Oman Airports

Oman has three Airports; which are:

• Khasab Airport
  (IATA airport code: KHS, ICAO: OOKB) is located in Khasab State, Musandam Governorate, north of the Sultanate of Oman. The airport receives daily flights from Muscat International Airport operated by Oman Air.
• Muscat International Airport
  (IATA airport code: MCT, ICAO: OOMS) is the main airport in the Sultanate of Oman. Muscat Airport is located in Wilayt As Seeb.
  Oman Airports Management Company S.A.O.C. (OAMC) operates the airport, which lies about 30 kilometers from old Muscat. Taxis are the only means of transport available there.
  Work is currently under way on airport expansion to increase passenger capacity to about 12 million passengers and the project is expected to open in 2014.
• Salalah Airport
  (IATA airport code: SLL, ICAO: OOSA) is the second international airport in Oman. Oman Air has direct flights from and into Salalah Airport, in addition to regular direct flights from some Gulf countries. Work is already under way to expand the airport and it is expected to open in 2014.

Sea Ports in Oman:

Oman has 3 Sea Ports and 2 industrial Ports, which are:

• AD Duqum Port
  AD Duqum Port in Al Wusta region enjoys a superior and open location. It is a multi-purpose port and its importance has increased after building a dry dock for ship repair to be added to the many facilities already present in the port.
• Khasab Port
  This port lies in the state of Khasab in Musandam Governorate and is used for traditional tourist ships.
• Salalah Port
  Salalah Port of is one of the most distinguished ports regionally and internationally. Its strategic location on the Arabian Sea plays an important role in attaining this distinguished status. Salalah Port receives cruise ships:
  http://www.salalahport.com/
• Sohar Port
  This industrial port is located in Sohar in Al-Batinah region:
  http://www.portofsohar.com
• Port Sultan Qaboos
  Port Sultan Qaboos is considered the main maritime gateway to the Sultanate of Oman. Because of its prime location, it is one of the major ports in the region and receives cruise ships:
  http://www.pscoman.com/arabic/index.htm

Nature Reserves :

• As Saleel Nature Park
  The Park is located in the AL Kamil and AL Wafi in A'Sharqiyah Region Sur City.
• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
  Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is located in Wilayat AlSeeb in the Muscat Governorate Al Batinah Region.
• Dhofar Lagoons
  Lagoons abound in Dhofar Governorate.
• Oman Botanic Garden
  The Botanic Garden contains a set of documented living plants for scientific research, as well as for conservation and display.
• Arabian Oryx Protected Area
  This sanctuary is located in the AlWasta Region (central region). www.oryxoman.com
• Wadi Sireen Reserve
  The Reserve is located in the eastern AlHajar Mountains about 45 kilometers south of Muscat.
• Turtle Reserve
  The beaches extending from Ras Al Hadd to Masirah Island in the A'Sharqiyah Region Sur City.

The Wadis (Valleys) :

Wadis(Valleys) form a unique environmental system characterized by variety, diversity, and a wealth of natural attractions. Within this fertile environment, people have lived in the wadis (valleys) of Oman for thousands of years.

Hawiyat Najm Park The park is situated in the Dabab area of Wilayat Qurayat, Muscat Governorate, and can be reached via the road linking Qurayat to Sur. It is a deep natural depression filled with water, called Hawiyat Najm. The locals say that a meteor fell on this spot of land, resulting in the natural depression and forming a small lake.

