The Sultanate of Oman
is a land of charm and contrasts.

Oman is a country in the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman occupies arid land at the edge of the Rub al Khali, one of the driest and least explored deserts on earth. Much of the country consists of sandy plains that are all but uninhabited. The only mountainous area is in the north, where the Hajar ranges run from the Musandam Peninsula southeastward to the coastal city of Sur. Numerous peaks rise 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1,500 to 2,100 m) above sea level; the highest reaches more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in the Jabal al Akhdar, or Green Mountains, west of Muscat, the capital.

 

The largest coastal plain is the Batinah, a narrow strip of land between the Hajar and the Gulf of Oman. A smaller coastal plain, backed by a high, rugged plateau, runs along the Dhofar coast in the south. There are no permanent rivers, only wadis, which are streambeds that are dry most of the year.

 

They occur mainly around the Hajar, in the Batinah, and in Dhofar and are the sites of most cities, towns, and cultivated areas.

 

Extremely hot weather prevails during most of the year, winter being the only relatively pleasant season. Temperatures often reach 110° to 120° F. (43° to 49° C.) and sometimes are higher. Along the coast the heat is made even more oppressive by high humidity. Little or no rain falls in Oman except in two areas: the Hajar and southern Dhofar. The Hajar ranges, especially the Jabal al Akhdar, receive 10 inches (250 mm) or more annually, mainly during winter; southern Dhofar, which benefits from the southwest summer monsoon, receives 25 to 30 inches (630 to 760 mm).

REGIONS

The Sultanate of Oman is administratively divided into four Governorates and five regions:

Governorates

Governorate of Muscat

Governorate of Dhofar

Governorate of Musandam

Governorate of Al Buraimi

Regions

Al Batinah Region

Al Dakhiliyah Region

Al Sharqiyah Region

Al Dhahira Region

Al Wusta Region

Each Governorate/Region is formed of Wilayats (totaling 61) which are further divided into Niyabats. Additionally, each Region has one or more Regional Centers totaling 12 overall.

 

ACTIVITIES

Land activities

Rock Climbing
Trekking
Cave Exploration
Desert Safari
Horse Riding
Camel Riding

Water activities

Diving
Surfing
Kayaking

Other activities

Oman Adventures
Oman Desert Express
Oman Intl. Rally
Dubai Muscat Regatta
Sinbad Classic
Biddiyah Challenge

HERITAGE

The heritage has been passed from generation to generations, the art, the culture, the folklore and the craftsmanship have to be seen. In the heart of Oman we can explore further: the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature. Some part of Oman’s rich heritage, kept alive and unchanged for generations. It may help you understand tomorrow a little better. World Heritage Sites including Bat—with its tombs dating back 3,000 years, the fort of Bahla, and the fascinating Frankincense route which commences from Dhofar and includes Al-Blaid, site of the ancient city of Zafar, Khawr Rawri, Shisr and Wadi Dukah. Many museums and galleries around the secluded and historic harbors of Muscat and Muttrah illuminate the importance of the sea and water, throughout Oman’s 5,000 year-old history.

 

DRESS CODE FOR VISITORS:

The dress code is fairly liberal in Muscat, although decency is still expected. Women should wear, for example, tops with sleeves, and skirts covering the knees or trousers. Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Swimwear should be restricted to the beach or pools.

 

NATIONAL DRESS OF OMAN

Dress for Male
A comfortable dress adapted to the climatic condition is designed traditionally for Male. The national dress is a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves called a dishdasha.

 

THE TRADITIONAL COLORFUL WOMAN’S DRESS

Omani women’s colorful dress distinguished it from their Arab Gulf neighbors by their eye-catching national costumes, with distinctive regional variations. It shows the tribal tradition particularly in the past. However, all costumes incorporate vivid colors and vibrant embroidery and decorations.

 

THE OMANI WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL COSTUME COMPRISES SEVERAL GARMENTS:

Women also wear a head shawl known by several names, wiqaya, lisso and fatqah. However, it is most commonly referred to as the lihaf. Today the Omani women wore their traditional dress for special occasions. In its place, a simple and convenient item of clothing is preferred. Women now choose to wear a loose black cloak called an abaya over their personal choice of clothing, whilst in some regions a face mask known as a burqa is still worn to this day.

