Family Holidays in Oman

The sultanate of Oman stretches across the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula, with a coastline that has views from the Indian ocean and the Arabian Gulf. The second largest country in Arabia, it has the most diverse landscape, an amazing area of desert and fruitful south.

The country takes price in its rich cultural and architectural heritage which includes years of international trading and foreign occupancy.  Evidence of its past are spread all over the country which includes 500 forts, castles, and high ranging towers.

Sights such as the National History Museum in Al Khuwair are invaluable if interested in gaining insight into Oman’s vast history . The best time of the year to visit Oman is between October and April when the weather is warmer but there are surprisingly less tourists.

The people of Oman are considered extremely friendly and hospitable. With a rich variety of flora and fauna around, the country is both beautiful and harmonious at the same time.
 

Many restaurants have opened in recent years, but many people retain the habit of dining at hotels. There is a wide variety of cuisine on offer, including Arabic, Indian, Oriental, European and other international dishes.

Muslim law forbids alcohol, but most hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol. Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed hotels and restaurants. To buy alcohol for home consumption, Western nationals must obtain a licence from their embassy. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is available and is advised throughout Oman. Food bought in the main supermarkets can be regarded as safe. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk.

Restaurants in Muscat and Salalah

Try one of the restaurants recommended by our friends in Oman

Mumtaz Mahal in Muscat - Indian cuisine
Copper Chimney in Muscat - Indian cuisine
Golden Oryx Muscat - Chinese and Mongolian cuisine
Seblat Al Bustain Muscat - Omani cuisine only open Wednesday
O Sole Mio Muscat - Italian cuisine
Pavo Real Muscat - Mexican cuisine

Hassan Bin Thabit Salalah - Indian cuisine
Al Fareed Salalah - Indian cuisine
Chinese Cascade Salalah - Chinese cuisine
Bin Atique Salalah - Omani cuisine
 

Things to do

Scuba Diving

Oman has a varied coastline over 1600 km long. There is a wealth of underwater flora, marine life and diving thrills awaiting the underwater explorer. Several companies specialising in diving services offer a complete range of diving courses, diving equipment and activities.

Rock Climbing

Rugged mountains rise to over 3,000 metres and amongst a maze of spurs and wadis, deep canyons and towering cliffs is an ideal terrain for rock climbers. Every mountain face presents a challenge.

Camel Racing

Camel racing is an exciting sport where camels and their owners congregate at racetracks around the country. Racing camels are bred for the track and are highly prized possessions. Crowd enthusiasm is high on these occasions. However, raceday is not announced long in advance, so it is best to know someone who has an inside track as to when a race is scheduled.

Bull Fighting

Bull fighting is very popular in Oman but it is a far cry from the Spanish variety. In this instance two Brahmin bulls of the same size are pitted against each other. The first one to get knocked down or run away is declared the loser. The fight lasts only for a few minutes and the bulls suffer no injury except perhaps a wounded pride and a bad headache. Bull fighting usually takes place on Friday afternoons in the cooler winter months at arenas along the Batinah coast, notably in Seeb, Barka, Sawadi, and Sohar.

Game Fishing

Game fishing is now becoming very popular in Oman, with species such as marlin and tuna being highly sought after. Omani waters are abundant in the bait fish that attracts larger predators with the coasts off Sur and Masirah being especially suited for this exhilarating sport.

Turtle Watching

The beaches of Ras Al Had , Ras Al Junayz and Masirah island are just some of the areas where several species of marine turtles come to lay their eggs. Green turtles, loggerheads, Hawksbill and leatherbacks live for over 100 years and swim the length and breadth of the Indian Ocean only to return every year to the same sites to lay their eggs. It is necessary to acquire a permit to visit the official nesting sites as the turtles are protected as endangered species.
See our Turtle Watching Tour.

Horseback Riding

When you come to Arabia, you can't miss the allure of the Arabian riding stallion. You'll find the Royal Stables in Seeb a good spot to observe equestrian events staged for public and private gatherings. There are also many places that you can do horse riding. Please ask our local representatives.

Caving

Cave diving, which has caught the imagination of adventurers in Oman, is thrilling, risky and highly exhilarating. It takes one to the dark reccesses of earth created by natural phenomena eons ago. Oman has its share of caves, both explored and hidden. Caves which offer myriad opportunities to the adventurous. Some of the interesting caves in Oman are the Jebel Akhdar massif, Kahf Hoti (the longest known cave in Oman that stretches up to five kilometres), several caves in Jebel Bani Jabir and the most impressive being the three deep shafts which enter the chambers of Majlis Al Jinn - one of the largest underground chambers ever discovered.

Perfume Tour

Arabic perfumes are very strong spicy and oil based.  While in Muscat visit the world famous Amouage Perfumery which combines the 2000 year heritage of Arabian perfume with the latest French technology to create some of the most valuable perfume in the world.

Visitors are welcome for tours of the perfumery from Saturday - Wednesday from 9 am - 4.30pm.  Although appointments are not necessary you may call ahead to 245 40757 ex 110 or 111 or check with the concierge at your hotel to arrange. There is no charge for the tour.