• Wadi Ar Rawdha
  On the way to this valley the visitor passes many fossils and ruins that speak of civilizations past. The spring rains bring beauty to the landscape, with an enchanting aromatic mix of wild flowers.
• Wadi Sireen Reserve
  The Reserve is located in the eastern AlHajar Mountains about 45 kilometers south of Muscat.
• Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole
  known as the ‘Bird Well’ gained international fame after its discovery in 1997 by a team of Slovenian explorers in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University Governorate of Dhofar.
• Wadi Al Arbiyeen
  This is one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat Governorate. It is situated 3 kilometers away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah.
• Wadi Al Hawqayn
  Distances of about 40 and 150 kilometers separates it from Wilayat Ar Rustaq and Muscat Governorate.
• Wadi Al Qahfi
  This is located nearly 50 km (31 miles) from Wilayat Mahdah, Al Buraymi Governorate.
• Wadi Bani Kharous
  This is one of the best known Omani wadis. A visitor to Wadi Bani Kharous is attracted by its fascinating flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes.
• Wadi Damm
  Wadi Damm is located near Al Ayn village, Wilayat Ibri, A'Dhahirah Region.
• Wadi Danak (Fida)
  This wadi originates in Fida town in Dhank Province, specifically in Al Khili, an area so steep it is considered a water reservoir for Yanqul and Shuab wadis, whose waters cascade down the face of the mountains. Wadi Danak’s water runs all year round and is home to a multitude of birds. Flanking this wadi on both banks are picturesque villages, which prompted Dhank Province to take A'Dhahirah Region as its emblem.
• Wadi Dimma
  This valley is located in Dama Wataeen Wilayat A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region.
• Wadi Ad Dayqah
  Wadi Ad Dayqah is a tourist attraction, being one of the easy-to-reach wadis, located near Muscat Governorate.
• Wadi Darbat
  Wadi Darbat is located in Dhofar Governorate.
• Wadi Andam
  Its remoteness from the sea endows this wadi with a mellow climate, magical nature and tiered trees. Here you’ll find a seamless amalgamation of trees and rocky formations that will steep your sense.
• Wadi An Nakhr
  Waterfalls cascading from Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) form this valley. The valley contains a village that bears its name and which can be seen from the top of Jabal Shams.
• Wadi AlShab
  This wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region).

The Strait of Hormuz :

The reason for this name is that The Strait of Hormuz was in the centre of the Kingdom of Hormuz in ancient times. This strait, which 20-30 oil tankers traverse per day, is one of the world's major waterways and the busiest in maritime activities.

The Strait of Hormuz is located in the Governorate of Musandam on the Arabian Gulf and separates the Arabian Gulf on the one hand, and the Gulf of Makran, the Sea of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean on the other. This meeting point is called the "Gate of the Lion's Jaws".

Overlooking the Strait of Hormuz from the north is Iran (province of Bandar Abbas) and from the south the Sultanate of Oman (Musandam) which oversees the maritime traffic, as the navigable section of the Straits is within its territorial waters.

Spreading across the Strait is a myriad of mountains and rocks forming several islands such as Salamah Wa Banatiha Island, Musandam Island and Birds Island (this island harbors many different species of birds that have made this village their haven for nesting).

In spite of the importance of the Straits and the density of traffic in it, certain areas have been allocated to tourist ships so that the public can enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the adventure of passing through one of the world’s most important waterways.

Mountains :

Mountains constitute a large percentage of the environment of Oman. The flora and fauna living in these mountains vary. Al Hajar Mountains are in the north of Oman and extend from Musandam Peninsula in the north to Ras Al Hadd in A'Sharqiyah Region. Wadi Samail divides it into two parts: east and west. Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) summit is the highest point in the Al Hajar Mountains, rising at an altitude of 3,009 meters above sea level.

In the south, the mountains of Dhofar Governorate extend from east to west off Al Hillaniyat Islands. Samhan Mountain, which includes the Arabian Leopard Reserve in the east and Jabal Al Qamar (Moon Mountain) in the west, is the most prominent mountain range in the region, rising to an altitude of 2,500 meters.

• Al Jabal Al Akhdar(Green Mountain)
• Samhan Mountain
• Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain)
• Lion’s Jaws Gate
• Natif- Hasik (Water Mountain)

Caves :

Caves in Oman are of varying types and lengths, sizes and geographic formations, and annually attract to Oman large numbers of speleologists.

Dhofar Governorate contains a large number of caves, some of which have springs near them. In former times, residents of the mountainous areas used the caves as places of abode and safe havens from the vagaries of weather and nature.

• Abu Habban Cave
  Located in Wilayat Dimma At Tayyin in the A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region).
• AlHoota Caves
  AlHoota Cave" lies in the southern part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain)A'Dakhiliyah Region http://www.alhootacave.com/reserve@alhootacave.com
• Al Kittan Cave
  Al Kittan Cave is located in wilayat Ibri, the A'Dhahirah Region.
• Jernan Cave
  The cave is located in Wilayat Izki in the A'Dhahirah Region (interior region).
• Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau)
  Out of sight in the heart of brown hills located at the foothills of the eastern Al Hajar Mountains hides one of the greatest and most beautiful natural wonders. It is the Majlis Al Jinn Cave.
• Muqal Cave
  Muqal Cave is located in Wadi Bani Khalid A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region).
• Al Marnif Cave
  Al Marnif Cave lies in Shatti Al Mughsayl area about 40 kilometers from SalalahGovernorate of Dhofar.
• Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole
  Tawi Ateer Sinkhole, known as the ‘Bird Well’ gained international fame after its discovery in 1997 by a team of Slovenian explorers in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University.