 

THE FOLKLORE ART OF OMAN

In the cultural heritage of Sultanate of Oman Music plays an integral role. Traditional music is performed in groups, reflecting social ties and solidarity. A typical, music is played as part of age-old customs and traditions for religious festivities and on national as well as private occasions such as weddings, circumcisions and harvest festivals. More often the music is accompanied by dancing, singing and the recitation of poetry, which may vary in context and style from one wilayat to another.

SUR

Distance from Muscat: 335 km (interior paved road): 240 km (coastal track).
Average drive time: 4 hrs by paved road: 3.5 hrs by coastal track.
Sur, a placid sea coast town with its striking traditional dwellings is a pleasant getaway and one of the most important towns in the Eastern region. The drive from Muscat via the interior cuts through wadis and passes through the Hajar Mountains. An alternate route down the coast through the village of Quriyat is adventurous and offers fabulous views of sparkling white beaches covered with multi colored shells, deep ravines, cliffs that fall dangerously into azure seas, rocks sculpted by wind and waves and lush green wadis (river beds). The journey ends in the city famous for its dhow shipyards (and presumed home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor). A trip through Sur’s labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. From the corniche, the dhows in the harbor can be seen against the scenic backdrop of the Gulf of Oman. On the way to Sur one can stop over the fishing village of Quriyat, which was a major port centuries ago. Wadi Shab is another of the must-see wadis of this region – one of several wadis with running water throughout the year. Beyond Sur about 40 kms away lie the beaches of R’as Al Hadd and R’as Al Junayz where every year about 30,000 turtles come to lay their eggs.

 

NIZWA

Distance from Muscat – 174 km Average drive time – 1 and 1/2 hours by paved road
Nizwa, the verdant oasis city with its blend of the modern and the ancient was the capital of Oman during the 6th and 7th century. One of the oldest cities of the Sultanate, this was once a center of education and art. Nizwa has been an important cross roads at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains connecting Muscat, Buraimi, and the lower reaches of Dhofar. The Falaj Daris of Nizwa is the largest single falaj in Oman and provides the surrounding country side with much needed water for the plantations. This city is famous for its historical monuments, handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive Souq showcasing a wonderful array of handicrafts – coffee pots, swords, leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils. Nizwa fort, completed in the 1650’s, was the seat of power during the rule of the Al Ya’ruba dynasty and is Oman’s most visited National monument. A few kilometers from Nizwa lies the mysterious town of Bahla. Bahla is the home of myths and legends that have carried through the centuries. Some people today still believe that magic is afoot in Bahla and many Omanis are superstitious when it comes to talking about Bahla. This little town is famous for its pottery. The old Bahla fort with its 12 km wall is the oldest fort in Oman. The fort is believed to have been built in pre-Islamic times and is now undergoing reconstruction sponsored by UNESCO and the site is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage monuments. A short distance beyond Bahla lies the Castle of Jabreen. This massive three-storied was also built during Al Ya’ruba dynasty of the mid 1600’s. It is a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions and paintings on the ceilings.

 

WESTERN HAJAR MOUNTAINS

Distance from Muscat – 200 km (to Al Hamra) Average drive time – 2.5 hours.
Beyond Nizwa, the southern flanks of the Western Hajar Mountains can be readily seen rising over 2000 meters above the surrounding countryside Within these mountains, rugged networks of wadi channels have carved networks of dramatic canyons and caves. The most fertile of these have been cultivated by the hardy shuwawis, mountain people, who have adapted to this harsh lifestyle under the tropic sun. At Wadi Tanuf, the ever-flowing springs are tapped to produce a commercially popular brand of drinking water. In Al Hamra, 400 year-old mud houses are still standing and occupied to this day. Out along the nearby wadi at Hasat bin Sault Rock, ancient petro glyphs estimated to be over 3000 years old lie in wait. Rock climbers will want to test their mettle on the stony crags of Jebel Misht while antiquarians will want to visit the mysterious Beehive Tombs of Bat.

 

SUMAIL GAP

Distance from Muscat – 75 km Average drive time – 45 minutes
The only natural pass through the northern jebels traces the trail of the old Silk Route caravans as they carried their goods from the Far East to communities of the interior. Follow the paths taken by Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta to Fanja, the traders’ crossroads, and the towns of Bid Bid, Sumail and Al Khobar, replete with castles and fortifications. On the far end of the Gap just past Izki is the verdant plantation town of Birkit Al Mawz (which translates “pool of bananas”). Indeed, from the ridge above the town the spreading forest of dates and banana trees give the impression of a deep pool. From this ridge you will see why Birkit Al Mawz is known as the “rainbow city,”. The rocks frame the old quarter like a rainbow.

