Travel, Oman: 8 things to do in the pearl of the Orient

L‘Oman it is a land full of surprises and resources. Although it is increasingly added to the wish list of Italian travellers, not much is known about its history and what it can offer. From the desert to the mountains, from oases to islands with crystal clear sea, from mosques to markets: “marvel” is the watchword.

As soon as you arrive, it amazes you diversity of landscapes that this Middle Eastern sultanate – bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the southwest – has to offer.

Oman, welcome and sense of identity

Not only that, its charm also lies in thewelcoming of its inhabitantsin their strong sense of identity and in thepeaceful soul which distinguishes them. Here is a selection of highly recommended places and experiences if you are planning a trip to Oman.

To choose the best itinerary you can consult the website of the Ministry of Tourism Experience Oman, while to discover its beauties there are many options, including the excellent one Miracle Tourswith kind and well-trained guides like Aziz, who speak Italian perfectly and can best tell you the history and the gems of the place.

1. The Qaboos mosque

It’s hard not to start from the Qaboos mosque, in the heart of Muscat. Was given to the people and Oman by the beloved Sultan Qaboos, considered the father of the nation. Disappeared in 2020, he was highly regarded for modernizing Oman without distorting it. Qaboos mosque is the largest in Oman, can accommodate up to 20 thousand people and there are 365 points for doing ablution at the same time, purifying the body with water before going in to pray.

In this mosque everything has been thought and built for represent the Omani philosophy of life, peace and toleranceand therefore to ensure that all the different Islamic religions could coexist in one place. The interiors in Carrara marblethe gigantic 14-metre-high chandelier made by the Italian company Faustig with 600,000 crystals and the Persian carpet that covers the entire floor make it a magical place.

2. The Oman Across Ages Museum

Gratitude for the former sultan is reflected everywhere in the streets of the sultanate, as well as in the newest one Oman Across Ages Museum of Manah, a modern and interactive museum that helps to understand the history and geography of the Sultanate since prehistoric times. It was inaugurated on March 13, 2023 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and allows you to take a real journey through time, also offering a glimpse of the future of Oman.

Great importance is also given to geology. Oman is considered a geologist’s paradise, above all because there are so many types of rock, such as Ophiolites, they are sections of oceanic crust and the underlying mantle that have been uplifted or superimposed on the continental crust until they surface. The museum is less than a two-hour drive from Muscat and 20 minutes from Nizwa.

3. Nizwa, the impressive fortified city

Nizwa is a striking and colorful fortified city at the foot of Jabal Akhdar, the so-called “Green Mountain”. It is located two hours from Muscat, at an altitude of 500 meters, and was once the capital of Oman, the center of political and religious power. Today it is famous for its souk, the market that opens early in the morning, with its pottery and silver, and where in the afternoon there is the fish market. On Friday morning the auction is held to sell the animals.

4. The food: from the typical Omani dessert to the cardamom coffee

In Nizwa you can also taste the typical Omani dessert, thehalwa, which is used for weddings and parties. It is wheat based, traditionally made with semolina, sugar, rose water and a typical Indian butter. All flavored with cardamom and almonds then simmered over the fire. It has a unique texture and flavor. Throughout Oman you can also sip the Qahwahthe typical Omani coffee, synonymous with hospitality and respect for the guest.

It is a tasty coffee flavored with cardamom. Also unmissable are the datesthe Omani cheese labneh and the typical bread omanita, prepared in a few minutes with water, salt and flour. Some families even open their homes in Oman to let you taste the typical dishes and live the experience of eating with your hands sitting on the ground.

5. Oman, the ancient district of Muttrah, by the sea

Muttrah is located by the sea, with its labyrinthine souk and the busy fish market. The inlaid wood ceilings of its market are famous. There is a particular atmosphere, from the fabrics to the spices to the unique perfumes, including incense and frankincensean aromatic resin obtained from some species of the genus Boswellia.

