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Amazing Oman Modern Muscat Travelog/OMAN TRAVELOG THE IntoXICatIng SCenerY anD glimpses of the lifestyle and traditions of ancient and Amazing Oman modern Muscat. The Natural History Museum features BEWITCHIng envIronment offer the geological ages, the varied wildlife including whales THE DISCernIng traveller A and other sea creatures. Bait Al Baranda, located in a historic building on Muttrah seafront, is a new museum DestInatIon WITH A DIfferenCE tracing the story of Muscat from over 100 million years ago to the present day through innovative, interactive exhibits. ornithologist’s heaven - rock climbing, caving, golfing Oman has taken its culture into the 21st century by and sailing. Boat trips to see dolphins, close encounters creating a stunning Royal Opera House, which has with nesting turtles or browsing the souks for frankin- already attracted much interest and has an eclectic cense will ensure that a stay in Oman is unforgettable. programme, designed to appeal to a variety of tastes for By Rhona Wells The capital, Muscat, is a prime example of intelligent the 2013-2014 season. and aesthetic development, blending the ancient and Muscat is also home to the largest mosque in Oman. modern. There are no skyscrapers here and none are The Sultan Qaboos mosque, which boasts one of the in the planning pipeline. The Corniche has retained its most spectacular chandeliers in the world, offers visitors elegant character, with former merchants’ houses having a true insight into Islam with its detailed and fascinating rom exploring the frankincense trail to home of Sinbad the Sailor, Oman retains much of its an- Above: Muscat is undergone full restoration, while in the nearby newly guided tours. experiencing one of the many golfing ad- cient atmosphere, despite its luxurious hotels, strikingly becoming a prime modernised Muttrah Souq, the forefathers of the same Nizwa Fort, which was completed in the 1650s, is ventures on offer, the Sultanate of Oman beautiful beaches and fascinating markets. cruise destination Omanis who shop here today, did their own trading. among Oman’s largest and oldest forts as well as one of offers a plethora of tourist attractions as well Oman’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage Left: Traditional dhow Muscat has also become as prime cruise destination in the most visited national monuments. This historical as potential relocation solutions for those reflects hundreds of years of international trade and building carries on the Middle East, as well as offering fast ferries to Musan- edifice is an example of the ingenuity of Omani archi- seeking lifestyle changes. foreign influences, evidence of which is spread across in Sur dam which, with its majestic fjords and breathtaking rock tecture. Set amid plantations of date palms, it was built When Oman emerged from its hermit’s the country, including more than 500 forts, castles, Right: the waters formations which soar above the worl’d busiest shipping by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yaarubi. It took 12 years shell over 40 years ago, it revealed to the watchtowers, four UNESCO heritage sites and rock abound with dolphins lane – the Straits of Hormuz – is well worth a visit. to build, intended to prevent marauders from looting world a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes paintings. The range of activities available is equally Of particular interest in Muscat are the Jalali and Nizwa’s abundant natural wealth, as well as to protect dottedF with oases, forts and palaces. The intoxicating varied - from experiencing the uniquely beautiful marine Mirani forts which flank the Al Alam Palace of Sul- its strategic location on the crossroads of vital caravan scenery and bewitching environment offer the discerning life to be discovered by diving in the Indian Ocean, to tan Qaboos bin Said. Close by, the Bait Al Zubair is a routes. The most striking feature of the ramparts is the traveller a destination with a difference. The legendary canoeing the fjords, bird watching – the country is an museum in a traditional Omani house giving amazing central tower, soaring 35 metres above the rest of the 52 The Middle East November 2013 November 2013 The Middle East 53 Travelog/OMAN fortification, which allows stunning views of Nizwa and International, The Chedi and Sheraton have a presence consistent growth over the last five years. The next five the surrounding areas. in the country, with the showcase property, recently years will see several major residential and commercial Another landmark nearby is the recently refurbished refurbished, being the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, the venue developments completed, further contributing to GDP Nizwa Souk, famous for its silver jewellery. The weekly for many regional heads-of-state meetings. growth in the non-oil sectors. (Friday) markets with goat and cattle auctions are tra- Golf in Oman has been developing over the past ditional Omani events that have been