Oman Holiday
Oman may be best known to some travellers as an airline stopover - but for those who stick around there is a wealth of attractions in store.
The state of Oman in the Middle East is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination in the Middle East, offering good beaches, exotic cities, colourful markets and year-round sun.
Located in the south west of Asia, Oman is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said Al Said. It is situated on the south east coast of the Arabian Peninsula and consists of a vast desert plain in the centre, mountain ranges to the north and coastline to the south east.
Oman has only been open to tourism since 1987 and the sector is still developing, as the country gradually attracts more overseas visitors. The country has become considerably more open to women in recent years and, although traditions are still preserved, it is more progressive than most people expect.
Part of the 'Cradle of Humanity', Oman has a wealth of history and the earliest known settlements in the region date back to around 3,000 BC. During the first millennium BC, Oman became part of the Persian Empire, flourishing because of its frankincense production.
Nomadic tribes from the north and the Abbasids shared control until the Portuguese arrived in 1506 and seized control until they were expelled by Imam Sultan bin Saif in 1650.
The Omani empire grew steadily until the 19th century and the country was declared a protectorate by Britain in 1891, though the sultan remained in place. Oman was recognised as an independent nation in 1971.
The official language in Oman is Arabic, though there are many English speakers and people tend to be friendly and willing to help out tourists. Predominantly Muslim, visitors are advised to show respect for local customs and cover up when visiting cities or religious sites.
The capital Muscat is a beautiful old port, home to the vast sultan's palace, old city walls and some excellent shopping streets and markets.
The northern beaches provide a relaxing and enchanting backdrop to a holiday, with small towns and impressive forts, as well as some luxurious coastal developments with the opportunity to take advantage of some excellent watersports facilities.
Other places of interest include Jabrin Castle, the oasis, fort and mosque at Samail and the breathtaking Wadi Shab waterfall.
Oman has a population of just over three million in an area of more than 200,000 sq km and is a relatively rich country, with its economy primarily driven by crude oil and natural gas.
The country has a range of climates, but is at its hottest and most stifling during the summer months. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is still warm, but more bearable.
Flights are available directly from Europe to Oman with most major carriers and once there tourists can travel around the country by bus, taxi or rental car. A number of tour operators now offer holiday packages to the country.
