SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Showing posts with label Oman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oman. Show all posts

Friday 18 December 2015

Glamping - A Luxurious Version Of Camping

The trend of glamping – a luxurious version of camping – has hit Oman



Are you thinking about a different type of accommodation? Wondering what it's like to go camping in Oman?




Many people like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life with its pampered lifestyle and go camping to break the routine of their lives.


With its open wide spaces, the Sultanate of Oman is a paradise for outdoor activities. - CLICK TO TWEET


The Sultanate of Oman has a wide range of fascinating accommodation options: from luxurious 5-star beach resorts and boutique hotels to sleeping under the stars in the desert. Oman's diverse landscapes will take your breath away.




Among others, Desert Nights offers sumptuous, en-suite tented cottages dotted through the dunes, along with plenty of opportunities for sand boarding, exploring the desert by 4WD and camel rides. Hud Hud Travels sets up glamorous desert camp sites, complete with plush beds, private chefs and bonfires under the stars. 1000 Nights Camp tempts with an open-air swimming pool and guided stargazing tours. Eco-friendly mountain top camp The View is as tranquil as it is exquisite.




In addition to the camps created for tourists around Oman, visitors are allowed to pitch their own tents. Lovers of the natural environment and outdoor life can choose to camp in some truly remarkable locations. 

The laws of the country impose no restrictions in this respect, so you can camp wherever you like: near wadis, in the mountains, on the beach or in the desert. The only requirement is to show respect for the environment and local people. 

The ideal period for camping is between October and April, but even in the summer pleasant temperatures and astounding views can be found on high ground, such as the Sayq plateau and the peaks of Jabal Shams. 




What's your idea of camping? Would you consider Oman as your next destination?

Please, take a moment to leave a comment below.



Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 9 December 2015

6 of The Best Destinations for Spa & Wellness in the Sultanate of Oman

What is your aim when traveling? Do you look for getting healthy and keep fit in your spare time?

If you are looking for a place for wellness, that's a noble goal - one that many people make when traveling to Oman. In this article, we'll show you 6 of the best destinations for Spa & Wellness in the Sultanate:


#1: Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar - Muscat, Oman

A hidden retreat set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery just fifteen minutes from the Sultanate's capital of Muscat, the luxurious Shangri - Las's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa expresses the welcoming heritage of Oman.



#2: Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Husn - Muscat, Oman

The 180 rooms and suites at Al Husn are among the largest and most luxurious in Oman, with an inviting decor inspired by royal Arabian palaces, accented by authentic Omani artworks.




Whether your plans include adventure, rejuvenation or pure relaxation, Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa offers an  enticing array of activities for both adults and young people.


The setting of the indigenous village style accommodations and private marina is dramatic, with mountains on one side and a 1.6 - kilometres sandy beach at Zighy Bay on the other.



#5: Millenium Resort Mussanah 

Newly opened, Zayna Spa at Millenium Resort Mussanah boasts 11 spacious treatment rooms, including one indulgent couples' suite and Oman's only Ayurveda facility, Hammam, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and ladies lounge overlooking the private Marina.



#6: The Chedi, Muscat, Oman


For those that want to maintain their fitness regime or simply want to stay active during their stay, there is also a modern and well-equipped gym. The Spa combines dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors.


Oman provides the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying your chosen treatment and offer a blend of traditional and new therapies which are designed to promote a better balance between mind, body and spirit.







---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 4 December 2015

10 Absolutely Breathtaking Pieces Of Oman


Natural beauty, fascinating traditions and heartfelt hospitality make Oman a country you really should get to know better. From luxurious 5-star beach resorts to sleeping under the stars in the desert, Oman’s diverse landscapes will take your breath away.

In this article, we'll show you 10 absolutely breathtaking pieces of Oman: 

#1: A hole in the mountain running into the sea



#2: Abandoned Village Birkat Al-Mawz 



#3: Al Hazm Fort in Rustaq


#4: Amazingly beautiful Yiti beach near Muscat



#5: Boats in small harbor near Sadh, Dhofar region



#6: Dhow in Musandam Gulf of Oman



#7: The Corniche in Muscat



#8: The village Bilad Sayt, Oman



#9: City gate in Muscat



#10: Sunset in Al Hajar Mountains




Non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air; daily flights with Etihad from London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester



Still don't know where to go for your next holiday? If you need more reasons to visit Oman please see 101 Things to See and Do in Oman. 


Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below!


  Beauty has an address ~ Oman  





---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 20 November 2015

18 Stunning Legendary Forts In Oman That You Need To See




Do you want to know what's it like to visit a Fort, in Oman? Wondering what are the most impressive ones?