part of the local three years on grass; it was previously played on sand Leading the pack landscape over many generations. golf courses. The Sultanate’s Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) The Al Jebel Al Akhdar, or ‘Green Mountains’, which Left: the maginificent The Wave’s residential development is enhanced by are integral to Oman’s tourism growth, and The Wave, at 2,980 metres are the highest in Oman, enhance Al Sultan Qaboos Oman’s first 18-hole PGA golf course designed by Greg Muscat is leading the pack. Dakhliyah’s natural beauty. The mountain range ac- mosque Norman; Muscat Hills rivals it with an 18-hole PGA- Known as Oman’s lifestyle destination, it is a first quired its name as the slopes are covered with vegetation Below: one of Oman’s certified green golf course with tremendous views over of its kind world-class development allowing Omanis throughout the year. With its many sheer rock faces, natural wonders, baby the Al Hajar Mountains with the sea in the distance. and non-Omanis to own freehold properties. Spread trekking trails, wadis and cave systems, it is the perfect turtles rushing to the Both these developments are part of the potential for along a stunning 6 km stretch of Muscat’s coastline, sea destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to relocation to the Sultanate. These residential develop- this mixed-use development comprises 4000 luxury the roses of Oman, which are harvested each April by The Wave’s PGA golf ments offer foreigners 100% ownership of their property residential properties, retail and dining facilities and the locals for the famed rosewater. course designed by as well as indefinite visas. Oman’s only signature PGA Standard 18-hole links golf Sur, on the Indian Ocean, is famous for its dhow- Greg Norman Through its sustainable development, the country course, designed by Greg Norman. The Wave, Muscat is building yard, where traditional fishing vessels are built. remains firmly rooted in tradition and culture, which is also home to Oman’s largest private yachting hub, the This is becoming a popular attraction for visitors along most of its charm. A trip to Oman affords the chance to 400 berth Almouj Marina, as well as four luxury hotels with the city’s two forts and small Maritime Museum, Religious tolerance, key to Oman’s stability enjoy the natural beauty of a country that only recently which will be developed at the project. which charts the history of shipbuilding in the town. began to attract tourism and is taking steps to protect There is a growing community of more than 2500 The beaches of Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz are the The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion. Oman its heritage. residents from 52 different nationalities living in the more nesting grounds for green turtles and are part of Oman’s developed its own particular form of Islam, Ibadhism, named after its than 1400 properties sold to date. preservation scheme for eco-tourism. Nothing compares founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh, who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Relocation, relocation, relocation to the experience of seeing turtles lay their eggs and the Omanis are Ibadhis, there are also Sunni and Shia Muslims but all live in Oman has proved a huge hit with those seeking to re- little ones emerge and make a dash for the sea. locate, or to purchase second homes, in the region. Its Work hard, play hard harmony together. Omanis are not only tolerant of the beliefs of different In absolute contrast lie the great Wahiba Sands, where obvious attractions, together with a relaxation of laws With strong backing from the Government of Oman and longitudinal dunes, which are 200 kilometres long and Muslim divisions, they are also tolerant towards believers of other faiths, allowing foreigners to own property in the Sultanate, regional developer Majid Al Futtaim, The Wave, Muscat 100 kilometres wide soar up to 150 metres and appear in a who are allowed to practise their religion in churches and temples. This together with a secure and stable political climate look is a success story in the commercial and tourism devel- variety of hues from orange to deep amber. This provides attitude has allowed the Sultanate to develop and flourish without any of set to see impressive growth in this sector over the next opment vision for Oman. Set to open in 2014, the Marsa a great outdoor experience and is best explored in 4x4 the sectarian problems that have plagued its near neighbours. ‘Live and let few years. Retail and Commercial Village Centre will lease office vehicles, with many desert camps offering overnight live’ is more than a mantra, it is a lifestyle in Oman. space to businesses and provide meetings and conferences Work & leisure at the Sultanate’s rising star camping, under the starry canopy – a taste of authentic In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque visitor centre volunteers lead facilities.
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