 

SOHAR

Distance from Muscat – 230 km (by highway)Average drive time – 2 hours
Sohar, a seaside city, was the capital of Oman many centuries ago and legend has it that it was named after the great grandson of Noah (of the Bibical flood). Originally known as Majan (Persian-Mazoun), the city’s name alludes from early ship building activity. The word “ma-gan” means ship’s skeleton or chassis stemmed from its copper deposits in the mountains of Majan. Sohar belongs to the fertile Batinah coast region, and is arguably the most verdant city in Oman and the drive to Sohar from Muscat along the coastal highway passes through thick plantations of dates, mangoes, limes, bananas, vegetables and fodder crops. The Sohar Fort built around the 1st century AD is one of the major landmarks of this city. Built on a hilltop this fort has five impressive towers and is the only Omani fort that is whitewashed.

 

IBRA

Distance from Muscat – 150 km Average drive time- 1 and 1/2 hours
The Gateway to the Eastern region of Oman, Ibra, in the past, was famous for its fine horses and horsemen. A unique feature of Ibra is the “Wednesday Souq” run entirely by women. On the far side of Ibra lies Al Mansfah village, a community of mansions once owned by prosperous merchants of the 19th century during the reign of Said the Great. With the decline of Said’s commercial empire these once stately mansions fell into ruin.

 

NAKHL- RUSTAQ LOOP

Distance from Muscat – 120 km Time taken to reach – 1 and 1/4 hours
From the Batinah Coast to the west of Muscat along the base of the jebels are several key towns of special interest. Further along the coast is the Jazir Sawaidi. Closer to the mountains lie the majestic fortresses of Nakhl, Rustaq and Al Hazm restored by the government and preserved as national treasures.For those bent on trekking, there are many wadis running through the foothills and mountains, many of them with running water. Wadi Abyadh is ideal for picnicking, while Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Hajir, Wadi Haylayn and Wadi Bani Kharus offer challenging trails for those keen on cannoning.

 

SALALAH

Distance from Muscat – 1030 km Average drive time – 12 hours by road, (1 hour by flight) Nestled in the southern region of Oman, Salalah has the benefit of the annual Indian monsoon: locally known as the Khareef. This monsoon, which extends from early June to mid September, transforms the countryside into a veritable garden with tumbling waterfalls and meandering streams. The Khareef season is a good time to visit Salalah. In July and August the government plays host for the annual Khareef Festival, a cultural highlight of the season.

 

Salalah is steeped in myths and legends that date back to biblical times. In the Jebel Qara can be found the tomb of the Prophet Ayoub, better known as Job of the Old Testament. In Khawr Rhori lie the ruins of the palace reputed to be that of the Queen of Sheba. In the surrounding countryside on the flanks of the jebels grows the Boswellia sacra better known for the sap it produces: Frankincense To the north of Salalah is the region known as the Nejd. This is a barren desolate area that is actually the southern fringe of the R’ub Al Khali. Here you find sweeping sand dunes and parched wadis. Lying 175 km north of Salalah is the remote village of Shisr. Here in the early nineties, with the help of satellite imagery from the space shuttle, explorers found what they believe to be the lost city of Ubar. Called by T. E. Lawrance (of Arabia) as the “Atlantis of the sands”, Ubar was once considered to be the trading centre for frankincense before it was buried in the rising duneswas a gift to the baby Jesus came from Oman as the Boswellia sacra tree grows nowhere else. For most of the year, the unspoiled beaches of Salalah are ideal for scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing and diving. The marshy khawrs along the coast line are sanctuaries to a broad variety of migrating birds turning the region into a bird watchers paradise.

 

But during the summer Salalah is easily Oman’s coolest destination to visit during the Khareef with its crisp unpolluted air, cool misty clime, high rolling seas and leafy ambiance. Less than half an hour’s drive from Salalah is Ain Razat, a picnic spot with springs, hills, gardens and streams. Nearby is the equally resplendent Ain Sahanawt. Seventy kilo- meters east of Salalah lies Mirbat, famous for Bin Ali’s tomb (Bin Ali was revered in the early days of Islam as a sage and holy man.). Taqah, 36kms from Salalah is a picturesque, quaint village. The fort at Taqah goes back several hundred years and is well stocked with authentic decorations and appointments.