Each fort in Oman has distinctive engineering and architectural features that make it a physical challenge and an education to visit today. Be prepared for plenty of climbing up and down steps in your exploration of these enormous structures. In this article, we will show you 18 Stunning Legendary Forts In Oman That You Need To See


Al Mirani Fort

Al Mirani Fort lies in old Muscat and overlooks the Sea of Oman. It is also known as Al Gharbiya Fort as it commands a view of a high rocky hill at the end of the west wall. It can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs carved into the rock.

Some say that the fort’s name was originally "mirante", a Portuguese word meaning "Admiral", while others say that the fort was named after a Persian leader by the name of “Miran Shah".

At the base of the hill a large dock was built, and visitors can only view the castle from the outside.



Al Jalali Fort

Al Jalali Fort lies in old Muscat and overlooks the Sea of Oman. It is also known as the Ash Sharqiya Fort. Some say that the fort’s name origin is "Al Jalal", meaning "great beauty", while others say the name is that of the Persian leader “Jalal Shah".


The fort consists of two towers connected by a wall punctuated by holes for cannons. The building is completely isolated and cannot be accessed from its rocky façade; instead there is a small bridge and stairway ending at one of the holdouts for safe exit. Visitors can only view the castle from the outside.




Mutrah Fort

Located on top of a rocky, narrow hill, Mutrah Fort stands tall facing the sea and inhaling the winds that waft the fragrant memory of ships gone by, ships that once sailed these azure waters.


The fort seems as if it were the only passage connecting Mutrah and Muscat. Currently, it consists of three circular towers: a huge one sitting on the summit and the remaining smaller two are located one at the first point in the West, and the other, which still houses one of the old cannons, to the north of the fort near the large tower. Visitors can only view the castle from the outside as it is currently undergoing renovation.




Nakhal Fort

Nakhal Fort is one of the most prominent historical monuments in the Sultanate. It derives its name from the Wilaya itself. The fort lies amidst palm orchards in Wilayt Nakhal in Al Batinah South Governorate. It is an entrenched building that rises above a rocky hill at the base of Mount Nakhal in the northeast of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain).

The fort, also called Husn Al Heem, lies 120 kilometres from the capital Muscat and is located at the entrance of Wilayt Nakhal in Wadi Ar Raqeem.

This fort’s architecture does not follow a particular pattern, as it was designed around an irregularly shaped rock. You'll find that some rock parts become part of the building. This can be observed in some towers, particularly on the fort’s western side.


The construction of the castle dates back to the pre-Islamic era.



ArRustaq Fort


ArRustaq Fort lies in Wilayt ArRustaq in Al Batinah South Governorate  . It was originally built in 1250, but was reconstructed to its present state during the reign of the Al Y`aribah in the sixteenth century. It consist of two floors, in addition to a ground floor, and houses residences, weapon stores, reception rooms, gates, a mosque, a prison and water wells. ArRustaq Fort has four towers: The Red Tower, The Wind Tower, The Devils Tower and the Modern Tower.



Sohar Fort

Sohar Fort is considered one of the most important castles and forts in Al Batinah North Governorate due to its outstanding location and the significant role it played over past centuries. This fort dates back to the end of the thirteenth century and beginning of the fourteenth century. Archaeological excavations carried out fort confirmed that it was completed in the fourteenth century.


Sohar Castle is an eminent historical landmark. The building’s current features were built during the rule of the Portuguese. Currently, the fort includes a museum, opened in 1993, that showcases many archaeological and historical aspects of Sohar City as well as other places in the Sultanate of Oman. The museum also highlights the important role played by the copper trade in this city and its relationship with the city of Canton in China, in addition to various artefacts found during archaeological excavations inside the fort and other locations in Oman.


Nizwa Fort


Nizwa Fort is one of the oldest forts in Oman and lies in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. It has a unique large round shape. Its height reaches 24 metres, with an outer diameter of 43 metres and an inner diameter of 36 metres. This fort has seven wells and multiple openings for stationing the fighters defending the fort. Nizwa Fort was built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Y`aribi in the middle of the seventeenth century. It was this imam who expelled the Portuguese from Oman. The fort, which took 12 years to build, is linked with a castle by means of intricate corridors. Near the fort and castle is the traditional Nizwa market famous for its artefacts.




Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort lies in Wilayt Bahla in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. Since 1987, its name has been included in the World Heritage Sites List. Bahla Fort includes: Bahla Oasis with its traditional souks, old alleys, ancient mosques, and its wall that extends over a distance of approximately 13 kilometres and whose construction dates back to the pre-Islamic era.

Originally, Bahla Fort was built in the third millennium BC. The length of its South façade is about 112 kilometres, while its eastern façade is about 114 metres. 

