Oman
Oman offers visitors a
rare chance to engage with the Arab world without the distorting lens of
excessive wealth. Its low-rise towns retain their traditional charms, and
Bedouin values remain at the heart of an Omani welcome. With an abundance of
natural beauty, from spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts, and a pristine
coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of
Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient soul.
Oman boasts a rich heritage and embracing society, a strong sense of
identity, and pride in an ancient, frankincense-trading past and confidence in
a highly educated future.
Culture & History
As with the rest of the Arab world, Omani culture is closely tied to
the Islamic faith. Most Omanis are Muslims. However, the majority of them
practice Ibadi, a form of Islam which originated in the country and is distinct
from the majority denominations of Sunni and Shia.
Omanis are very humble and down-to-earth. However, two very important
aspects of Omani culture are dignity and respect. They regard these values so
strongly that insults and name-calling can be a basis for taking someone to
court. Criticisms, whether personal, national, or superficial such as appearance
or behavior, are generally not appreciated.
Rules of etiquette when traveling in Muslim countries generally apply
to traveling in Oman. Women must dress modestly outside the comforts of modern
hotels, ideally clothing that covers shoulders and legs and certainly not items
that are form-fitting or too tight, while men must wear trousers and sleeved
shirts. Outside the main cities of Muscat and Salalah, there is strong
segregation in society between genders. In many contexts, it may be considered
inappropriate for men to interact with the opposite gender.
Flavors
The moment you enter an Omani home, you will be served with what
constitutes the “fowala,” which includes succulent dates with freshly prepared
“kahwa,” or Arabic coffee. The bitterness of kahwa is complemented by the
sweetness of dates. Different kinds of sweets, like the gelatinous
marshallow-like Omani halawa, is also served as fowala. Kahwa, flavoured
intensely with cardamom, is served in tiny eggshell-shaped cups without handles.
Also, “sohha wa samin”, another sweet made from dates and nuts, is served with
kahwa.
Bread is a staple for breakfast and rice rice is mainly eaten during
lunch. “Maqbous,” tinged with saffron and cooked over spicy red or white meat,
is a popular rice dish. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman swarm with fish. Omani
cuisine features fish items eaten with rice or bread. Among the most sought
after fish dishes is the “samak bil narjeel,” fish marinated in spices and
topped with rice in coconut sauce. Mazoor (boiled shark) is usually served
cold, while “kanad” (king fish) is used in the preparation of whole fish
roasted on a burning fire and served with rice and lemon juice. “Makauousha,”
or sardines, in coconut-based sauce is quite popular in the Musandam region.
Festivals like Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha have given rise to special
delicacies. Iftar spread offers an amazing variety like “sakhana,” a thick
sweet soup made of wheat, date, molasses, and milk; “masanif” (chicken-stuffed
pastries); “fatta,” a meat and vegetable dish mixed with “khubz rakhal;”
“mardouf” (made with dates) and “chilo” (rice flour pancakes). The making of
“shuwa” calls for a celebration. The entire village participates in the cooking
of “shuwa,” which consists of a whole cow or goat, roasted for up to two days
in a special oven prepared in a pit dug in the ground.
Urban Experience
Muscat is the capital of Oman, and is located on the Gulf of Oman
surrounded by beautiful mountains and desert. With a mix of intriguing history,
upmarket shopping and stunning scenery, it’s a great place to explore.
Being the first of its kind in the region, the Opera House is a
beautiful landmark to tour and with its busy yearly schedule one is sure to
catch a great show while visiting the city. Also, the National museum is the
newest addition to Oman’s cultural scene. The modern architecture of the
building is the perfect contrast to what is held inside. Oman’s rich history
since prehistoric times to modern times is on display for people to enjoy and
learn from.
A modern Islamic architecture masterpiece, the mosque holds the second
largest Persian carpet in the world and once held the record for the largest in
the world. The intricate handmade carpet took around 4 years to complete. The
mosque also houses one of the most beautiful and largest chandeliers in the
world, and the interiors are basically commissioned works of art. The grand
prayer hall can accommodate up to 20,000 people all at once.
Outdoors & Adventure
Salalah, the capital city of the southern province Dhofar, is around
650 miles south of Muscat. Known for its Arabian Sea beaches and abundant sea
life, this is an excellent spot for sailing, with opportunities for all ages
and abilities. A good time to hire a boat is after the khareef (monsoon season,
which lasts from mid June to mid September), when seas are calm and whales are
easy to spot. For several months after the monsoon the arid desert terrain is
transformed into a lush green landscape, with temperatures rarely exceeding
27C.
Towering red rock formations and the lush green springs, pools and
plantations of the wadi (valley) provide a dramatic backdrop to the seemingly
endless ochre sands that fearless participants negotiate in their 4×4 vehicles.
Also, surrounded by serrated precipices, the clear turquoise waters of Oman's
version of the Norwegian fjords are ideal for underwater exploration. Some
sheltered, shallow areas cater to beginners, while others are off-limits to all
but the most experienced divers.
Climbing the via ferrata on Oman's highest mountain,
Jebel Sham, is an adrenaline junkie's dream. The 9,934ft peak, whose name means
'sun mountain' in Arabic, lies in the Al Dakhiliyah region. The protected
climbing route involves first hiking the famous Balcony Walk, which looks
across Al Nakhr — Oman's answer to the Grand Canyon