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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.
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