Seven reasons to visit Oman

Located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman captivates curious travellers with its staggering wealth of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Its cities, meanwhile, deliberately shun the kind of glitzy, towering skyscrapers found elsewhere in the region; instead, whitewashed, low-rise architecture, gleaming mosques and labyrinthine souks take centre stage. Without further ado, here’s why Oman should be firmly on your travel wishlist.

1. Rich cultural heritage

The Sultanate of Oman places great importance on preserving its rich cultural heritage, which has been largely shaped by a blend of Arabic, Islamic and Bedouin traditions. Long-standing trading links have also seen Portuguese, Zanzibari and South Asian influences filter through over the centuries, resulting in a melting pot of diverse cultures – perhaps most vividly seen in the vibrant capital, Muscat.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

2. Warm and welcoming hospitality

Omani people are renowned for their respectful nature, humility and generosity towards visitors, making it one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the Middle East. Throughout the country, friendly locals will welcome you with open arms and take great pride in providing warm, genuine hospitality. In fact, such authentic cultural interactions will almost certainly be among the highlights of your time in Oman.

3. Diverse landscapes

From the immense, sweeping sand dunes of the Rub Al-Khali Desert and Al Sharqiyah Sands to the soaring peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the fjord-like inlets of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman’s terrain is as varied as it is spectacular. In the far south, by stark contrast, monsoon rains dramatically transform the landscape into an oasis of tropical vegetation, gushing waterfalls and emerald-hued wadis between June and September.

Desert adventures in Oman

4. Fabulous weather

Whenever you visit Oman, there will always be somewhere blessed with gloriously warm and sunny weather. October to March is the most popular time to visit, with much of the country enjoying mild, sunny conditions, ideal for outdoor adventures. While summers in Muscat are hot and humid, the mountains around Jabal Akhdar enjoy temperatures in the high 20s and the south is cooled by light monsoon rains.

5. Cutting-edge luxury hotels

Oman’s luxury hotel scene has flourished in recent years, offering everything from opulent beachside resorts to boutique desert camps and serene mountain retreats. Recent additions include the ultra-stylish Mandarin Oriental and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, both of which occupy coveted oceanfront locations in the capital, while Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is a delightful hideaway in the Hajar Mountains. Elsewhere, longer-standing favourites include the stunning Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and its sister hotel, the beachfront Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Spectacular mountain views from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

6. Sumptuous cuisine

Omani cuisine is an eclectic fusion of Arabian, Persian, Indian, North African and Eastern Mediterranean influences, with a strong emphasis on bold spices, herbs and marinades. Fragrant, slow-cooked meat and rice-based dishes are prominent, as well as deliciously fresh fish and seafood, often grilled, including tuna, hamour (part of the grouper fish family) and Omani rock lobster.

7. Oman Botanic Garden

Just outside of Muscat, the Oman Botanic Garden is a state-of-the-art development showcasing the unique plants, landscapes and cultures of Oman through a series of carefully created, naturalistic habitats, ranging from dry deserts to monsoon cloud forests. The 420-hectare project, which is nearing completion, will be among the largest botanical gardens in the world.