Destination Oman 2015

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“I reaffirm the necessity to give tourism a prior-ity in the future development programme. This sector has great potential for growth and for making an effective contribution to economic diversification, since our dear country possesses such splendid tourist assets such as its historic heritage, natural beauty, perfect environment, folklore and traditional industries. In addition, there is the security, stability and the spirit of tolerance of the Omani citizens, thanks to God.

The tourism industry is well qualified to of-fer career opportunities to Omanis. It is well capable of serving the aims of regional develop-ment, since its benefits will cover all regions. On this basis we should prepare a newstrategy to develop this sector so it can stand on its own feet in a severely competitive, flexible and diversified

international market.”

Excerpted from the speech of

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

on the occasion of the 29th National Day

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

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WHERE BUSINESSAND PLEASURE MEETThis iconic hotel boasts Muscat’s best views that can be enjoyed from the dining terraces, elegantly appointed rooms and the lawns that run along the top of the cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Inside you will find attentive service at all of our facilities, whether it be in our fitness centre, one of our seven restaurants and bars or state-of-the-art conference and meeting venues.

CPMUSCAT.COM 00968 2466 0660

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Publisher

PO Box 332, PC 117, Wadi Kabir, MuscatSultanate of OmanTel: +968 24810204Email: [email protected]: www.interacoman.com

Cover PhotoJaap Croese

Contributors & Photography Bait Al Zubair FoundationJaap CroeseDeepak NairRob ArnhemAthira Krishna PrasadNandini PravinPriyanka Ghosh

DisclaimerWhile every effort has been made to ensure the ac-curacy of all editorial and advertising matter in this publication, the creators and publishers do not accept any liability for any errors or omission. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, digital or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.

All correspondence should be sent to: [email protected]

Dear Reader,

DestinationOman which showcases the rich tapestry of culture and tradi-tions of this fascinating seafaring Arab nation, the Sultanate of Oman; has become the country’s most popular annual tourism publication over the past decade. Now, we are proud to present to you with the eleventh annual print edition.

I must admit after all these years of travelling in this fascinating country, aptly christened the ‘Pearl of the Arabian Peninsula,’ in the quest of discover-ing its scenic topography, I realised for every fabulous destination previ-ously discovered, there were myriads of newer discoveries over the horizon, awaiting your arrival. I sincerely hope these fascinating desert stories that we have featured over the years have inspired our many admiring readers to set off on their own personal journeys to unravel their own stories of spectacular discoveries of the many priceless hidden sightseeing treasures that abound the picturesque Omani landscape.

In this edition, we explore some gorgeous destinations and examine some local cultural traditions. We will travel to the stunning aquamarine under-water havens of the Musandam Peninsula dotted with its many islands, where this diver’s paradise teems with a wide variety of marine life along its gently sloping coral reefs. We then traverse further down south along the coastline, in the Wilayat of Sur and explore the green turtle haven of Ras Al Jinz. We will then submerge into the tranquillity of the brilliant confluence of architecture, aesthetics and spirituality at the opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. We also take a walk hand in hand with nature as we traipse through the land of gardens at the Green Paradise – Salalah, which would also give us a fair picture of the flowering trees of Oman. As we learn about Qawah, the Omani coffee, we also understand a little bit more about the Omani headgear for men that incorporates an intricately embroidered Kummah underneath a uniquely styled turban made of finely woven cotton or woollen fabric, dependent on the season. We also visit Bait Al Zubair, a world-class museum housing some rare artefacts and historic relics that educate us about the history of this wonderful Sultanate.

Our continuing success relies heavily on the whole-hearted support of our magnanimous sponsors, benevolent well-wishers and most of all - you, our beloved readers. As a tribute to this precious association that we hold so close to our hearts, we encourage receiving evocative first-hand tourist accounts and visitor experiences in our editions. Hence if any of you have any meaningful contributions you may like to share with other readers, we would appreciate your thoughts, pictures and valuable feedback at [email protected] for our consideration.

