10 Reasons to Visit Oman Now

With the boom in tourism, Oman is changing rapidly. The Sultanate of Oman is steeped in history, rich in culture, and blessed with natural beauty with mountains, desert, and ocean. Located in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, Oman is stable and safe to visit. Here are 10 reasons to go now.

The Tourism Industry Is Growing Rapidly

Oman's tourism board is investing $35 billion over the next 25 years and aims to increase the number of hotel rooms by 40%, which means the country's vast mountains and beaches, with almost no travelers, will probably be much busier. Now is the time to go for anyone who wants to see the country relatively untouched.

Tropical Salalah is like another World

The lush, tropical south of Salalah is a world apart from the rest of Oman. This relatively unknown area only opened its international airport at the end of 2015. But with palm-fringed beaches, misty banana plantations, and a beautiful natural landscape – all fueled by a great summer monsoon (the khareef) – the secret won't last long. Hire a car to get around - taxis are notoriously expensive for tourists.

The Traditional Souks Are Great

There's nothing quite like strolling through a Middle Eastern souk. The air is rich and fragrant with perfumes and oils, as vendors offer silks, spices, colorful scarves, and simple crafts amid the bustle. Head to the historic town of Nizwa to buy honey, dates, curved silver daggers, and even goats, all in the shadow of a nearby fortress.

Baby Sea Turtles Hatch Here

Thousands of sea turtles migrate from the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf to Oman every year, laying their eggs on the country's coasts. In fact, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve on the far eastern tip of Oman is one of the world's most important breeding grounds for the endangered green sea turtle. Peak breeding season occurs during the summer and fall, and visitors can experience this moving event on an evening tour or overnight package to Ras Al Jinz. Be sure to leave the camera at home - flash photography hurts turtles' eyes and is not allowed.

The Capital of Muscat Is a Cultural Dream

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is elegant and increasingly cultural. History buffs can discover jewelry and other artifacts in the 14 galleries of the newly opened National Museum of Oman. Then there is the unmissable Sultan Qaboos Mosque, a highlight of the city that is best visited early in the day. Be sure to dress conservatively. For something a little different, the Royal Opera House hosts classic Western shows such as Vivaldi's West Side Story and Four Seasons, as well as regional productions and Omani music.

Shuswap, a traditional Omani dish, involves taking a piece of meat (often lamb), marinating it in spices, wrapping it in banana or palm leaves, and slowly cooking it in an underground furnace for 24 hours. The result is juicy and firm, with the meat falling off the bone. Six Senses Zighy Bay, a five-star resort located in the north of the Musandam Peninsula, offers an upscale version to its guests. For a cheaper option, stop by Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant in Muscat.

Adventure Awaits In the Mountains

Home to Oman's highest peak, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), the Al Hajar Mountains offer rugged landscapes and panoramic views. There are uninhabited villages and historic towns everywhere. Scale steep gorges via Ferrata style, requiring a harness and metal rope, or hike a wadi (dry river bed) with a local guide to see old stone houses in pristine surroundings.

See the Desert like a Bedouin

Historically, the nomadic Bedouins of Oman roamed the sultanate's vast desert, camping under the stars. Today, it is possible to enjoy a more luxurious version of this experience for a number of overnight stays in the desert. Desert Nights Camp is a reliable upscale group offering 30 luxury Bedouin-style tents seven miles into the desert. Camel rides, dune bashing, and an Omani feast are all included.

The Incense Trade Is Alive and Well

Frankincense is closely tied to Oman's history, with a famous overland trade route linking Oman to Egypt possibly dating back to Pharaonic times. This rich, pungent scent is made from the sap of the Boswellia tree species, which grows abundantly in Oman's Dhofar Governorate. Travelers today can visit the ancient ruins of Sumhuram, where tons of incense were stored and traded. Or stop in the rainy and tropical Salalah to watch the Boswellia trees grow in the verdant mountains. It is here, in the exotic incense souk, that visitors can buy some of this iconic substance to take home.

Detox Only Two Hours from Dubai

While Dubai is all glitz, glamor, and over-the-top, Oman is a different story, even though it's only a two-hour drive away; Head to the Six Senses Zighy Bay for a complete beach detox. Comprised of villas, this villa is hidden behind a private mountain pass on the Musandam Peninsula. Wellness takes center stage here, with upscale 'East meets West' spa and restaurant menus including detox juices and incredibly healthy avocado chocolate dishes.

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