Then there is a beautiful waterfrontwith the houses all white and low: there is nothing taller than the minaret, that is the tower, present in almost all the mosques, from which the muezzin (muʾadhdhin) calls the devotees of Allah to prayer five times a day.

6. The Royal Opera House in Muscat

The Royal Opera House it is located in the Shati Al-Qurm district, and is a majestic multi-purpose theater. Both outside and inside one is dazzled by its beauty and beautifully manicured landscaped gardens. It is an architectural masterpiece where artists from all over the world perform and bring all kinds of music to the stage.

Inside, in addition to a collection of musical instruments that the sultan gave to the museum, there is the second largest organ in the world (the largest is in the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium in Atlantic City New Jersey). Also on display is the smallest violin in the world, of Italian production.

7. In the Daymaniyat islands, among dolphins and turtles

The Daymaniyat Islands they are one of the jewels of Oman. It is a’protected area that can only be visited from the beginning of October to the end of April. From May to September in the reserve, which is located about 18 km off the coast of Barka, in Wilayat AlSeeb, several species nest which must be preserved.

The area is made up of nine islands with a total area of ​​100 hectares and here you can see among Caretta Caretta turtles and colorful fish. During the boat trip, if you are lucky, you can witness another wonderful show: the sighting of dolphins.

8. Watch the sunset, stars and sunrise in the desert

Among the other emotions that can be experienced in Oman there is certainly that of admiring the sunset, the stars and the sunrise in the desert Waiba Sands (the region owes its name to the Banu Wahiba tribe), and to have the opportunity to admire the stars and sleep in a tent. This desert is located in the eastern part of Oman and it takes about three hours by car from Muscat to reach. It is also known as Sharqiya Sands, i.e. the Eastern Sand Desert. It’s a bit like an ocean of regular dunes, which seem to stretch on forever.

The Whaiba desert, formed by 180 thousand km of parallel dunes, is among the deserts most inhabited by the Bedouins. It is not far from the city and there are several wells for water. The wind that moves the small dunes, creating ever-changing shapes and leaving the larger dunes identical, is pure magic.

In Oman it rains about three or four times a year. When it happens it is considered a sort of gift and we had this luck during the trip. Water guarantees life and in these places, where having it is so rare, when it rains it’s a celebration. We are surprised, moved, amazed. Locals smile on the street.

Where to sleep

If you want to sleep in the desert, completely detaching from the rest of the world, this is it Magic Camps. Everyone here can have their own private tent and a second smaller tent where there is a bathroom. There is no plastic, water should be used sparingly and there is no electricity. There is electricity thanks to rechargeable batteries which are recharged in the nearby village.

Alcohol cannot be served, but anyone who wants to sleep here and feels the need can bring it with them. Many activities can be done, from trekking to visits to Bedouin houses.

In Muscat you can stay inAl Bustan Palace (A Ritz-Carlton Hotel), a luxury resort that has an 18-metre chandelier in the lobby. with spas and restaurants, including China Mood, considered the best Chinese restaurant in Muscat. The structure, in which the top floor would still be totally at the disposal of the sultan, has rooms that have direct access to the swimming pool, a luxuriant nature and a spectacular view of the beach.

In an amazing place, perfectly set in nature, is theAlila Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, with incredible views of the Al Hajar mountains. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the place, you can do various activities here, including yoga at dawn, meditation, stargazing and climbing together with expert guides. A corner of paradise at 2000 meters.

For those who choose to depart from Milan, where Oman Air offers direct flights to Oman, but live in other cities, the hotel Duo Milan Porta Nuova can be a good compromise. The new address of Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a brand of Marriott International, made its debut in March 2023 in one of the trendiest districts of the city.

Bright colours, unexpected and playful details that refer to the urban landscape are among the characterizing elements of the hotel, where al Duo Café there are also tons of cocktails to choose from. An excellent international breakfast is also offered in the morning.

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