There is a very good reason why you should spend your holiday in Oman – after all, Forbes did name Oman the best place to visit in the Middle East.
But not many people are aware of the Sultanate of Oman and its beauty. For starters, its got an abundance of splendors and sights, largely untouched by world tourism. Oman is a great place if you’re looking for an adventure. It’s also got a breathtaking culture that dying for you to discover.
If visiting Oman has never crossed your mind, then this article will point out the reasons why you definitely should.
Before You Visit Oman
There are a few things you should know before you visit the Middle-Eastern Sultanate. For starters, you are required to obtain a Visa, which can be done online. All you have to do is simply visit the official Oman website and complete all the steps required. You are, however, required to have a valid passport for at least the next six months since the date of your visit. If you’re a citizen of the Gulf Cooperation Council, then you’re not required to have a Visa. 71 countries across the world can obtain an Electronic Visa, and you can learn more about it all by visiting https://oman-evisa.com/.
1. Delicious Cuisine
Oman has delicious cuisine that is largely impacted by the Middle East, Asia, and India. Some of the food in Oman can be largely found in other countries across the region but there are certainly some unique dishes. The national dish of Oman is the “Shuwa”, which is a slow-cooked lamb or goat over aromatic spiced rice.
If you ever decide to visit Oman, this is the dish you absolutely must try. Traditionally, Shuwa was only made for special occasions and events, and it was cooked in an oven which was dug in the ground. However, you’re in luck as you can sample this dish in some Oman restaurants nowadays. Other popular dishes include “Mandrouba” which is chicken rice and various deserts mixed in honey.
2. Breathtaking Scenery
From wild beaches to the world’s tallest sand dunes, Oman’s scenery speaks for itself. Some of the most highly visited areas in Oman include:
- The Al Hajar Mountains: A mountain range that has the tallest peak, the Jebel Shams, and Oman’s greatest natural wonder, the Wadi Nakhr Gorge.
- The Empty Quarter: An area of 650,000 square km covered by desert. This area is home to dunes of all sizes, while he fjords of the Musandam Peninsula hide various fishing villages that have amazing sand beaches.
- Wadi Bani Khalid: An area with natural emerald pools that are well maintained and offer an escape from the constant heat of the deserts. It’s often said that these natural pools are the treasure of the Sultanate.
- Hawiyat Najm: Located on the southeast of the city of Moscat, the sinkhole is named as the most highly visited attraction in Oman.
With more than 3,000 km of coastline, Oman is very unique as you can virtually go anywhere for a swim. If you do indeed visit one of the fishing villages, you will soon realize how integral the sea is to Omani life.
3. Oman is the Perfect Getaway
Flight time from Europe to Oman is around six to eight hours, depending on where you’re flying. The country is excellent to visit in both summers and winters, making it the perfect all-round getaway destination.