Al Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands) is a remote sea of sand dunes, best experienced on a guided desert tour. This enchanting stretch of desert extends from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea – a 200 kilometres stretch of individual dunes rising up to 200 metres or more. It's a harsh but beautiful landscape, which nomadic Bedouins know intimately. Fortified towns fringe the sands, home to Omani pit-weavers - who design elegant textiles from looms dug into the earth.

Staying for a night or several nights at a luxury desert camp provides the chance to explore the dunes by day and stargaze and swap stories by firelight at night. Camel treks and four-wheel drive adventures into the desert are classic Oman holiday experiences and can easily be incorporated into a tailor-made Oman itinerary.