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Oman is a beautiful country neighbouring the United Arab Emirates, overlooked compared to the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you haven’t yet visited Oman, then you’re missing out; this hidden gem is best known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals which still practice ancient traditions in their daily lives, and it also happens to be one of the most picture-perfect destinations in the Middle East, surrounded by desert, mountains, and the breath-taking Arabian Sea.
Brightsun Travel offers cheap holidays to Oman from the UK, taking you to this stunning country in style. Book a break here and look forward to visiting gorgeous beaches with glistening turquoise waters, golden sands, and Arabian sunsets, not to mention thrilling water sports. In Oman you can also embark on the ultimate sightseeing adventure by exploring ancient forts, castles, and Wadi pools, browse vibrant souks, explore the country’s museums, and experience a local homestay.
The Sultanate of Oman is a welcoming holiday destination. The capital, Muscat, is also a popular coastal resort. The city has a great variety of attractions for children and adults. They include discovering local history in world-class museums and swimming in natural pools in the surrounding valleys. Muscat has many high-quality, purpose-built hotels. There is a brand-new opera house with impressive Arabic architecture, exclusive shopping malls, and restaurants. Qurum Beach with its soft, golden sand is part of everyday life for tourists and residents alike. Muscat has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Currency: You’ll be spending Omani Rial.
Language: Arabic, though English is often a second language.
Local Time: Four hours ahead of GMT.
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately seven hours, twenty minutes.
Tourist Information: Visit the official Oman tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions: To travel to Oman, British citizens need a valid passport and a short-term travel visa is required. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for Oman.
Visas must be applied for when travelling to Oman. Arrange yours with Brightsun Travel.
A: Oman can be relatively expensive.
A: October to April is usually best, when the weather is comfortably hot.
A: Muscat is generally regarded as safe.
A: Only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.
The Old Town of Muscat includes the Sultan's Al Alam Palace. Overlooking the bay are two forts, Al Jalili and Al Mirani, that date from the sixteenth century. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque has a very impressive architecture. Tourists are welcome to explore the ornate interior and the mosque's ornamental gardens. A short distance away is a picturesque bay and the village of Muttrah Corniche. The harbour's promenade is a lovely coastal walk with plenty of beachfront cafes offering refreshments. The Muttrah Souk is one of the oldest traditional markets. It has a lively atmosphere and stalls laden with glamorous textiles and handmade crafts.
There are many guided tours around Muscat. Choose from walking, cycling, or viewing the city from a pleasure boat cruise along the coast. Sea excursions to look for dolphins swimming in the Gulf are a holiday highlight. Muscat is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Adventure trips beyond the city include exploring the local desert by camel. Although Oman's climate is dry, the foothills of the local Western Al Hajar Mountains have many tumbling waterfalls. Visitors can swim in the natural pools. Scuba divers often travel inland to visit the mysterious Wadi Shab sinkhole.
The temperature in June often exceeds 40°C (104°F). Winter temperatures are generally warm with an average of 25°C (77°F) in the coldest month of January. There is usually no rain in September, but an average of 24.5 millimetres falls in February, the wettest month.
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