Let me once again remind each one of you that alluring Oman eagerly awaits your visit with open arms, ready to mesmerise you with its enraptur-ing beauty and charming hospitality, to make an everlasting memory, for all who seek its captivating shores.

Thank you!

Editor’s Note

2015

Deepak Nair

TOURISMCONTENTS

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque ......................................16-21

The Mutrah Souq ........................................................................26-29

The Omani Man’s Headgear....................................................30-32

The Royal Opera House ............................................................34-35

Al Hamra ........................................................................................36-37

Fresh Produce Souqs .................................................................40-42

Bait Al Zubair ................................................................................44-48

Musandam The Paradise Peninsula .....................................50-53

Salalah A verdant paradise .....................................................54-58

Qawah The Traditional Omani coffee .................................60-63

Zayna Spa ............................................................................................ 65

Bay Watch Oman ........................................................................66-68

Six Senses Zighy Bay .................................................................70-72

The Flowering Trees and Shrubs of Oman’s Cities ..........74-77

Ras Al Jinz The green Turtle Habitat ....................................78-81

The Sur Gate Project ..................................................................84-85

A ‘Green’ Garden Resort on The Green Mountain ..........86-89

Frankincense The Scent of Oman .........................................90-92

City Seasons Muscat.................................................................................. .93

Millennium Resort Mussanah ...................................................... 95

1000 Nights Camp......................................................................96-97

Mezoon Travels .................................................................................. 99

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The SulTAn QAbooSGrAnD MoSQue

A shrine, A symphony

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‘‘ A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness. ‘‘

John Keats

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These lines by John Keats may only begin to express the delight experi-enced by a person visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The sprawling Mosque complex built over an area of 40,000 sqm is a symbol of the brilliant confluence of architecture, aesthetics and spiritual-ity. While meandering in its precincts the heart leaps in amazement, the mind finds instant tranquility, and the eyes stay riveted to indescrib-able opulence present all around.

Resting against a backdrop of ma-jestic mountains, the Grand Mosque presents a picture of nature’s perfect harmony with man’s faculty. It is a modern day wonder set to the contours of age-old traditions. It is a triumph of human endeavour wrought from cultural values. It is architectural poetry written in a contemporary style. It is a reflection of a nation’s spiritual strength and a pointer to its people’s spiritual aspirations. Seen from myriad per-spectives, the Grand mosque is an edifice of unparalleled attributes.

The InCePTIon The Mosque, instructions for which were given by His Majesty Sultan Said Bin Qaboos in the year 1992

took six years to complete. In the year 1993, the Diwan of Royal Court held an international competition to find the best design for the Grand Mosque. The construction com-menced in 1995, headed by the mas-ter architect Mohamed Saleh Makiya and Quad Design of London and Muscat. The long years that went into the construction of the Mosque complex are testimony to the effort and dedication that has gone into making it a true piece of marvel in

marble, sand stone and wood.The mosque complex consists of a scared platform on which stand the two important monumental objects of the main prayer hall and the open-air prayer courtyard. This sacred platform is defined by the four corner Minarets each standing 148 feet high. The five minarets, including the main minaret, are symbolic of the five pillars of Islam.

The main prayer hall is an elevated

Photo © Priyanka Ghosh

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square block on the western part of the complex. A small ladies prayer hall is situated to the east of the main hall. The main prayer hall building has a capacity of over 6,600. Put together the complex can accommodate over 20, 000 worshipers in its main hall, ladies hall and the open air court yards.

The exTerIorSArriving from the south side, which is the main entrance, you will be lead into the grounds of the complex through three entrances, each end-ing in its own separate open area, off which lead a series of arcades.