It is evident that the Bahla Wall, which extends over a distance of 12 kilometres, with its terraces, apertures for opening fire and guardhouses, was designed for defence purposes.



Al Fiqayn Fort

Al Fiqayn Fort lies in Wilayt Manah in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. It consists of four storeys through which the visitor can see the old quarters and surrounding farms. Al Fiqayn Fort is located in the centre of Al Fayqayn Village, characterised by its unique architectural design.


Prevalent in Wilayt Manah is the Al Matek bush which is used in manufacturing indigo colour, used in old times to dye clothes and to extract some traditional anti-toxin medicines. Wilayt Manah has made the Al Matek its logo.



If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday 9 November 2015

Crossing the Empty Quarter: Be Part of the Adventure.

In 1930, one Omani and one British explorer made the first ever recorded crossing of the Rub Al Khali desert. Now that 1,000 kilometre journey across the largest sand desert in the world is about to be repeated for the first time.





About the Expedition

In 1930, a small team of men, guided by Omani Sheikh Salih bin Kalut Al Rashidi al Kathiri, led British explorer Bertram Thomas on the first recorded crossing of this magnificent but dangerous landscape.


Challenged by the unknown, they walked for nearly 1,000 kilometres from the coast of  Oman, through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the coast of Qatar.


Now, 85 years later, another team of Omanis is taking on the challenge – leading British explorer Mark Evans across the same stretch of desert.

About the Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter, or Rub Al Khali, is one of the hottest, driest, most inhospitable and loneliest places on earth. Covering some 650,000 square kilometres of the Arabian Peninsula in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen and UAE – an area of sand bigger than France, Belgium and the Netherland combined, it is the biggest sand desert on earth.

Temperatures can climb above 50 degrees Celsius in the summer, and it is not unusual to drop below zero degrees in the depths of winter. Annual rainfall is less than 30mm, and enormous star dunes, some of them almost 1,000 feet high slowly drift across an enormous bed of gypsum and gravel plains, steered and shaped by the winds associated with the high-pressure weather systems that dominate the region.

Team

Mark Evans

Mark Evans, 54, has lived in the region for twenty years. A fellow of the Explorers Club of New York, and The Royal Geographical Society in London, in 2009 Mark set up Outward Bound Oman. Over a period of 55 days in 2001 he kayaked the entire 1,700 km coastline of Oman, from Musandam to Yemen, and in 2004 he set up the University of the Desert, which is Oman’s gift to UNESCO, using the power of the desert environment to foster intercultural dialogue between young people from western and Arab cultures, for which he was awarded the MBE in 2011.

Mohammed Al-Zadjali


Mohammed Al-Zadjali is 32 years old, and comes from Al Musanah, near Muscat in Oman. He is training manager at Outward Bound Oman/Tahaddi, the only Outward Bound school in the Arabic-speaking world. Mohammed spends much of his time instructing and leading groups of young people, and corporates, on challenging outdoor journeys to help develop the key skills of leadership and communication, to enhance their employability and improve their performance. To commemorate the Empty Quarter journey, Mohammed’s first son, born earlier this year, was named after Sultan Taimur.

Amour Al-Wahaibi

Amour Al-Wahaibi, 38, is both part of and at one with the desert. Born in a small Bedouin community in the northern end of the Sharqiya Sands in Oman, he still lives in the same area where he has raised his seven children, many of whom now help him with his work as a desert guide. Whilst wanting the best of what modern education can provide, Amour is still hopeful that his children will remain living in the sands, where he wants them to enjoy the freedom and lifestyle that is difficult to find in the town and city. Amour bakes the most amazing bread under the fire in the sand, and seems to be able to walk and ride from dawn til dusk without stopping.

For more information, please visit the expedition’s website at   crossingtheemptyquarter.com
Further details: Facebook page at facebook.com/CrossingEQ,
Twitter at twitter.com/CrossingEQ
Instagram competition at instagram.com/CrossingEQ.

Download the official mobile phone application ‘Tahaddi Arabia’ on Android and iOS devices
#CrossingEQ will be used by the official accounts to share details about this historic crossing. 

If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 8 October 2015

Family Traveller Awards 2015 winners announced



Taking place at London's highest viewing platform at the top of the tallest building in Western Europe, The View from The Shard, The Family Traveller Awards 2015 revealed the results of the public and panel votes on Tuesday night. An incredible 26,000 readers voted and a shortlist of 200 nominations across 18 categories was created. 

The Oman Ministry of Tourism is delighted to have been included in such a list - The Best Long Haul Destination category and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winner, Mauritius.



