Oman: An overview - Part 1

Visit traditional Arabia: a land of mighty mountains, marvellous marine life and a welcoming way of life that hasn’t changed for generations.

While much of the Middle East seems to have a voracious thirst for the ultra-modern, the Sultanate of Oman pleasingly bucks this trend. Sitting on the south-eastern fringe of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is built on traditional Bedouin values. It’s a land whose greatest natural resources are its warm and welcoming people. Oman’s cities knit the modern with the time-honoured charms of traditional Arabia, their lifeblood is the bustle of the ancient souks. But beyond its hustle and urban hubs, Oman has even more to delight visitors. The sweeping dunes that disappear into the horizon, are punctuated by threads of canyons and craggy mountains, while the beach fringed coastline is rich in marine life.

MUSCAT which is Oman’s capital has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1970s when it was little more than a small walled settlement on Oman’s north coast. Now, under the reign of Sultan Qaboos, Muscat is a thriving cosmopolitan centre that straddles the old world with the new. It’s also a melting pot of cultures thanks to its position in the heart of ancient trading routes from east to west, sitting at the mouth of the Arabian Sea.

One of the must-see places to visit is its Ruwi commercial district. It is here, that because of its unique position, that you can spot its distinctive patchwork of people. They herald from India, Pakistan, Zanzibar, Iran and many areas further beyond. It’s here that you can sample the blend of Indian and Arabian dishes as the cultures fuse together.

Muscat means ‘safe anchorage’ and the waterfront has been at its heart for centuries. The old Muttrah fishing port bears 500 years of soldiers’ graffiti and its waters still brim with traditional dhow boats. The corniche, as the local promenade is known, is still lined with Portuguese forts that provide views of the city.

Muttrah’s namesake souk and fishing market offer an insight into life here and the ideal spot to pick up some Omani foods, handicrafts and jewellery. Muscat also has its own fair share of tasteful opulence. Just wander into the gardens of the marble panelled Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is the third largest in the world and also home to the second biggest handwoven Iranian carpet. Afterwards, go for a visit to the gold and blue trimmed Al Alam Palace. Quietly in the background the city’s Royal Opera House has become the first of its kind in Arabia when it opened its doors in 2011.

Continued in part 2