Oman compares favorably with the rest of the Gulf countries. Unlike the “sterile” UAE and closed Saudi Arabia, Oman retained its identity and was able to provide a high standard of living without becoming a stone jungle or a fully theological state.
Oman has a rich and rich history, so active excursion routes await the traveler in places where the Queen of Sheba ruled and Sinbad the Sailor set off on a fabulous voyage. Oman is ruled by a real sultan who pays a lot of attention to the environment. There are many national parks in the country where rare animals are found: the Arabian tahr, ash falcon, giant sea turtle, leopard, striped hyena. Oman is also a real paradise for divers, not inferior in the beauty of the underwater world to the Egyptian resorts.
Oman offers impeccable service of comfortable hotels, a picturesque and well-groomed urban space, comfortable beaches and interesting excursions to historical sites.
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What to see in Oman?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
It is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture in Oman. The temple was built at the own expense of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who in 1993 decided that his country needed its own Great Mosque. Construction was completed in 2001. The building can accommodate 6.5 thousand believers, while the outer area for prayer is designed for 8 thousand people.
Bahla fortress
Medieval citadel of the 13th century in the city of Bahla (the former capital of Oman). It is assumed that the Nabhani dynasty, ruling at that time, was located in the fortress. Bahla was part of the defensive line at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar mountains. In the 80s. XX century, the Omani government allocated more than $ 9 million for restoration, but the restoration work can not be completed until now.
Corniche promenade in Muscat
A very picturesque street on the shores of the Gulf of Oman in the capital of the country. The embankment is decorated with fountains, openwork pavilions, sculptures. There is the Al-Alam palace, built over 200 years ago. In the evening, the lights turn on, tourists and locals pour into the Corniche to enjoy the evening walk.
Royal Opera House Muscat
A very unusual structure. From the outside, it seems that this is a palace, the residence of the royal family or a luxurious administrative building, made in the Arab architectural tradition. But this is the place where the classical music of world composers sounds. The Opera House is surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens and a gourmet restaurant.
Jalali and Mirani forts
This is the old port area of Muscat city. The forts were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. For 60 years, they have been their main base and location. After the expulsion of the Portuguese invaders, the Omanis rebuilt some of the structures and are still using them for military purposes. Therefore, the entrance to most of the territory is closed for tourists.
Al-Alm Palace
Royal Palace, the residence of the ruler of Kubas bin Said. It is used to receive honorary delegations and heads of state, therefore free access to the palace is prohibited. But you can admire it from the Corniche embankment during an evening walk. Al-Alam is almost 200 years old, it was erected during the time of Sultan ibn Ahmed.
Fortress (fort) Rustak
A small ancient fort surrounded by high mountains and tropical vegetation. Rustak looks like a long-awaited oasis among desert mountains.There are many historical sights inside the town. In the XVII century. here for some time the capital of the state was located. The Rustak fortress, located on a rocky spur, rises above the city and attracts admiring glances of tourists.
Al Khuta cave
Located near the town of Nizwa. The cave is almost 2 million years old. Guided tours are organized here, who will tell you about the origin, breeds and secret entrances to the cave. There are several underground lakes in Al Khuta, where rare species of blind fish live. A small geological museum is open at the cave.
Wahiba Desert
Endless expanses of sand dunes, stretching for almost 190 km. south of Muscat. The dunes constantly change color from luscious amber to pale orange and move. On the outskirts of the desert, there is the large Al Khuwayya oasis, where date and banana groves grow. Several local Bedouin families are watching over them.
Matrah Market
A traditional Arabic colorful oriental bazaar with a classic entourage: narrow streets, merchants' shops where you can buy anything, endless labyrinths and weaving of aisles filled with people. Matrah is considered the oldest Omani market, where you can buy aromatic Omani coffee, antiques, sandalwood items, and jewelry.
