Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the most progressive countries in the Arabian Gulf. Instead of going down the wow factor route, it has kept its strong Arabian culture during a measured renaissance under Sultan Qaboos. The capital of Muscat may have Swarovski crystal chandeliers in the Grand Mosque, but this is a working capital untouched by mass tourism. Stroll along the Grand Corniche, visit the Zubair Museum and check into the old school Chedi hotel. There’s plenty of fabulous coast to explore with sandy beaches, dolphin and turtle watches or take a jeep safari into the Wahiba Desert for a night in a Bedouin camp or visit the colourful markets in Nizwa and the 17th century fort at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. Six Senses Zighy Bay is a stunning resort located on the northern Musandam Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from Dubai. Visitors can paraglide in down the dramatic mountain behind the resort on arrival like a modern day flying carpet.

Top Accommodation

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  Six Senses Zighy Bay

  Oman

  A spectacular setting

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  1 rating

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Top Restaurants

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  Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa - Al Bandar

  Oman

  Inspired by Old Muscat.

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  Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Muscat

  Oman

  Set on the edge of 200 acres of private beach and lush green gardens with ...

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  Six Senses Zighy Bay

  Oman

  A spectacular setting

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  1 rating

  0 reviews

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  Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa - Al Waha

  Oman

  The largest of the hotels, Al Waha is known as 'The Oasis', and features some ...

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May to August is very hot and humid in most parts of Oman. The best time to visit is from late September to early April when days are warm and nights are cool.

Transport

Getting around

Oman Air has daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, and regular services to Khasab. Intercity buses serve most main provincial towns daily. Renting a car in the Sultanate is easy but not cheap. Oman has a comprehensive system of service taxis and microbuses. Drivers depart when they have a few passengers, expecting to pick up and drop off other passengers along the way; it's a very cheap way to get around providing you're in no particular hurry. You can also take a taxi or microbus 'engaged' (ie privately) by paying for all of the seats in it. Only the larger towns have a has a local bus system. Muscat's Seeb International Airport is 40km (25mi) west of the city. There are car rental agencies at the airport and taxis run on fixed meters from the terminal building or cheaper buses can be caught from the highway, 0.5km from the airport building.

Getting there and away

Europe has good air access to Oman, with flights available on most larger carriers between Oman and European capitals and other major cities. There's a departure tax of around US$5 included in the ticket price. Entering or leaving by land means travelling between Oman and the UAE as the border with Yemen is not easily negotiated by travellers. There's a daily bus service between Muscat and Dubai.