Deserts :

Oman’s name is closely associated with desert. The desert in Oman is an extension of the Bedouin lifestyle with its ancient associations of traditional culture and authentic original customs.

The Omani desert is characterized by the diversity of its plants and animals. In Jeddah Al Harasis in Wilayat Hima AlWasta Region (the Central Region), there are many mammals within the boundaries of the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.

• Bawshar Sands
• The Empty Quarter
• A'Sharqiyah Sands
• Ramlat Tawq

Beaches :

Oman’s coastline stretches for a distance of 3,165 kilometers, including beaches overlooking the Sea of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Straits of Hormuz in the North. The nature of this coastal strip varies from tourist-friendly sandy beaches where summer holiday-makers hang out, and the rocky coasts, bays, islands and lagoons with their diverse geographical make-up, making them ideal for fishing and marine excursions. The most important beaches are:

• Al Bustan Beach
• Dhofar Beaches
• Duqm Beach
• Mutrah Corniche
• AlQurm Beach
• Ras Al Hadd Beach
• Al-Sawadi Beach
• Sohar Corniche
• Shores of Al Wusta Region

Islands :

A group of islands are adjacent to Oman. Also, a number of smaller islands trail Barr Al Hikman Peninsula and Musandam Peninsula, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. The most famous islands in Oman are:

• Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula)
• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Al-Halaneyat Islands
• Masirah Island

Water Springs :

The importance of the natural water springs varies according to the quality of their water, ranging from warm and cold water, fresh drinking water, saline and alkaline water, mixed with valley water which is suitable for agriculture. There is another kind of spring that contains varying proportions of mineral salts, making them ideal for curative and relaxation purposes.

Springs of different kinds are widespread in various parts of the Sultanate. Most of these springs stem from the mountainous areas, and vary in their abundance of water, temperature and quality including:

• AlKasfah Spring
• AthThawarah Spring
• Natif- Hasik (Water Mountain)
• Springs in Dhofar

The Akhwar ( Beach Lagoons) :

The Akhwar ( Beach Lagoons) represent an ecosystem in whose vicinity many living organisms exist. The lagoons spread along the coast of Oman from the top of the mountains (Musandam) in the north, through Al-Batinah Coast and the shores of the Ash Sharqiyah region, ending at the coasts of the Governorate of Dhofar in the south. Most of these lagoons were formed at the estuary of large valleys. Sea water is usually the water source of this type of lagoon, in addition to the fresh water originating in the valleys.

• Khawr AlBatah
• Khawr Al Maghsayl
• Khawr Awqad
• Khawr Al Baleed
• Bandar Khayran Reserve
• Khawr Ad Dahareez
• Khawr Najd
• Pink Lagoons
• Khawr Al Qurm Al Sagheer and Al Qurm Al Kabeer
• Khawr Ruri
• Khawr Sham
• Khawr Sawli
• Khawr Taqah

Rock Garden :

The Rock Garden lies in Wilayt AdDuqm in the AlWasta Region (the central region). It is a vast area of strange art forms, naturally sculpted from rocks.

Scuba-Diving :

Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs, small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best months for diving in Oman are the period from April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times.

The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Al Khayran, Al Fahil Island, Dimaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. Each of the above mentioned locations contains not less than 11 different diving sites, each with a diverse environment.

Destinations for Diving

• Bandar Khayran Reserve
• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Al-Halaneyat Islands
• Masirah Island
• Al-Sawadi Beach

Cruises :

Cruises in Oman are an inseparable part of its history. Oman is surrounded by the sea and Omanis are famous for their love of their azure waters. Some villages in Oman, like Kumzar village in the far north, can only be reached by boat.

Cruises abound from many beaches and cities, and there are specialized centers such as: Marina Bandar Al Rawda in Muscat Governorate. Many tour operators organize a variety of activities, whether it is watching dolphins or sailing. These tours are not limited to the capital Muscat, as both Musandam and the city of Sur in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region) are famous for their marine trips. There is barely a beach in Oman that does not organize such trips.

Mountain Climbing :

Omani mountains with their towering heights, rocky and steep slopes and rugged tracks constitute a challenge for any mountaineer. In Oman, there are several climbing areas and their diversity corresponds to the climber’s skill, as there are the paved paths for beginners and the very rugged for the more experienced climber.

Wadi Ghool in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region) which rises to 300 meters provides an ideal spot for climbing.