The Riwaqs are the arcades that form the transitional space between the site and the complex and they are marked by a set of vaulted arch-ways. They are covered by a series of attractive domes inspired by the domes of the Bilad Bani bu Ali mosque in the Sharqiya region. Al-though the north and south Riwaqs give an impression of a complete enclosure, the complex is conceptu-ally open at the east and west ends. The Riwaqs by their location define the boundary of the sacred plat-form. The southern Riwaq houses all the ancillary facilities namely the ablution courts, library, conference

hall and administrative quarter.The central minaret and dome gives the skyline of Muscat a peerless grandeur, which one can behold from afar. The dome, rising to a height of 50 meters has an outer structure of gold embossed fretwork design, like a lattice screen over an inner shell lining in gold mosaics. An undulat-ing parapet with merlons typical of Omani fort architecture runs around the solid dome structure.

The walls of the mosque are sheer poetry in stone. Geometric and floral border motifs give the stone facades a vibrancy that is felt all along the structure. The intricacy of the carving increases as you ap-proach the interiors of the complex. The geometric patterns that fill the arch spandrels of the Riwaqs and the calligraphy bands that run below the vaults are beyond description. The outer walls of the main prayer hall harbours a set of blind arches and niches and the densely carved stone panels at the top end of the walls brings the mute stone wall to life. The marvel of the main prayer hallIf the exteriors of the mosque have already taken your breath away, the splendour of the interiors of the main prayer hall will make you


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speechless. The magnificence of the inner sanctum will put you in veri-table trance for as long as you are inside it. Intricately carved wooden doors, each of which is topped with Quranic verses in sprawling decora-tive calligraphic style leads you into the main prayer hall. It would take a while for you to get over the sud-den awe inspired by what you see.

What strikes you first is the vast-ness of the space that has been so aesthetically integrated into a spiritual arena. Soak in the bliss as you walk towards the Mihrab (niche facing Makkah) that projects through the outer Qiblah (direc-tion of Makkah) wall. The Mihrab exists as a separately designed original artwork set within arches. The entire structure is laced in cut tile ceramic inlays. A twisted cable ceramic moulding, painted in gold highlights the structure, the beauty of which is indescribable.

Walk around the hall viewing the stained glass windows that comple-ment the patterns and motifs of the interiors. Gaze at the 35 chan-deliers made of Swaroski crystal and gold plated metal work. The grand central chandelier, which is eight meters wide and 14 meters high, weighs eight tonnes. The radiance it produces comes from 1,122 lamps that constitute it. The inner dome and the carpet

of the main prayer hall that are made with such meticulousness stand testimony to the integration of a splendid design, superlative material, and supreme craftsman-ship. The dome is assembled in segments between the marble ribs and columns from large pendetive elements all inlaid in fine cut tiles. All the cut tile work was carried out by special craftsmen and assembled in panels and elements at the mosque workshops. A calligraphy border inlaid with cut tile work in blue and gold colours run along the perimeter of the space just below the ceiling.

MAGIC CArPeTBehold the amazing single spread of Persian carpet that covers the floor of the main prayer hall! The 70 x 60 meters of sheer magic in fine wool and cotton yarns is made of 1700 million knots and weighs 21 tonnes. Contemplate this. It took four years for the carpet to come into existence. Six hundred women weavers worked tirelessly under the supervision of 15 technical experts in the Iranian province of Khurasan to create this magic in twenty-eight colours. Fifteen months were spent in finalizing the designs and getting the weaving materials and work-shop together, 27 months in actual weaving and five months to finish and trim the 58 pieces. And then these pieces were joined and laid inside the hall by special weavers. It

is notable that most of the shades in the carpet were obtained from tradi-tional vegetable dyes. The beauty it exudes under the Swaroski radi-ance is fascinating to say the least.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand mosque symbolizes the coming together of a spectacular array of traditional Islamic art and architectural styles that are set in a contemporary mode. The confluence of Ottoman, Mamluk, Islamic Indian Mughal, Ira-nian Safavid, traditional Omani and other styles of architecture various parts of the structure confer on it a uniqueness that is hard to surpass by any modern piece of architecture. Its attributes expose the limitations of language as one searches for a perfect paean to scribble in the visitors register as one takes leave. Suffice it to say that it stands tall as a man made complement to the natu-ral beauty of a country called Oman.

noTe: Visiting hours for non-Muslim sightsee›rs are restricted accord-ing to days, prayer times & Islamic festivals. However it is generally open to visitors between 8.00 and 11.00 in the morning on days except Thursday and Friday. Remember to follow the dress code, which rules women to wear long sleeved, ankle covering clothes and a scarf to cover their head. Men can wear T – shirts but shorts are forbidden.