Shopping

The modern shops are mostly in Ruwi and Qurum. The two main souks (markets) are located in Matrah and Nizwa.

Bargaining is normal in the souks and most small shops however department stores, supermarkets and western style shops operate fixed prices.

Traditional crafts include silver and gold jewellery, khanjars (Omani daggers), coffeepots, saddles, hand-woven textiles, carpets, baskets and camel straps. It is wise to check with the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the necessary documentation before purchasing antiques. Many shops close on Friday.

Places to visit

Muscat

Muscat, the capital city of Oman lies sparkling white, topped with golden minarets in the middle of a maze of brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea. Described as "Arabia's jewel”, this city is a blend of the old and the new. Muscat is green as green can be, and defies being classified as part of a desert country. The roads are lined with well-manicured green lawns and trees. During winter this is interspersed with a profusion of multicoloured flowers. The city has steadfastly retained its old-world character. Old Muscat has a quaint charm about it with many forts, castles, mosques and towers doting the landscape. Of particular note are Jalali and Mirani forts flanking Al Alam Palace. The Corniche, with its promenade and souqs (markets) is one of the highlights of the city. The old souq of Muttrah is an ideal spot for tourists to buy keepsakes and treasures. Greater Muscat boasts large green parks, archaeological sites, museums and world-class hotels.

Salalah

Salalah, in the extreme south of the country, 640 miles from Oman, turns green in the summer, thanks to an annual monsoon. It is one of the few places that tourists from more northern climates enjoy visiting in June, July and August when the rest of the country is searingly hot. The beaches of Salalah offer all manner of water sports, scuba diving, canoeing, jet skiing, diving and the like. Wetlands shelter all manner of migrating birds.

Sur

Sur, a placid sea coast town with its striking traditional dwellings is a pleasant getaway and one of the most important towns in the Eastern region. The drive from Muscat via the interior cuts through wadis and passes through the Hajar Mountains. An alternate route down the coast through the village of Quriyat is adventurous and offers fabulous views of sparkling white beaches covered with multi coloured shells, deep ravines, cliffs that fall dangerously into azure seas, rocks sculpted by wind and waves and lush green wadis (river beds). The journey ends in the city famous for its dhow shipyards (and presumed home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor). A trip through Sur's labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. From the corniche, the dhows in the harbour can be seen against the scenic backdrop of the Gulf of Oman.

Nizwa

Nizwa, a two-hour drive to the southwest of Muscat, is an oasis city. A capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, it was once an important centre of education. The city is the site of the 17th century Nizwa Fort, Oman's most visited historic monument. The Sultan Qaboos mosque, which has been restored, is one of the oldest mosques in Oman.   

The Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands are huge dunes which are almost 500 feet high, situated 118 miles from Muscat and are the home of the nomadic Bedouin
Jabrin

The 17th-century fortified palace situated here is notable for its painted wooden ceilings and the splendid view across the desert to the mountains.

Qurum

Qurum encapsulates Oman’s archaeology, history and culture. The National Museum has a collection of silver, jewellery, weapons and ancient stone artefacts. From here dhows cruise along the palm-fringed coast and there are excellent fishing grounds and beaches.

Bahla

Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has seven miles of ancient defensive walls and is a World Heritage Site. There is a good souk here and the town is known for its pottery. The picturesque village of Al Hamra can be found nearby.

Misfah

Misfah is located approx 10 Kms from Al Hamra is an incredible village of ancient houses and narrow streets perched in a valley amidst the mountains. The village abounds in greenery and date palms. The falaj system in Misfah is fascinating since the water weaves its way in a snakelike fashion along the mountain side and special channels in-turn redirect the water down to different levels of the mountain side.

Jebel Akhdar Mountains

A good approach to the Jebel Akhdar Mountains is from past Wadi Ghul, around 45 Kms up. The mountain village people who live around here weave a lot of handicrafts like rugs, slippers and belts all woven from the hairs of the goats they look after. The road which snakes up the side of the mountain reaching the high plateau rewards the traveller with a dramatic bird's-eye view of the famous Grand Canyon of Oman.

Western Hajar Mountains

Beyond Nizwa, the southern flanks of the Western Hajar Mountains can be readily seen rising over 2000 metres above the surrounding countryside. Within these mountains, rugged networks of wadi channels have carved networks of dramatic canyons and caves. The most fertile of these have been cultivated by the hardy shuwawis, mountain people, who have adapted to this harsh lifestyle under the tropic sun.  In Al Hamra, 400 year-old mud houses are still standing and occupied to this day.

Wadi's

Wadi means "valley" in Arabic and these dissect and run through the mountains forming narrow or large gaps. They are mainly dry with a few of them having water year round.

Wadi Ghul is located approx 15 Kms from Al Hamra. Over here one can see an abandoned persian village perched on the sides of a steep cliff. Wadi ghul has a recharged dam built to stop floodwaters from washing into Al Hamra and to allow water to be stored and drained down into the Wadi bed.

