Marhaba.
The traditional word for welcome in the Sultanate of Oman.
Wherever you go, you sense an air of tranquility and optimism.
Genuine friendliness is something that you will experience
in Oman. In fact that they are renowned for their good
manners. On of your memories on leaving Oman would be
the sincerity of her people. Visit Oman......experience
the essence of the Middle East's best kept secret.
Oman's 12,000 years old civilization is still evident
all over the country. Over 500 forts, castles and towers
in diverse architectural styles. are proud witnesses to
a glorious past. A wide collection of historical books
and manuscripts are on display for the history buff.
Muscat, the capital city of Oman lies sparkling white,
topped with golden minarets in the middle of a maze of
brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea.
Described as "Arabia's jewel”, this city is
a blend of the old and the new. Muscat is green as green
can be, and defies being classified as part of a desert
country. The roads are lined with well-manicured green
lawns and trees. During winter this is interspersed with
a profusion of multicolored flowers. The city has steadfastly
retained its old-world character.
Old Muscat has a quaint charm about it with many forts,
castles, mosques and towers doting the landscape. Of particular
note are Jalali and Mirani forts flanking Al Alam Palace.
The Corniche, with its promenade and souqs (markets) is
one of the highlights of the city. The old souq of Muttrah
is an ideal spot for tourists to buy keepsakes and treasures.
Greater Muscat boasts high-rise business properties (but
not too high), world-class highways, upscale suburbs rooted
in traditional Islamic architecture, elegant mosques,
large green parks, archaeological sites, museums and world-class
hotels.
Sohar, a seaside city, was the capital of Oman many centuries
ago and legend has it that it was named after the great
grandson of Noah (of the Bibical flood). Originally known
as Majan (Persian-Mazoun), the city's name alludes from
early ship building activity. The word "ma-gan"
means ship's skeleton or chassis stemmed from its copper
deposits in the mountains of Majan.Sohar belongs to the
fertile Batinah coast region, and is arguably the most
verdant city in Oman and the drive to Sohar from Muscat
along the coastal highway passes through thick plantations
of dates, mangoes, limes, bananas, vegetables and fodder
crops.
Nestled in the southern region of Oman, Salalah has the
benifit of the annual Indian monsoon: locally known as
the Khareef. This monsoon, which extends from early June
to mid September, transforms the countryside into a veritable
garden with tumbling waterfalls and meandering streams.
The Khareef season is a good time to visit Salalah. In
July and August the government plays host for the annual
Khareef Festival, a cultural highlight of the season.
Salalah is steeped in myths and legends that date back
to biblical times. In the Jebel Qara can be found the
tomb of the Prophet Ayoub, better known as Job of the
Old Testament. In Khawr Rhori lie the ruins of the palace
reputed to be that of the Queen of Sheba. In the surrounding
countryside on the flanks of the jebels grows the Boswellia
sacra better known for the sap it produces: Frankincense.
Frankincense, of course, is best known to Christians as
one of the gifts of the Magi in Nativity story. In all
probability the Frankincense that was a gift to the baby
Jesus came from Oman as the Boswellia sacra tree grows
no where else.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Oman's ruler, is known
for his non-conformist approach to international and regional
issues. His Majesty hope for a civilised future for all
humanity and his ambitions for Oman to play a prominent
role in the world form the backdrop to his concept of
modern material and human development. He desires a nation
which is proud of its heritage but is always ready to
reach out for new horizonsIn developing his country, the
Sultan has demonstrated a strong desire to preserve as
much as possible of Oman's traditional character.
Sultanate of Oman, a crude
oil rich country in the Gulf region is rich with reserves
of petroleum and natural gas. Today, oil and gas fuel
Oman’s economy, and revenues from petroleum products
have enabled the country’s dramatic development
over the past 36 years. Oil was first discovered in the
interior near Fahud in the western desert in 1964.The
Sultanate has crude oil and oil condensates reserves totaling
over 4,803 million barrels, with PDO’s reserves
accounting for over 92% of this figure.
