Come, discover the Sultanate of Oman, a hidden jewel at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It is actually the oldest independent state in Arabia. Oman has embraced modernisation and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage – making it the perfect travel destination for those seeking an authentic Arabian experience.
The Sultanate of Oman is the only country in the world composed mostly of oceanic crust and rocks that originate from the Earth’s mantle. Evidence of continental drift can be witnessed in many of the unusual rock formations and topography around Oman, including the coastline around Muscat.
Thanks to its strategic position at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the sultanate has always played a major role in trade including the ancient Silk Road and Spice Routes where Oman served as a gateway for all ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea. Al Wattih, in the Muscat region, is thought to be one of the world’s first inhabited settlements, with artefacts found to date back to the Stone Age. Later, and before the coming of Islam, Oman was dominated by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians – each of whom sought to use Oman’s strategic location to trade with the world. It was with the spread of Islam in Oman, around the 7th century, that the first place of worship was built. The Al Midhmar mosque in Wilayat Samail still stands to this day, having been rebuilt at various times throughout the centuries.
You would discover that a large part of the Sultanate’s unique charm is the hospitality of the Omani people. Visitors and adventurers looking for a unique holiday experience will find that Oman is indeed a hidden jewel and has a lot to offer. Hiking, scuba diving, fishing, kite surfing and caving to name just a few. From tall mountains and deep gorges, to water-filled wadis, endless beaches and some of the world’s most stunning desert landscapes, the diverse beauty of Oman is apparent in every part of the country, thereby giving it the status of a hidden jewel in the Arab world.
The eleven governorates of Oman are:
Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate
Provinces: Nizwa, Samail, Bahla, Adam, Al Hamra, Manah, Izki, and Bidbid
Al Dhahirah Governorate
Provinces: Ibri, Yanqul, and Dank
Al Batinah North Governorate
Provinces: Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khaburah, and Suwayq
Al Batinah South Governorate
Provinces: Nakhal, Wadi al Maawil, Al Awabi, Al Musannah, Barka, and Rustaq
Al Buraimi Governorate
Provinces: Al Buraimi, Mahdah, and As Sunayah
Al Wusta Governorate
Provinces: Haima, Duqm, Mahout and Al Jazer
Al Sharqiyah North Governorate
Provinces: Ibra, Al Mudhaibi, Bidiyah, Wadi Bani Khaled, Dema wa Thaieen and Al Qabil
Al Sharqiyah South Governorate
Provinces: Masirah, Sur, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan
Jalan Bani Bu Ali, and Al Kamil Wal Wafi
Dhofar Governorate
Provinces: Salalah, Taqh, Mirbat, Thumrait, Sadah, Rakhyut, Dhalkut, Muqshin, Shalim and Hallaniyat Islands, and Al Mazyona
Muscat Governorate
Provinces: Muscat, Muttrah, Baushar, Seeb, Al Amerat, and Qurriyat
Musandam Governorate
Provinces: Khasab, Bukha, Daba Al Bayah and Madha
MUSCAT GOVERNORATE
Muscat
This is the capital of Oman, the hidden jewel, and the most populated city in the sultanate. The landscape of Muscat is dominated by the Western Al Hajar Mountains. It lies adjacent to the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in close proximity with the Straits of Hormuz. The skyline in Muscat is unique with low-rise white buildings while the erstwhile Sultan Qaboos Port and the Muttrah Corniche are special features that mark its landscape.
Muttrah
Administratively a district, Muttrah is located in Muscat province and is popular for the ancient forts and the Old Muttrah Souq which lend it an old word charm. Before the discovery of oil, Muttrah was the centre of commerce in Oman.
Baushar
This province is in close proximity with Muscat International Airport and is home to many popular residential complexes, as well as hypermarkets, malls and hospitals, especially Royal Hospital. It overlooks the Sea of Oman from the north and also contains several archaeological sites and sand dunes, once a popular locale for quad biking.
Seeb
This is a coastal fishing city, located several kilometres northwest of Muscat in northeastern Oman. The popular landmarks in Seeb include the Seeb Souq, Seeb beach, Naseem Garden, the Royal Stable and Equestrian Centre, the Royal Guard of Oman Technical College, Bait al Baraka Palace and the Seeb International Airport.
Seeb is famous for being the location in which the ‘Treaty of Seeb’ agreement took place between the Imamate of Oman and the Sultanate of Muscat on 25 September 1920 – dividing Oman into two distinct regions, the interior and the coast.
Al Amerat
Al Amerat is the fifth most populated city in Muscat Governorate after Muscat. It is a budding township with many new residential complexes and shopping arcades. The popular Al Amerat Park featuring a 1000-seat amphitheatre, heritage village, global village, educational gardens, jogging track, plazas, and playgrounds, is located here. The park has served as a key venue for Muscat Festival, showcasing Oman’s rich cultural traditions, history, and heritage, over the past few years.
Qurriyat
Qurriat is a small fishing town, 83km southeast of Muscat, adjacent to the town of Sur. A popular stopping point on the way to Sur, Qurriyat is in itself a very popular destination for Muscat. The fishing village of Qurriyat is a favourite with bird watchers as rare species such as Kingfishers and Grey Herons are known to frequent the surrounding lagoons, besides many other migratory birds.