 

Rising high above the coast is the Jebel Samhan plateau, the highest point in Dhofar at 1800 meters. Here you can find the hanging valley of Wadi Dirbat which is impressive in full flood. Further into the jebels is Tawi Attir (the hole of the birds), a natural sink hole over 100 meters wide and 250 meters deep. Nestled in a hidden valley is the Baobab Forest with huge bulbous trees, one tree over 2000 years old and 30 feet in diameter at its base.

 

To the west of Salalah are many stretches of beautiful beaches. One of the most popular of these is Mughsayl where you can find unusual blow holes in the rocky shelf close to the shore. These holes display dramatic bursts of water and foam sometimes reaching 50 feet in the air. Further to the west close to the Yemen border lies the town of Rakhyut and is a pleasant spot for picnic and swim in the ocean.

Falaj Daris in the Dakhliyah Region

Falaj Al-Khatmeen in Niyabat Barkat Al-Muz near Nizwa in the Dakhiliah Region.

Falaj Al-Malki in the Wllayat of Izki in the Dakhiliah region.

Falaj Al-Mayser in the Wilayat of Rustaq in the Batinah region.

Falaj Al-Jeilah in the Wilayat of Surin in the Sharqiya region.

 

CASTLES

Al-Jalali Fort perches on top of a rock on the eastern side of the old harbour of Muscat, overlooking the majestic Al-Alam Palace. Its name is thought to be derived from the Persian name Jalal.
The fort was originally built in the early 16th century by the Portuguese captain Melkior Calaca, with more fortifications and towers being added towards the latter half of the century.

 

MOSQUE

GRAND MOSQUE

Opened in May 2001, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a splendid architectural achievement. This serene building rises above the surrounding area, its minarets standing tall against a background of mountains in a landscape which is quintessentially Omani. However, it is not just a triumph of architecture but symbolizes the faith of the Omani people and the supremacy of Islam in the country. The mosque is actually a complex consisting of an Islamic Studies Centre, a 3-storey library with 20,000 volumes, a meeting and conference hall to seat 300 people, in addition to two prayer halls. The main musalla (prayer hall) has been designed to hold over 6,500 worshippers, while the women’s musalla can accommodate 750. The outer paved courtyard holds another 8,000 and there is additional space in the interior courtyard and passageways, making a total capacity of up to 20,000 worshippers.

 

OTHER MOSQUES IN OMAN

ASH-SHAWATHENAH MOSQUE

Located in the traditional neighbourhood of Al-Uqr in Wilayat Nizwa, the mosque is also known locally as Al-Qeblatayn Mosque Its mihrab (niche) was built in 1529 and is 4 metres high and three metres wide. Numerous scholars, writers and intellectuals studied here.

 

AL-MAZARE’AH MOSQUE

Located in Mazare’ah in Wilayat Samael, the mosque boasts a simple beauty and outstanding inscriptions. Its mihrab was built in 1567.

 

AL-AALI MOSQUE

Located in the old town of Manah, this mosque is an example of early architecture and basic ornamentation. Its mihrab was built in 909 and has a height of 4 metres and a width of more than 2.5 metres.

 

AL-KABEER (GRAND) MOSQUE

Located in the village of Al-Hosn in Wilayat Bahla, the mosque’s mihrab was built in 1511 and exceeds six metres in height.

 

AL-JAME’A MOSQUE

A unique architectural gem constructed in the 11th century (Hijri), the mosque is located in Wilayat Jaalan Bani Bou Ali in Ash-Sharqiyah region. This beautiful mosque is distinguished by its unusual design comprising 52 domes. It was recently renovated but not structurally altered.

 

NAKHL MOSQUE

One of the oldest mosques in Wilayat Nakhl, it was renovated in 1586, and remained unchanged for over 400 years. In 1991, the mosque was reconstructed to comply with modern architectural standards.

 

MUSEUMS

Natural History Museum, Armed Forces Museum, National Museum Omani Museum, Children Museum, Omani-French Museum, Bait Az-Zubair Museum, Bait Al-Baranda Museum, Oil and Gas Museum, Salalah Museum, Sohar Castle Museum, Muscat Gate Museum.

 

HANDICRAFTS

SHIPBUILDING

Sure is the Shipbuilding yard of Gulf, where you can experience a first-hand impressive craft of ship building. Building large ships is no longer practiced; only boats and small ships such as sanbook are currently being produced. Several professional shipbuilders now make miniature models of the various old Omani ships that once graced the waters of the Sultanate. A small naval museum has been set up for interested visitors showcasing the history of ship-building in the region.