201523Photo © Priyanka Ghosh

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E-Strategy Consulting Web Design & Development Web Hosting Domain Name Registration

Search Engine Optimization Email/SMS Broadcasting

Mobile Applications DevelopmentSocial Media Integration

Logo and Brand Identity Development Advertising

PR & Marketing CommunicatonsPublishing Event Management

Get the same expertise to work for you!Tel: +968 24810204/+968 24815434 Mobile: +968 98432645 /+968 98459315

Email: [email protected] Web: www.interacoman.com

www.interacoman.com

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The MuTrAh SouQ

The main attraction in Mutrah for any tourist is probably the famous Mutrah Souk. This is Muscat at its most magical. Here you will find all kinds of Arabian treasures, from local foods, frankincense and jewellery to antique dowry boxes, Omani handicrafts and earthenware. Be warned that it is easy to get lost in the market, with maze-like pas-sageways lined with stalls. Mutrah Souk is a prototype of old Eastern markets, characterised by narrow winding alleys roofed with wood.

One of the oldest traditional souks (marketplaces) in the Arab world, the Mutrah souk has a history stretch-ing back over 200 years and has earned acclaim throughout Oman for its varied array of both local and imported goods – thanks in large part to its strategic position at the mouth of Muscat Harbour. Known locally as the Al Dhalam souk, which translates as ‘Darkness’ in Arabic, the souk takes its name from the network of narrow streets that run

The TrAdiTionAl omAni mArkeT plAce

between Khour Bimba and the Al La-watiya Mosque, where the stalls are so cramped together the sunlight can’t make it through the cracks.

Navigating the dimly lit stalls and maze-like alleyways is all part of the experience and shopping in the souks is one of the top pastimes for visitors to Oman. Exploring the myriad of stalls reveals a host of local goods like Frankincense, perfumes and fresh spices, alongside tradition-al handicrafts like the Omani Dagger called the Khanjar, Bedu jewelry and colorful hookah pipes. You could spend many enjoyable hours here, haggling over handicrafts and attempting to make sense of the maze, especially if you venture away from the heavily touristed main area into the tangled backstreets beyond.

In the past the market was built from mud and palm leaves, which suited the high temperatures and the hard climate conditions and hence were the best available materials

to build the market at that time. Today, the Muscat Municipality has renovated and decorated the market to maintain the popular style but has also introduced modern amenities and redecorated the market heavily to attract tourists and make the shopping experi-ence comfortable for tourists as well as other ordinary shoppers.

The market becomes more crowded and active during Eid seasons when Oman is come from all over the country to buy garments and jewellry.

The souk can be somewhat decep-tive at first acquaintance: it’s a lot larger, and a lot more confusing, than you might initially suspect. Heading in from the main en-trance on the corniche it’s possible to walk across the souk in under five minutes, following the main thoroughfare which bisects the area from north to south. This stretch – at its liveliest afterdark – is where you’ll


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find the souk’s most touristy (and expensive) shops, lined with neatly restored old buildings under a fine wooden roof and thronged with an eclectic mix of robed Omanis and camera-toting tourists.

Souvenir items like local garments are also popular. Choose from the cool, white dishdashas with their neat, flowing lines. Match it with a ‘kummas’, the traditional cap. There is also the ‘massar’, the distinguished turban worn by Omani men. Women can choose from ‘surwals’ (trousers) and ‘lihaffs’ (shawls).

