Oman – the pearl of Arabia

Oman is located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. This small country is inhabited by less than 5 million people, and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The easiest and fastest way to get to Oman is direct flight to its capital, Muscat. Tourists often choose to travel by plane to nearby Dubai and from there take a direct bus to their destination. It is a country that delights primarily with its extraordinary culture, so different from Europe, and also magical landscapes straight from Arabic fairy tales and real faunistic pearls. What to eat in Oman, what places to visit and what should you remember before arriving?

What is worth knowing before traveling to Oman?

As with other foreign trips, before traveling to Oman, it is necessary to have a passport that will be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the planned date of arrival in the country. It is also the tourist's responsibility obtaining a visa and paying the fee – the most convenient way will be to do it via the website. Although it is possible to obtain a visa only after arriving in Oman, it is worth doing it before departure. It is also very important to make sure that the insurance company's policy is recognized in Oman.

Cash and credit cards

The official currency of the country is Omani rial, which is approximately PLN 10. Before flying to the Arabian Peninsula, it is worth checking the current exchange rate and familiarizing yourself with the prices prevailing in the country - this will make it easier to plan your expenses and the amount of cash you need. The vast majority of Omani shops and institutions make it possible payment with cards from well-known networks, such as VISA, MasterCard or American Express.

Dress code in public in Oman

The dominant religious denomination in Oman is Kharijism, a branch of Islam. For this reason, it is important to follow certain basic rules, because breaking them, especially in shops or government offices, may result in a high fine. However, you just need to learn a few interesting facts about Muslim tradition and follow it. One of them is the right one clothing in public places. You should not wear blouses or dresses with exposed shoulders, as well as shorts or skirts that are too short. Women in particular should avoid clothing that exposes the back, cleavage or belly.

Ramadan period in Oman

An important moment in the Muslim religion is the celebration of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this time, religious followers fast - they are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset for about 30 days from approximately April 13. The date of Ramadan is determined by the lunar calendar, therefore every year the holiday may start at a slightly different date. Children, the elderly, the sick and tourists are exempt from the obligation to fast. However, you must remember that overeating in public places is not welcome - it is better to do it in the privacy of your home or in a secluded place.

Safety in Oman

Oman is definitely a safe country, so visiting tourists can feel comfortable and at ease, of course while observing the rules related to culture and religion. Foreigners who, for private or professional reasons, decided to live in Oman appreciate the courtesy, hospitality and great kindness of the locals. During the monsoon season, however, you must take into account the possibility of flooding.

When is the best time to visit Oman?

It is worth planning your holiday in Oman in advance - it is important to determine your trip goals as well as your temperature preferences. During the Polish winter (approximately from November to the beginning of March), the lowest temperature in Oman is around 25 degrees Celsius. For many Europeans who do not like heat, this is the best time to travel. However, it should be remembered that frosts may occur at night, especially in the mountains.

The Polish summer period, i.e. from May to August, is a time of extremely high temperatures, which can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius! At this time it is necessary using sunscreen creams with high protection, wearing a hat, and regular hydration. The temperature is slightly lower in the mountains, but it usually does not fall below 30 degrees C in summer. In spring and autumn, thermometers most often indicate around 35 degrees C - this is perfect time for a swim in the sea, kayaking or relaxing on the beach.

The biggest attractions in Oman

During your visit, you must take a walk around the capital of Oman, Muscat. It is worth getting lost in the meanders of the local streets and bazaars called souks. Hidden in the spectacular mountains of Oman are charming traditional villages which, set against the background of raw granite slopes, make a stunning impression.

Oman delights with its extraordinary culture, which can be observed in museums, palaces of former rulers and local theaters. For people who want to encounter local fauna and flora, river valleys, mountain hikes and waterfalls will be the perfect place for a trip. The beaches of Oman are perfect for relaxing when it's winter here in Europe. For a seaside holiday, we recommend Muscat, located in the north of the country, and Salalah, located in the south.