 

THE POTTERY & MINING INDUSTRY

In addition to other unique handicrafts the pottery industry in Oman is considered one of the oldest and most important traditions. Archaeological discoveries have revealed that potteries were active throughout Oman during the fourth millennium B.C. The Omani pottery industry shows its influence coming from the pottery of Samurai’s, Siraf and Yemen, where Islamic crafts flourished. Oman’s Silver Mining industry is an ancient trade Practiced for many centuries throughout the Sultanate, Centered primarily in Nizwa, this business is widespread and can be found in Muscat, Muttrah, Salalah, Ibri, Bahla, Rustaq and Sur.

 

THE SPINNING AND WEAVING

The important source of wool is Goats and Sheep it is not only considered a vital source of food in Oman, but also a Wool is sheared from the sheep, cleaned, carded and spun to make threads which are used in their natural colors or dyed with traditional natural dyes. The wool is used by the Bedu to make tents, rugs, blankets and saddlebags in a variety of traditional designs depending on the region. The mountain villages of Jebel Akdar are also famous for their weaving of colorful carpets. Goat hair is combed from the goats and felted to make the shoes.

 

PALM-FROND WEAVING

A wealth of approximately eight million varieties of palm trees is found in Oman. The leaves are stripped from the tree and used by skilled craftsmen to manufacture a host of household objects such as ropes, baskets, birds cages, pergolas, mats, fans and fishing cages.

KUMMAH EMBROIDERY

The origin of Kummah embroidery is unknown so far. However, what is known is that this sophisticated head dress is unique in that and is made only by women to be worn only by men. The intricate openwork and embroidery is painstaking and precise work and designs are innovative and individual.

 

THE DELICIOUS OMANI HALVA MAKING

A distinctive Omani sweetmeat the Omani halwa, made from starch, eggs, sugar, water, saffron, ghee, cardamom, nuts, and rosewater, the latter usually brought from Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar. The special Ebri Halva made out of Got meat is famous for its medicinal value. The ingredients are mixed in specified proportions and normally cooked in a large pot called Al-Mirjal, for not less than two hours with continuous stirring. The halwa is served in honor of guests and on special occasions.

 

THE FAMOUS ROSE WATER DISTILLATION

The Green Mountain of Al Jabal Al Akhdar situated approximately 150 km from the capital city of Muscat, is one of the Sultanate’s most distinguished tourist destinations. March, April, May, the heights of the mountain, particularly the villages of Al Shareejah and Seiq, are overflowing with rose pickers. The height of the rose picking season is April. Roses are picked at two intervals of the day, early morning when the rose’s open and early evening, as the sun begins to set. The process of distillation is a long and hard task, continuing throughout the day and as well as into the night, the perfume of the rose water wafting through the narrow lanes of the villages

 

TRADITIONAL SOUK (SHOPPING MARKET )

THE MUTTRA SOUK

Muttrah Souk is the most famous traditional souk in the country and the oldest in the Capital Area. Rambling over a large area behind the Muttrah Corniche the souk is a paradise for souvenir-hunting tourists. Entering the souk, you feel transported into an Arabian Nights fantasy, albeit a slightly modernized one. Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and antiques jostle for space with electronic products, fashion accessories and toys. A cornucopia of exotic sounds, smells and flavors assails the senses in bewildering yet exciting profusion.

 

THE NIZWA SOUK

In the heart of Nizwa, at close proximity to its towering fort and imposing mosque, is the famous souk of Nizwa. A leisurely walk around the souk allows you to experience a taste of life in Oman outside the capital where a traditional Omani lifestyle still exists. There are various local artifacts for sale, such as antique rifles, pottery, old wooden chests, silverwork, and frankincense. In the silver souq, silversmiths can be seen hammering patterns into the hilts of khanjars.

 

THE SALALAH SOUK

Salalah city is the largest city in Dhofar governorate and has a number of specialized and well-stocked popular markets that extend along the main streets The most prominent markets are: the Central Market, Gold Market, Fort Market and Al Haffah Market. You can also find a variety of miscellaneous textiles, clothing, gold and silver jewelry, and other traditional products, in addition to some restaurants and coffee shops.