Jabal Misht remains the best location for mountain climbing with its rocky front, perhaps the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. Its South-East front extends for approximately 6 kilometers, rising up to 850 meters, providing trails of all levels of difficulty. Musandam Governorate is famous for its many mountains. Also spread around Muscat are hills of various heights for climbing, whether for the beginner or the seasoned professional.

Destinations for Mountain Climbing

• Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain)
• Wadi Damm

Trekking :

Hiking/Trekking season runs from September to May, but the best time for hiking is between October and April. Despite the rough terrain, hiking remains the best way to enjoy the Sultanate’s wonderful mountainous nature.

You can make different excursions of varying degrees of difficulty: from wandering around Muttrah, to walking over the groove edges of Al Shams mountain- Oman's highest mountain - to reach its peak.

There are plenty of tour operators in the capital and other areas who provide comprehensive tours.

Destinations for Trekking

• Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain)
• Wadi Muayden
• Wadi AlShab
• Wadi At Ta'iyeen

Desert Activities :

Deserts differ in their nature and quality of sands, varying from the very soft to the very coarse and dense. This factor constitutes a challenge with regard to desert activities. One of these is called The Badiya Challenge Race. It is given this name due to the extremely soft sand that sinks under your feet as you cross it. The race involves climbing sand dunes from a low area to the top in the shortest possible time, filling participants with a thrilling excitement. Usually these dune races are accompanied by a number of popular and traditional events.

Just as each natural environment has its own beauty and charm, so the desert has its own simple atmosphere and style that are extremely divergent from city life. The desert awaits you with a number of activities, such as cycling with four-wheel drive bicycles, skiing on sand, sand dunning with four-wheel buggies, in addition to the fun of camping under the star-studded desert sky.

Destinations for Deserts

• Bawshar Sands
• Arabian Oryx Protected Area
• Ramlat Tawq

Camping :

Many people like to take a break away from the hustle and bustle of city life with its pampered lifestyle and go camping to break the routine of their lives. The diverse environment of Oman allows many options when it comes to camping. Camping is enjoyed on Shatti Qantab in Muscat Governorate, Shatti Ras Al Hadd in A'Sharqiyah region, on mountain tops in Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) or Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) in A'Dakhiliyah region, camping in the desert, both in Badiya sands in A'Sharqiyah, or in The Empty Quarter in Dhofar. This is not to mention the magnificence of camping in Dimaniyat Islands in Al Batinah region, or camping in one of the secluded beaches that spread in Musandam Governorate. Oman is sure to provide versatile options for fans of this outdoor activity.

Destinations for Camping

• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Al-Halaneyat Islands
• Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain)
• Wadi Damm
• Wadi Al Abyad (White Valley)

Caving :

Oman abounds with caves of different sizes, topography and ruggedness, some of which can be accessed with a group of amateurs, like Muqal Cave in Wadi Bani Khalid in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region), while others need considerable effort, training, experience and specialized equipment, such as Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau) in Muscat Governorate.

Shopping :

Omani markets are characterized by their diversity. Old markets are full of handicrafts such as silver, gold, textiles and masterpieces produced by traditional industries like dagger-making, side by side with modern shopping centers that contain everything the visitor is looking for at the best prices. Shops and precincts open from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon, and from four in afternoon until ten at night for precincts and eleven at night for most retail stores, seven days a week, except Fridays, when they open after four o'clock in the afternoon.
For the traditional markets in Oman, the morning hours are the best time for shopping.

Destinations for Shopping

• Al Hafah Souq
• Al Husn Souq
• Mutrah Souq
• Nizwa Souq
• Ar Rustaq Souq

Bird Watching :

Oman witnesses huge swarms of migratory birds during their seasonal journey between their nesting habitats and the places where they spend winters, especially those birds migrating from Europe and East Asia. Many birds, especially water fowl, migrate from faraway regions like northern Siberia, and travel about five thousand kilometers. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions. Al Hikman Peninsula, Masirah Island, Al Wusta region beaches, the Lagoons, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal places for bird observation. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

Destinations for Birds Watching

• Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula)
• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Wadi At Ta'iyeen

Turtle Watching :

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate. At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag themselves out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles’ night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities.

Destinations for Turtle Watching

• Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
• Masirah Island
• Ras Al Hadd Beach
• Turtle Reserve

Dolphin Watching :

Dolphin shoals visit the shores of Oman in large numbers. Muscat and Musandam are famous for dolphin watching, although this pastime is also widespread in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region)and AlWasta Region (the central region), in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The types of dolphins that visit Oman are: Indian Ocean Dolphins, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Pan tropical Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins.