The KhAnJAr ShoPPInG:TAKe hoMe An oMAnI DAGGerA symbol of pride, manhood and elegance, the khanjar is one of Oman’s most distinctive prod-ucts. This curved dagger is a must-wear for Omani men, and will be seen proudly displayed at all important occasions. Omani craftsmen and silversmiths are renowned for their khanjar cre-ations that are truly works of art.Originally, the hilts of some of the khanjars were made from rhino horn. But today, keeping the lives

of these fast-depleting animals in mind, plastic and fiberglass are among the materials used here. The body of the khanjar is made from dual pieces of wood. It is artistically embellished in silver or sometimes in gold. Khanjars can cost anywhere between from RO 30 to RO 500, depending on the quality, decoration and work on the dagger, scabbard and belt.

The bAKhoor:The SCenTS oF oMAnTreat your senses to a range of fragrances, on sale in Mutrah. You will find the bakhoor being sold by Bedouin women as well as by the shopkeepers. The bakhoor weaves together an aromatic bouquet of raw materials such as sandalwood, frankincense and natural oils. You can also pick up an incense burner. These are among the folk symbols of Oman. You will find them in all sizes, some colourfully painted, some in gleaming silver, and others in the mud colour of their birth.

SIlVer JeWellerY: DeSIGneD To ThrIllSilver boxes made to hold kohl,

belts, chest pieces, amulets, anklets, you name it you will find it here. Many of these pieces boast intricate designs. Secondary accessory metals like gold, bronze and old coins, etc. are also used as decorations. Omani silver is 92.5% pure. Most of the jew-ellery on sale will not be as ancient as the earnest shopkeeper in front of you may claim. This is for the simple reason that traditionally a woman’s jewellery is melted down and sold for its weight after her death. You can also purchase the traditional Omani coffee pot as a souvenir. Perched in your home, it will evoca-tively recall your visit to Oman.

The DreSS oF The PeoPleSouvenir items like local garments are also popular. Choose from the cool, white dishdashas with their neat, flowing lines. Match it with a ‘kummas’, the traditional cap. There is also the ‘massar’, the distinguished turban worn by Omani men. Women can choose from ‘surwals’ (trousers) and ‘lihaffs’ (shawls).


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Photo © Nandini Pravin



Photo © Deepak Nair Photo © Nandini Pravin

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ShoPPInG TIPSWhether you go to Mutrah Souk for shop-ping or just to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, here are a few markers that could make your trip even more enjoyable.* If you want to keep away from the crowds, visit the souk in the mornings or late afternoons. The souk is busiest in the evening hours, after 6.00 p.m.

* If you have a certain item in mind, look around in more than one shop, and then choose the best piece, at the best price. Stores here tend to group together according to similarity of wares on sale. Here, you will find all the textiles in one area, the gold shops in another, which makes it very convenient for shoppers who want to compare similar items.

Photo © Nandini Pravin

Photo © Athira Krishna Prasad

Photo © Athira Krishna Prasad Photo © Deepak Nair



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The omAni mAn’s heAdGeArMuSSAr AnD KuMMAh

No visitor to Oman will fail to note the range and variety of colour-ful headgear worn by Omani men. It sets them apart. The cylindrical cap, or kummah, is thought to have originated in East Africa. Variations are worn by African Muslims from Mozambique to Somalia, but it’s more conical and not as high as the Omani version, which is more cylindrical. It’s usually embroidered by hand in fine eyelet ringed stitches around tiny holes to keep air circu-lating. Most often the result of many hours of loving attention to detail by a wife, a mother or a sister, there are hundreds of designs. The blank templates are sold in souqs and the range of patterns available is huge. Contrasts between colours can be very bold, with geometric or flowing arabesques in two, or maybe three colours, on a white background,