 

THE MAJOR SHOPPING CENTERS

• Sabco Centre Located in Qurum Commercial District
• Khamis Plaza Located in Qurum Commercial District
• Jawharat Al-Shatti Located in Shatti Al-Qurum
• City Plaza Located in Al Khuwair
• Capital Commercial Centre Located in Qurum Commercial District
• Al-Sarooj Complex Located in Shatti Al-Qurum
• Al-Harthy Complex in Qurum
• Al-Bahja Centre Located in Seeb (Al-Mawalih Roundabout)
• Al-Araimi Complex Located in Qurum Commercial District
• Muscat City Centre Located in Seeb
• Khimji Megastore Located in Ruwi
• Al Araimi Located in Qurum
• Markaz Al Bahja Located in Seeb – Al Mawaleh

MOUNTAINS

• Jabal Harim
• Al-Jabal
• Al-Akhdar
• Jabal Shams A
• l Sawadi
• Misfat Al Arabiyeen
• Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz
• The Islands

 

MOUNTAINS

Khawrs and springs of the Dhofar, Muscat Beach, As-Sawadi.

 

WADIES

Wadi Darbat, Wadi Al-Hoqain , Wadi Bani Auf, Wadi Fida, Wadi Dhiqah, Wadi Tiwi, Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid

CAVES

Teiq Cave, Al-Merneif Cave, Razzat Cave, Ettein Cave, Al-Hoota Cave, Majlis Al-Jin Cave

 

LAGOONS

• Khawr Ouqad
• Khawr Al Baleed
• Khour Al Dahareez
• Khour Al Maghseel
• Khour AlQurum AlSagheer and AlKabeer
• Khour Roori
• Khour Souli
• Khour Taqah
• Khour AlRisagh
• Khour AlBateh
• Khour Grama
• Khour AlHajar
• Khour Khuwair
• Khour Qurayat
• Bandar AlKhairan
• Al-Ansab Lagoons

SALALAH TOURISM FESTIVAL

Each year the natural phenomena of the monsoon season in Salalah casts a magical spell on visitors from far and near. Although the Salalah Tourism Festival (formerly known as the Khareef festival), along with others were introduced as part of the monsoon specialties in the previous years, the authorities thought it fit to launch a carnival and shopping festival this year to further enhance the khareef attraction. Towards the end of June right away through to the end of September, the Khareef (monsoon) season sweeps over the Southern part of the Sultanate dropping temperature to and below 23°C. As the monsoon rains nourish the region of Dhofar and the mystical fog hangs ominously over the land, resulting in some of the world’s most stunning natural scenery. Upon the arrival of the month of July, Salalah Tourism Festival Rolls into town to delight the city with oodles of family fun in the form of cultural, traditional and modern artistic shows, all encased in an ambiance of cordiality and hospitality.
This amalgamation of idyllic weather and man-made celebrations leave visitors content that they have experienced something truly unique.

BIRD-WATCHING SITES

Qurum Natural Park with its rich variety of resident birds in their natural habitat is another easily accessible location. However, Al-Ansab Lagoon is undoubtedly the best place for bird watching, not only in the Muscat area but probably in the entire Sultanate. Outside the Capital area, birding locations abound from Musandam in the north to Dhofar in the south.In Musandam eagles are to be found in large numbers. Masirah Island in A’Sharqiyah region is the home of thousands of birds especially in winter. Species to be seen here include Flamingoes, Seagulls, terns and herons. Dhofar is a paradise for birds, particularly African species.

 

THE EXITING DOLPHIN AND WHALE

From Musandam in the north and all the way down to Dhofar in the south of the Sultanate Many dolphins can be seen in close proximity to the coast. Humpback and Orca whales can also be found in the waters of Oman, albeit less frequently than dolphins. Fahal Island is a good site to spot dolphins in their hundreds roaming around or following the tuna. Species often found are Spinner, Common and Bottlenose dolphins. Orcas have also been reported playing around the island. Traditional Omani fishing boats fully equipped with all necessary safety equipment are normally used for Dolphin watch trips. Trips are usually arranged in early morning and at sunset.

 

THE MAIN NATURAL RESERVES IN OMAN

• Arabian Oryx
• Marine Turtles Nature Reserve
• The Al Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Al Saleel Natural Park
• Jabal Smhan
• Wadi Sareen Reserve
• The Khawrs of Dhofar

ENTERTAINMENT

• Qurum Natural Park
• Al Naseem Public Park
• Riyam Park
• Kalbou Beach Park
• Al Wadi Al Kabeer Park
• Al A’merat Public Park
• Quriyat Lake Park
• The Park of A’Seeb Beach
• Al Sahwa Park