Muscat is characterized by a beautiful, varied coastline with green oases in the bays. We recommend visiting the Matrah district, which is located by the sea and has a very interesting bazaar. Muscat is a very rich city where you will find many luxury hotels. It is often compared to Dubai, but in the sense that Muscat has no skyscrapers. This is due to a special ordinance aimed at preserving the traditional character of the city's buildings. In the immediate vicinity of Muscat there are some of the best five-star seaside hotels in Oman.

In Salalah you will find some of the most beautiful and kilometers-long beaches. Thanks to the summer monsoon, called khareef, Salalah is a green region, considering Middle Eastern conditions. Salalah is also known for its delicious fruit, we especially recommend juicy papayas. It is a very interesting region in terms of culture, and due to the local incense plantations it is also known as the Land of Incense.

Wahiba

When writing about Oman, it is necessary to mention the desert dunes of Wahiba (English: Wahiba Sands). It is a huge area that is the quintessence of a desert landscape. The local dunes reach a height of up to three hundred meters in some places. Such a view in itself is extremely attractive, and additional attractions, such as camel riding or crossing the dunes in a 4×4 car, can enhance the experience. You can organize an overnight stay in the desert, which of course gives you great opportunities to observe the starry sky and fully experience the desert atmosphere.

Wadi Gul

Another beautiful point on the landscape map of Oman is Wadi Gul, which is said to be the Grand Canyon of Oman (Arizona, USA). Visiting this monumental canyon is a great experience. You can get closer to the very edge (protected by a railing) and enjoy the view of monumental boulders bathed in the sun. The landscape of the Al Hajar Mountains is often compared to the views of Mars, because being here you can feel like you are on another planet.

Musandam Peninsula

It's worth looking at a map of Oman to see where the Musandam Peninsula is located. It is the northern tip of the country completely separated from its main part. It's easier to get there from Dubai, from where it takes about two hours. The Musandam Peninsula is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, spectacular fjords, golden beaches and charming fishing villages. We recommend staying at the phenomenal Six Senses Zighy Bay hotel, which provides access to all the advantages of the Musandam Peninsula.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The extraordinary mosque building was built in 1992 in the country's capital on the orders of Sultan Qaboos. The inconspicuous, minimalist walls of the temple hide inside richly decorated rooms full of golden ornaments, impressive arches and wall paintings. When visiting a mosque, you must remember to dress appropriately, which should cover the body and, in the case of women, also the head. The construction was completed after almost 30 years, and the amount of work put into it is visible in every delightful detail.

Wadi Ash Shab Valley – an idea for active recreation

Wadi in Arabic means a river valley surrounded by impressive rock slopes. The clear, azure water encourages bathing, which is often taken by tourists. To reach this paradise, it is worth taking a boat ride - it will be another interesting attraction and a unique way to see the area. Because of amazing landscapes It's good to have a camera with you to capture the beauty of Wadi Ash Shab.

Local culinary specialties

They dominate Omani cuisine primarily spices with expressive taste and aroma such as ginger, cinnamon, saffron, paprika, turmeric and cardamom. Most traditional dishes are quite spicy, but in many restaurants and coffee bars you can also easily buy much milder ones. The basis of many dishes are sweet, aromatic dates, which is often consumed as an addition to coffee.

It is a popular dish served on the streets mishkak, i.e. strongly spiced lamb or beef meat, fried or baked in the form of skewers. The most popular addition to this type of dishes is rice or pita bread. It is a typical Omani dessert halva, whose name may be associated with Middle Eastern halva, but is a completely different product. This sweet dish is made of eggs, honey, rose water, intense spices, dates and nuts. Its unique aroma delights everyone, so it is worth trying this specialty while in Oman.

Oman is a country that delights with its intense flavors, colors and magical landscapes. Impressive temples make it possible meeting with eastern culture, which impresses every tourist. Also noteworthy in this beautiful country are the mountains, caves and magical river valleys. Oman is the perfect place to spend a unique holiday.