Destinations for Dolphin Watching

• Bandar Khayran Reserve

Al Hafah Souq 

Al Hafah Souq lies 3 kilometers from the city of Salalah in Dhofar Governorate.
Al Husn Souq is characterized by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighborhood in Dhofar Governorate.

Sohar Handicrafts Souq 

This souq is located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah Region.

Ibri Souq 

Ibri Souq is an important landmark and an active economic and tourism centre. It is the most prestigious and largest souq in A'Dhahirah Region(interior region), built adjacent to Ibri Castle in the Eastern Province.

The souq is built in an architectural style reminiscent of ancient Islamic souqs, and is characterized by its specialized sections such as gold and silver shops, popular Arab supplies shops and a dedicated area for the sale of animals.

Mutrah Souq 

Every place has its distinctive flavor and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution. If you enjoy visiting public markets, you must see Mutrah Souq, the most beautiful market your eyes will ever see!

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic and allure.

Mutrah Souq is a prototype of old Eastern markets, characterized by narrow winding alleys roofed with wood. This Souq goes by another name among the Omanis: the Market of Darkness, due to its myriad of alleys and roads lined by shops that block the sun during the day. This name applies specifically to the section that extends from the Prophet's Mosque to Khawr Bimbah. And as if two names were not enough for this souq, the east and west parts of Mutrah Souq, separated by Khawr Bimbah, are also known as “the small market” and “the large market”. The Market of Darkness is the small market, whereas the large market is the wholesale market.

Mutrah Souq is known for its handicrafts like silverware, daggers, traditional cloth, new apparel and shoes, in addition to the famous Omani sweets (Halwa), spices and braziers (receptacles in which incense or frankincense is burned).

Nizwa Souq 

This souq lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts.

Ar Rustaq Souq 

Built in Wilayt Ar Rustaq in Al Batinah Region, Ar Rustaq Souq is one of the most popular markets in the Sultanate. From the small hours of the morning, this market becomes a hub of activity where various goods are traded, such as traditional industries and crafts like silver, blacksmithing, palm leaves, folk remedies, various agricultural crops, in addition to a famous courtyard for selling sheep and livestock frequented by citizens from Al Batinah region’s various states.

Ibra Wednesday Market 

Ibra Wednesday Market takes place every Wednesday of the week in Wilayt Ibra in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region)and is dedicated to women only. Every week, women head to this market to buy all they need. It is open from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

Royal Opera House Muscat

The opera house is located in Shati Al-Qurm district of Muscat, Oman. Built on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Royal Opera House reflects contemporary Omani architecture, and has a capacity to accommodate maximum of 1,100 people. This opera house is first in the world equipped with Radio Marconi's multimedia interactive display seatback system, Mode23. The opera house complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens, cultural market with retail, luxury restaurants and an art centre for musical, theatrical and operatic productions. For events details please visit: www.rohmuscat.org.om

Al Flayj Castle Theatre

Every year, during the period from December to the end of March, the Ministry of Tourism organizes a number of cultural evenings at the ancient Al Falaj Castle Theatre, hosting popular groups from around the world.
The Ministry also organizes similar evenings in Al Morooj Theatre, Salalah, Dhofar Governorate.

Muscat Festival

This is one of the most important festivals, combining the efforts of all active official, private, and even the popular sectors in the country. These festivals reflect the magical beauty of the Sultanate, the depth of its history and heritage, the urban development witnessed by the country while preserving its cultural heritage, customs and the authentic Arab traditions of the Omani people.

The festival is usually held in Muscat in January and February of each year, and provides an excellent opportunity for shopping and sightseeing. The festival also offers a variety of cultural, artistic and traditional events and activities. It will be held in the largest heritage village in Al Qurm Natural Park where you can see and get to know traditional and artistic Omani life.
The Festival showcases an array of traditional industries from around the world.
The festival website www.muscat-festival.com provides further information, including a detailed schedule of events and their times.

Salalah Tourism Festival

This festival is held annually in Dhofar Province during autumn, between 21 June and 21 September, when a tropical climate dominates Dhofar. Northern and north-western winds blow over the seas adjacent to the Arabian Peninsula’s southern coast. Rain showers fall, accompanied by light patches of fog that lend the region moderate temperatures and cover Dhofar with a gorgeous green blanket.

In July, Autumn Festival activities present to families and visitors various artistic and cultural shows, in addition to parades. There are a variety of local and international programs to please every taste and guarantee a pleasurable and useful time.

The festival website : www.salalahfestival.com provides further information, including a detailed schedule of events and their times.