Oman
Pearl of the Orient
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Photos: © Ministry of Heritage & Tourism Sultanate of Oman
Imagine a country with endless golden desert dunes, hidden underground caves, towering mountains, miles of sandy beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, a turquoise-blue sea filled with vibrant marine life, and lush green oases. No other place combines so many scenic contrasts quite like this.
W elcome to Oman – a country straight out of *1001 Nights*, with just as many facets. Located about a seven-hour flight from Switzerland, the Sultanate of Oman lies in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, Oman was a crucial player in shaping sea routes and trade between Asia, East Africa, and Europe. Today, its rich cultural heritage is complemented by modern, sustainable developments, including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and numerous other cultural landmarks.
This impressive diversity offers plenty of variety for vacation planning. Whether you prefer an active vacation in nature, exploring the Sultanate’s 5,000-year-old history on a classic round trip, or a relaxing beach holiday with nearby excursions, Oman provides something for everyone to enjoy their perfect getaway.
The Sultanate also offers a broad array of culinary delights. A rich blend of spices and flavors defines Omani cuisine, reflecting the country’s diverse influences. Encounters with the Omani people – renowned for their warmth and hospitality – along with their colorful traditions and vibrant culture, ensure that your vacation experience will be unforgettable.
„Not an everyday experience: swimming with whale sharks in the Daymaniyat Islands nature reserve, not far from the coast of Muscat.“
Photo: © Mola Mola Diving Center
Oman’s capital: Muscat
A reflection of past and present, Muscat is a remarkable blend of past and present, known for its traditional architecture, stunning beaches, and unique location between the sea and the mountains. Once confined to the small historic center of the old city, covering just three square kilometers, Muscat has expanded significantly and now stretches over 65 kilometers along the coast.
The city is divided into two historical districts: Old Muscat and modern Muscat. In Old Muscat, thick walls enclose museums and the two iconic fortresses, Mirani and Jalali. The architectural highlight is the Sultan’s Al Alam Palace, a symbol of Oman’s regal heritage.
The Mutrah district, located in a neighboring bay, serves as the economic hub of the city. Visitors will find the beach promenade lined with 18th-century villas, a charming fishing port, and the largest souk on the Arabian Peninsula. This bustling marketplace offers traditional clothing, handicrafts, antique jewelry, Bedouin carpets, and workshops where artisans craft the „khanjar”, the traditional Omani curved dagger.
The modern part of Muscat, including the Ruwi business district and various shopping malls, is defined by its white, low-rise buildings, maintaining a distinctive Omani character. A standout of Muscat’s modern architecture is the Royal Opera House, located in the Qurm district. Commissioned by the late Sultan Qaboos, a lover of classical music and the arts, the opera house was completed in 2011. It is a masterpiece that blends traditional and modern design, offering a rich program of classical, international, and oriental performances each season.
„View from Oman’s highest mountain, Jabal Shams.“
Unique animal encounters: Snorkeling with whale sharks off the coast of Mascat
Oman’s diverse coastline spans an impressive 3,165 kilometers. In the north, near Muscat, beaches dotted with colorful pebbles attract visitors for swimming and snorkeling. One of the most exciting experiences here is the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless creatures, measuring between six to ten meters in length, thrive in the plankton-rich waters around the Gulf of Oman, especially between July and November.
Just a few kilometers from the capital lies the Daymaniyat Islands nature reserve, where visitors can encounter these peaceful giants up close through snorkeling, diving, or swimming. Tours to the islands start from Marina Al Mouj, where local operators offer various boat trips.
Oman’s rich wildlife extends beyond the north. Along the wild, untouched beaches of Ras Al Jinz, located at the eastern tip of the country, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, providing a rare and beautiful sight for nature enthusiasts. Further south, in the Dhofar region, the landscape transforms. During the rainy season, rugged cliffs become lush with greenery, and long sandy beaches are inhabited by wandering dromedaries, creating a striking contrast between the arid desert and vibrant coastal life.
Vast deserts, majestic mountains: Sharqiyah Sands and the Hajar High Mountains
In the Sharqiyah Sands desert, around three hours’ drive from the capital Muscat, visitors can enjoy a camel ride at sunrise, high-speed off-road vehicle rides during dune bashing, or a cozy sundowner on the dune. Travelers can end the day relaxing by the campfire under the stars with the best view of the Milky Way. Overnight stays are in luxurious tented camps, for example.
The Rub al-Khali in the southwest of Oman is almost twice the size of Germany. Its gigantic 300-meter-high dunes stretch for hundreds of kilometers as far as Saudi Arabia and resemble immense works of art created by nature. On a hike lasting several days with overnight stays in tents, travelers not only get to know the beauty and impassability of the desert but also the everyday life of the Bedouins who live there. When the sun sinks into the sea of sand as a huge red ball in the evening, it creates a dramatic play of colors.
