northeast of the country where the mountain chain of Al Hajar, with peaks of over 3000 meters, blends with the Arabian sea. Apart from a few big cities, Oman is characterized by its ancient small villages, the most picturesque are: Misfat Al Abriyeen, Kumzar Village, and Balad Sayt. The country is also home to more than 500 ancient fortresses and the most known can be found in Nizwa, Jibreen, Nakhal, and Khasab. 

Climate and weather
Nakhal, Oman: Storm coming to the medieval Arabian fort of Nakhal, Oman, Arabia. Walls, palm trees, and mountains in a haze.

But what’s the best time to travel to Oman? Of course, Oman is a very warm country, with the average temperature during the winter being higher than the average temperature on a typical UK summer. Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching the 50-degree celsius, so try to avoid traveling to Oman from June to September. The best period to visit the country is between November to March when temperatures are around  27 °C to 19 °C during the day. But beware, in November the risk of cyclones on the coast of the Arabian Sea can be high!  

Cuisine
Close-up of the traditional Omani Halwa dessert

Oman cuisine is heavily based on meat and fish. Here you will be able to try some local specialities such camel biryani, camel meat cooked with rice and vegetables. If trying camel meat is a bit too much for you, you can still order Majboos, a similar version with chicken, usually served with yoghurt or green salad on the side. If you prefer fish, you can’t miss Mashuai, grilled kingfish served with a savoury lemon sauce. In terms of sweets, you can try the typical Halva, a dessert made of sugar, honey, rose water and eggs. Of course, throughout the day you will also be offered the local coffee, Kahwa, served with cardamom and dates on the side.

Clothing and Dress
Nizwa, Oman: Omani men in traditional outfits resting and drinking coffee

The typical clothes worn by Omani are quite conservative. Men tend to wear a colorful hat called Kuma and a simple white tunic called dishdasha. Women typically wear a colorful dress with matching trousers, called sirwal. Bear in mind that Oman is an Arab country and that pieces of clothes that show too much skin may not be appropriate. On average, activewear is always a good choice. If you’re visiting Oman during the winter, bring light clothes for the day and a jacket for the night. If you’re visiting during the summer make sure to bring with you loose-fitting clothes made with natural material and something to protect yourself from the strong sun. 

Currency
Money/ currency Oman – Rial 

The currency of Oman is the Omani rial. One Omani rial is approximately 1.80 pounds. Oman can be quite expensive so make sure to bring enough money with you. First and foremost you need to take into account that public transport in the country is almost nonexistent. This means that, unless you’re going to stay in a resort, you will either have to rent a car or move around with a taxi, which can be expensive. Moreover, there are no hostels in the country, and prices for hotels range from affordable to expensive. In other words, unless you’re planning to camp outside every night, a trip to Oman is never cheap. 

Language
Arabic alphabet texture

The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely understood and road signs are often in both languages. If you’re staying in Muscat or the second biggest city in the country, Salalah, you shouldn’t worry too much. Even if you are trying to communicate with a person who doesn’t understand you, you will surely find someone nearby who knows English and will be happy to help. Anyway, trying to learn a few basic words or sentences in Arabic, such as ‘thanks’, ‘sorry’, ‘good morning’ and ‘goodbye’ is always a good idea! Other languages spoken in the area are Balochi, a form of Arabic typical of Iran, and Urdu, the primary language used in Pakistan.

Culture
The goat auction in the Nizwa livestock market is one of the major events happening every Friday. Participated by old Oman nationals in their traditional dress, caps, Arabic kandoora

Omani is extremely welcoming people and they will always do their best to make sure their guests are comfortable. Daily life in Oman revolves around two main buildings: the mosque and the local market. But remember that here the division between the sexes is very present. Both markets, called souq, and mosques have different sections for women and men. The Muslim religion is at the core of everyday life and the days are marked by praying times. Make sure to visit some mosques, such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque during your stay. The market is another fundamental social space in Oman. One of the most ancient markets can be found in the city of Sinaw where bedouins bring their own animals, such as camels and goats, to sell. 

Passport & Visa
Oman passport

But let’s talk about some practicalities! If you have a UK passport you will be able to travel within Oman for a period of up to 10 days, however, if you wish to stay longer, you will have to apply for an online visa. The process of applying for an eViza is very fast and it will only take 24 hours to receive approval. During the online application, you will be asked questions such as passport details, travel itinerary, and your education level. In order to apply, you will need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a recent digital photo, and your email address. The eVisa will be valid for six months and it will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days. Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to issue a visa request on arrival so make sure to get one before your departure.

Electricity & Plugs
2 round plug

It should also be pretty straightforward to charge your electrical devices as Oman uses type C and G outlets. Lastly, if you are planning to rent a car remember that in Oman cars drive on the right side of the road.

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MEET THE Oman EXPERTS

If you are looking to book a holiday to Oman or needs some help and advice planning travel to Oman then contact one of the UK based independent travel agents that specialise in Oman itineraries.
Christopher

Christopher Stolland

Waterloo Travel

07970 449756

chris@waterlootravel.co.uk

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