Wadi Abyadh

Located around 75 Kms from Barka. Wadi Abyadh means "White valley" and is so called because of the formations of calcite mineralised pools visible in the area. It has year round flowing water and is enclosed at either ends by mountains and skirting sand dunes. Vast date plantations can be seen along this valley.

As a well-liked tourist spot, the land promises as much at it delivers. Oman if often referred to as the Oman Overview. The entertainment across Oman allows you to enjoy all aspects of the culture. From the sand dunes to the vast coastline, there are exciting opportunities to shop nearby at every turn. Considered one of the finest places in the Gulf states, you will never run short of entertainment.

Discover the city of Muscat while seeing the beautiful mountains. If feeling adventurous, dune driving should fulfil that need for an adrenaline rush. Another hobby of the locals is to dolphin watch. Crowds come from all over to watch these large animals along the coast.

Top Shopping Spots in Oman

Known for some of the most premium merchandise in the Arabian, Oman is a one-stop shopping spot for tourists and locals alike. Most shopping options are based on the western model of ‘malls’ or open shopping areas.

Al Araimi
A mixture of a hangout and merchandising destination, Oman’s Al Araimi’s store directory include international household brands such as JC Penny to European powerhouses such as Versace, Rolex, and Bata of Italy. Other stores sell merchandise pertaining to Art, Perfume, Crystalware, and Greeting Cards.

The Sabco

Located at a well-known highway split, Sabco is one of the oldest malls in Oman. Offering multiple retail outlets and a traditional souq which includes 27 shops that sell jewellery and clothes.

Within the Sabco lies premier names across all ranges of retail such as Godiva and Amouage. If in search for beauty products, you will find more than enough here. Standard UK stores such as the Body Shop have two stores and other popular cosmetics and perfume lines have booths throughout the facility. Other stores within the mall specialise in accessories, music, and exotic coffee.
 

Electricity in Dubai is 220 Volts. They use the 3 pin sockets that are the same as the UK, therefore if you plan to bring any electrical devices to Dubai, you won't need an adaptor.

Oman is generally hot, especially in coastal areas between April and September. Rain falls on the south coast from June to September and in the mountains of the north at any time, but in very small amounts. If travelling to Oman the best time to visit is between mid October and mid March. Southern Oman has a monsoon season unlike other Gulf countries, and this lasts from late June to early September. October is a good time to visit the south of Oman because everything is green and lush, and the rest of the country is pleasantly warm.
 

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN OMAN

The above table is a guideline and W&O Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

The following immunisations are recommended but it is best to consult with your GP for up to date information or  NHS Direct on http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Travelvaccines.aspx

• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A

Several airlines fly to Oman (Muscat) with the journey taking about 7h 30 min to 8 hours direct from London.

Oman Air fly direct non-stop daily
British Airways with an hour's touchdown in Abu Dhabi en route 
Qatar Airlines via Doha
Emirates via Dubai

Etihad Airlines via Abu Dhabi
Upgrades are available on all airlines
 

The official currency is the Omani Rial (OR) 1 OR = 1000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. The Omani Rial has a fixed exchange rate that is linked to the $US. Credit Cards are widely accepted at most major hotels, restaurants and shopping centres in the city, but only cash is accepted in traditional souks.

As of November 2011 the exchange rate was £1= OR 0.58

Most banks are open from 0800 to 1200 hours Saturday to Wednesday and 0800 to 1130 on Thursday and closed on Fridays and holidays. Money exchangers can be found around main shopping areas in Ruwi, Muttrah and in Salalah city area. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.

Oman operates on Atlantic standard time which is 4 hours in front of GMT (3 ahead of British Summer time)

Muscat Desert Adventures Oman: Tel (00968) 24 60 1800
24 hour emergency number: (00968) 99 04 9252
 

Photography

Oman is a photographers delight with a huge range of stunning scenery and unique buildings. It is discourteous to take photographs of local people, especially women, without their permission.
You should not take photos of airports, government buildings or military subjects. 
Observe 'No Photography' signs.

Alcohol

Arms and narcotics are prohibited. Non Muslim visitors are allowed to take two bottles of alcohol into the country by air. It is illegal to carry alcohol in a car so if arriving by car ensure that all alcohol is removed from the vehicle before arriving at the border.

Alcohol is available in all hotels and some restaurants throughout Oman, but the hours of sale are strictly regulated.
Saturday - Thursday 12 noon - 3pm and 6pm until late
Friday - 2pm onwards
 


 

We can arrange transfers or tours all around Oman, as well as between airports and hotels. We can also construct tailor made itineraries and fly drive holidays as required.

Friday is the holy day and a public holiday so most businesses are closed and the souks only open from 0900-1100 and 1600-1900.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset daily. Fixed prayer times are observed and during daylight hours muslims will not eat, drink or smoke.

All non Muslims are requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public places as to do so causes offence.

Hotel coffee shops are open but minibars are not stocked with alcohol though it can be served by room service after sunset. Shops are usually closed by day and open at night.