Winding roads lead over steep tracks – for which a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required – into the majestic landscapes of the Hajar High Mountains. Here, visitors encounter the two most famous mountains in the Sultanate: Jabal Akhdar, with its picturesque terraced gardens carved into the rocks, and Jabal Shams, which at 3,075 meters is considered the highest point in the country.
Both mountains are crisscrossed by hiking trails, some of which lead along impressive cliffs and rocky outcrops offering views over deep gorges. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can try mountain climbing. Small villages scattered between the mountains offer rewarding encounters with locals.
Insider tip: The small mountain village of Wakan, located around 1,500 meters above sea level in northern Oman, is surrounded by magnificent terraced gardens. From here, travelers have a stunning view of the mountainous landscape. The surrounding mountains, with their valleys and unique rock formations, offer a variety of hiking trails for those eager to explore the region on foot.
In the far north of Oman: Musandam’s spectacular fjord landscapes
Oman’s green oases: Wadis
Wadis are natural oases set amidst barren landscapes and refer to riverbeds that often lie dry for much of the year. During the dry season, these wadis form secluded desert valleys with striking rock formations. However, when they are filled with fresh water, they transform into lush, green oases, complete with natural rock pools and waterfalls framed by towering cliffs. These valleys provide an idyllic backdrop for walks and hikes, often culminating in a picnic amidst tropical vegetation or a refreshing swim in the cool, often emerald-colored water.
One of the more adventurous routes is through Wadi Bani Awf, a rugged trail that winds into a palm-lined valley. As the route progresses, high mountain walls enclose the track, turning it into a rough, unpaved road, with small mountain villages interspersed with breathtaking views. Wadi Bimah is another recommended stop, but it’s not for the faint-hearted: a canyoning tour through the challenging Snake Canyon involves climbing, abseiling, and jumping into the water.
Beyond these, Oman boasts many other wadis with impressive rock formations, natural pools, and waterfalls. Popular spots like Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Shab, and Wadi Tiwi attract locals for weekend trips, while hidden gems such as Wadi Hawer await discovery by those looking for a quieter escape.
„The magnificent terraced gardens of the small mountain village of Wakan.“
Pomegranates, roses, coffee and incense: insights into the culture of Oman
In the middle of Oman’s barren landscape, mountain water flows through stone channels, known as the Aflaj irrigation system, to nourish lush gardens. In these gardens, pomegranates – sold by local tribes – offer a refreshing treat on hot days. In spring, travelers can witness the intricate harvest of fragrant Damascus roses while interacting with the warm-hearted locals.
Descending from the high mountains, the oasis town of Birkat Al Mouz awaits with its sugar-sweet dates, ripe for harvesting. Oman’s rich culture can also be experienced in the oasis city of Nizwa, nestled in a valley behind the mountains. A vibrant trading hub with deep historical roots, Nizwa remains a place where the regional sheikhs still shape rural life.
For those who love the hustle and bustle, a visit to the historic souk or the early morning cattle market on Fridays is a must. Coffee enthusiasts will find a delightful cultural experience in Oman as well. Known as „kahwa“ in Arabic, coffee here is more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of hospitality and an integral part of social life.
The Omani coffee ceremony involves serving spiced Arabic coffee, often flavored with cardamom and occasionally cloves, along with dates, fresh fruit, sweets, and baked goods. Strong and aromatic, kahwa is traditionally served in small, handleless cups. Omanis enjoy it multiple times a day, share freshly brewed pots with neighbors, and of course, offer it to guests. The ceremony follows specific etiquette: when a guest has had enough, they lightly wave the cup between their thumb and fingers; if they don’t, the cup will be refilled as a continued gesture of hospitality.
In the far south of Oman lies Dhofar, the birthplace of frankincense. The UNESCO-protected Wadi Dawkah, home to more than 5,000 Boswellia sacra trees, is part of this legendary Frankincense Route. Here, visitors can learn about the extraction of the valuable resin, famously gifted to the newborn Jesus by the Three Wise Men alongside myrrh and gold. The Royal al-Hojari frankincense, with its greenish hue and near-translucent appearance, is considered the most valuable in the world, representing just five percent of Oman’s total frankincense harvest.
General information:
Travelers seeking high-quality accommodation in Oman are spoilt for choice. From Shangri-La and Kempinski to Anantara, St. Regis, and Six Senses, to The Chedi and Alila, numerous international premium hotel brands are present in the Sultanate. These hotels offer all the luxurious amenities a discerning guest could wish for, along with the exceptional warmth and hospitality for which the Omanis are renowned.
For a more authentic experience, guests can opt for accommodations provided by local brands such as SAMA Resorts or choose from individually managed guesthouses, each offering a unique Omani touch.
The national airline, Oman Air, offers direct flights to Muscat from Zurich four times a week. Edelweiss Air also provides seasonal direct flights from Zurich to the capital. Numerous other airlines enhance the flight options available.
For more information, visit: www.omanair.com
Further information on the destination Oman can be found at: www.experienceoman.om