The full winners list including the highly commended and shortlisted companies is available to view here: 
http://www.familytravellerawards.com/




Oman attracts many visitors, every year, from the UK and Ireland with its variety of accommodation. The wealth of experiences on offer varies from the opulent to the adventurous, glorious golden sands and water sports. Observe whales, dolphins, birds… the variety of attractions and activities are endless. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Oman you are assured that all senses will be sated. The holiday of a lifetime awaits!

Want to learn more about Oman? Watch this video: 





If you want to discover more about the Sultanate, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Friday 2 October 2015

12 Most Colorful And Vibrant Souqs In The Sultanate Of Oman

 

Wondering where the best places to shop in Oman are? Want to know about some of the most interesting tourist attractions in the Sultanate?




Souqs in Oman hum with an energy that has been handed down the centuries. 

In this article, you'll discover the 12 most colourful and vibrant souqs in the Sultanate of Oman:

#1: Mutrah Souq
One of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic and allure. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!



#2:  Al Hafah Souq
Al Hafah Souq lies 3 kilometres from the city of Salalah in Dhofar Governorate. It is surrounded by lofty coconut trees and is the perfect place to buy the best kinds of gum and incense, not only in Dhofar, but also in the Sultanate.




#3: Al Husn Souq
Characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner.

#4: Ar Rustaq Souq
Built in Wilayt Ar Rustaq in Al Batinah South Governorate, Ar Rustaq Souq is one of the most popular markets in the Sultanate. From the small hours of the morning this market becomes a hub of activity where various goods are traded such as traditional industries and crafts like silver, blacksmithing, palm leaves, folk remedies, various agricultural crops, in addition to a famous courtyard for selling sheep and livestock frequented by citizens from Al Batinah region’s various states.

#5: Sohar Handicrafts Souq
Located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. Built in the style of Arab-Islamic architecture, Sohar Handicrafts Souq was inaugurated in 1999 with a view to encouraging artisans and to preserve Oman's traditional handicrafts. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres and the souq houses under one roof various Omani traditional industries and handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (Halwa) and traditional weapons.

#6: Ibri Souq 
An important landmark and an active economic and tourism centre. It is the most prestigious and largest souq in A'Dhahirah Governorate, built adjacent to Ibri Castle in the Eastern Province. Characterised by its specialised sections such as gold and silver shops, popular Arab supply shops and a dedicated area for the sale of animals. 

#8: Nizwa Souq
This souq lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts.

#9: Bahla Souq

Bahla Souq is a short distance from Bahla Fort. It has many traditional industries like making daggers and copper artefacts, in addition to Omani sweets (Halwa). This Souq is famous for its active commercial activity.

#10: Al Mintarib Tuesday Market

Every Tuesday of the week in Wilayt Badiya in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate (Eastern Region). This souq overflows with handicrafts made by Badiya villagers and adjacent areas, where the visitor will find small treasures made of gold and silver, as well as daggers, swords, textiles, objects made of palm leaves, leather goods, in addition to agricultural, meat and fish products. The souq is open only from six to ten in the morning.


#11: Ibra Wednesday Market
Every Wednesday of the week in Wilayt Ibra in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate - dedicated to women only. Every week, women head to this market to buy all they need. It is open from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

#12: Sinaw Thursday Market
Is held every Thursday in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate. It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts. This market runs from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

A journey of discovery awaits you in this welcoming land at crossroads between Asia, Africa and Western civilisation. Enjoy all of the marvels of this unique setting, the ideal gateway to Arabia.

If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 28 August 2015

‘Twelve Days in Oman’ video by Marko Roth

 


‘Twelve Days in Oman’ video by Marko Roth classified as nothing short of exceptional as he delivers the very best in visual storytelling…

Despite having only launched his travel site in 2015, Marko Roth is quickly becoming known as an internet sensation. Inspiring and educating people all over the world, he encourages them to experience remarkable cultures as he delivers the very best in visual storytelling. 

On a recent 12 day visit to Oman, Marko and his friends have beautifully encapsulated the true essence of Oman’s culture, showing authentic details, spirits and emotions, through a short four minute video that has been nominated for National Geographic’s Short Film Showcase.

No words are necessary to accompany Roth’s phenomenal cinematography, as he has flawlessly blended breathtaking scenes of the rugged mountains, deserts, souks and markets with time lapses of the night skies and footage of the new coastal road winding its way through the mountains.

One of Roth’s true talents is his ability to tell a story from behind the scenes, perfectly capturing Oman’s soul as created by the natives as the purity of their lifestyle and livelihoods, trades and traditions shines through.


The Short Film Showcase for which the video has been nominated classifies ‘Twelve Days In Oman’ as nothing short of exceptional and affirms National Geographic’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet.

Watch it here: 



If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Written by: Oman Tourism UK. Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

----------------------------------------------------------------------