guide on discovering oman

Oman is an Arab nation which is located on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is a stunning amalgamation of ancient traditions and modern ideas. Kind-hearted, helpful, and law-abiding people add up to make this country a must-see place. Here's a guide on Discovering Oman.

Fortresses depict the realms when enemies use to hustle the territories. Its architecture is worth stopping and admiring. Unlike any other country on the Gulf Coast, the elegance of the emerald beaches, the rich Arab past of the ancient forts, the lush green mountains, the unique wildlife, and endless deserts will give you an Arab adventure. You'll find local bazaars or souks packed with handicrafts and Oman's most- popular commodity, Frankincense. 

PLACES TO VISIT IN OMAN, TRAVEL GUIDE BOOK

The below-mentioned are some of the major places to visit in Oman

Muttrah Souq, Muscat

The Muttrah Souq is a traditional market on the Muttrah Corniche in the Muscat Governorate and includes many small stores selling Omani items, such as colorful fabrics, traditional clothing, silver and gold jewelry, and souvenirs. Many people visit the Mutrah Corniche only to visit the Souq which housed under modern timber roofing and represents the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

This Mosque is one of the most elegant and extravagant modern mosques in the world.   This great iconic structure in the Arab world took six years to construct. It is a mixture of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles. Despite these things, there are few surprising facts that will make anyone visit this mosque regarding its design, interiors, and architecture like Mosque features the world's largest Chandelier and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

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Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Sur

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is located in Ras Al Hadd in eastern Oman. It is a natural habitat for endangered green turtles, with about 20,000 females returning every year to lay their eggs. Including the wonderful beach, sparkling waters, and golden sands of Ras Al Jinz, you will also enjoy watching the turtles dig their nests and lay eggs, and even see the small turtle hatch and then back to the shore. The reserve organizes turtle tours in the early morning hours.

The National Museum, Muscat

The National Museum, officially opened in Muscat in December 2015, highlights the history and culture of Oman. Covering an area of 13,700 square meters (147,466 square feet), it comprises  14 permanent galleries – including Oman and the World, Maritime History, and the Splendors of Islam – all of which feature large electronic displays that bring the exhibited craft to life.

Majlis Al Jinn, Muscat

Majlis al Jinn, which means "Meeting Place of the Spirits," is one of the ten largest cave chambers in the world. It is located in Oman, southeast of Muscat, and is notable for its isolated and relatively inaccessible position. Tiny openings created by rainwater erosion at the top of the remote Selma Plateau that forms the peak of the magnificent freestanding dome roof of the cave are the only entrances to Majlis Al-Jinn.

Musandam Beaches

Musandam is rich in modern architecture as well as serene beaches. It's a popular destination for scuba divers because of the clear waters and the amazing facilities it offers. Surrounded by rugged mountains and turquoise bodies of water, this Omani peninsula is guarded by two gulfs, the Iranian and the Omani. Rich in Arab culture, combined with that of Iran, Musandam is also rich in ethnicity.

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Rub Al Khali

If you love desert landscapes and dunes, the world's largest continuous sand desert is the place to visit. Situated in western Oman, Rub 'al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter, covers parts of the UAE, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. The desert has rare biodiversity, with an area of 650,000sqkm (250,966sqmi), and is considered to be the most oil-rich area in the world. 

Wadi Damm

Another splendid valley is Wadi Damm, also spelled as Wadi Dhum or Wadi Dham. The wadi's rocky formations are particularly fascinating, as their features are varied. Some are big and rough and others are smooth. Others have lines that are distinct, while others have holes. It also has sparkling water baths, rendering the wadi for outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful escape from nature.

Royal Opera House, Muscat

In the Royal Opera House Muscat, which opened in 2011, the distinguished Omani architecture resembles a palace. It is situated in the region of Shatti Al Qurum and is the capital city's main venue for musical arts. It also hosts foreign performances alongside Omani creations.

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SOME SPECIAL MENTIONS OF OMANI CULTURE

•  Frankincense- You'll note a strange smell in the air of Oman.  It's their ancient  Frankincense tradition. This serene fragrance yields the Land of Frankincense. It has medicinal qualities as well.
•  Rosewater-Used mainly for the preparation of Omani halwa, a savory which is typically eaten after a meal. Roses are harvested in large amounts as the main food ingredient, producing rosewater.
•  Bakhoor- Another aromatic material that is an essential part of the Omani lifestyle. It is a mix of woodchips such as sandalwood and attar, which are oil-soaked.
• Craftsmanship- Craftsman work with silver, wood, copper, silk, leather, and clay. Daggers are a national icon and a good choice for souvenirs. Some of the things craftsmen showcase in souks in Oman are traditional mabkharas, incense stick stands and, antique jewelry.
•  Fishing- In other countries such as India, China, and East Africa, the Omani locals trade fish. There are also stacked souks with tuna and other types of fishes.

OMAN TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Oman opened its International borders for tourism on October 11, 2020. Foreign nationals and Omanis with valid visas can travel to Oman. There are some Oman Travel restrictions like all travelers arriving in Oman from any destination will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 96 hours of their arrival in Oman and again 8 days after their arrival. Travelers must carry their negative test results while traveling as airlines and immigration officials can request proof of this requirement. Upon arrival, all travelers arriving in Oman will have to quarantine for seven days. 

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TRAVELING TO OMAN AS A WOMAN

Oman is a perfect destination for a woman traveling alone because there's almost no crime here. Men and women keep their distance in public, which means that you won't have to worry about pickpockets, being robbed or harassed by men, or other problems.

If you feel like visiting and exploring beaches and markets at night, you can take someone from your group or your tour guide along with you. Most places are safe at night, especially the well-lit areas or places around local women. 

CONCLUSION

Oman is a land of various tourist attractions that one should definitely explore. This article acts as a guide on discovering Oman. You can book some of the best online travel guides and enjoy your stay there. Make sure you follow all the Covid-19 laws and restrictions.