or very subtle, with white, pale yellow or grey embroidery on white. A machine-made one will cost about five rials, but a really fine hand-embroidered one will sell for RO 60 or more, with RO300 not being unusual for a very fine one. Nowadays, cheaper machine-made ones are sold by Bangladeshi tailors - and inevitably, some are even Made in China! When choosing the colour of a dishdasha, it’s essential that the vital fashion accessory, the cap, matches or complements the shade. The well-dressed gentle-man in the last couple of years may even have one of the same shades in the kummah repeated in co-loured thread on the neckline, front and cuffs of the dishdasha. You’ll see it worn in dozens of dif-ferent styles - pushed down low

to the eyebrows, perched back on the head and showing a forelock, or worn jauntily to one side. For that extra personal touch, it might be folded down the middle to make a peak in front, and the crown might be bent inwards around the circumference. I’ve even seen one moulded to form an upright crest at the front like a baseball cap peak, and others which look like military forage caps.

The kummah is less formalwear, and in Oman allows greater pos-sibilities for the individual to tie his headcloth, because it gives a firm foundation for that crown-ing glory of an Omani man - his mussar. Although it’s generally known in English as a turban, this word is Turkish or Persian in origin and refers to the shape of an open

Text and Pictures by Rob Arnhem

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tulip. For special occasions, and for compulsory daily workwear if he is in government service, this is generally a fine woollen (or cotton) cloth about a metre square. When the weavers of Kashmir first hit on the fatal attraction Omanis had for ‘cashmere’, pashmina and shahtoosh is not clear, but it’s a major industry. Once again, the attention and qual-ity is in the detail. The finer and more delicately the mussar is embroi-dered, and the softer and finer the wool, the higher the price. These can be very expensive fashion items indeed, in the hundreds. Although it might seem an odd choice in a hot climate, wool is a good insula-tor against both heat and cold, and cashmere is the finest you can get. The way a mussar is tied and worn, and its material and colour, are open books to those in the know. If it’s plain white cotton, and worn high on the head, with one long fringed end hanging down the nape, it can be a sign of a particularly religiously observant man, for whom expen-sive clothes are not acceptable among the devout. In Dhofar, locals often favour a dark green checked cloth edged with tassels, sometimes embellished with gold thread, and with the corners having longer tassels. And it’s not always worn as

a turban either - Salalah beaus will wear it draped around the neck as a scarf, or simply hanging over one shoulder. Further north, bordering the UAE, a fine light muslin head-cloth is preferred, worn without a kummah. This is very loosely tied, and can be white or with a violet tinge. In the Sharqiyah, and espe-cially among the Bedu, there’s a uniquely individualistic approach to headgear. Because of the extremes of heat and cold in the desert, headcloths come in different sizes and thicknesses. In sandstorms, or at night as protection against the cold and damp, they’re worn around the head and face and neck, often covering the nose and mouth.

The mark of a true Bedu seems to be the way he ties his headgear - it often looks as if it’s about to fall off, or is perched at a jaunty angle, but whatever he does with it, you can be sure no-one else wears his in quite the same way. In the Sharqiyah, especially in the Ja’alan and Sur, the typically red and white hound-stooth-checked headcloth called a shamagh or ghutra, better-known among Saudi Arabians especially, is very noticeable. In a typical assertion of local pride and independence, Ja’alanis disapprove of the kummah and tend not to wear it unless they

have to for an official function out-side the region! Another uniquely Sharqiyah touch is to wear a head-cloth without a kummah, and with a long tail on one side. Muscatis, es-pecially VIPS and prominent figures in government and business, wear their turbans quite low over the eyes and their ears hidden under two neat little tucked ends of the turban.

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Male members of the royal fam-ily alone wear the specially-woven striped magenta, blue, and flame orange tasselled silk shawls as turbans. In the north of Oman, the plain white muslin mussar is the fashion, worn without a cap, and tied loosely low over the fore-head. In Musandam, the ‘tail’ at the back often hangs to between the shoulder blades and the other two ends are pulled into two perky tufts at the sides. Another advantage of the kummah is that once the turban is wound onto it, both can be conveniently taken off without needing to refold the mussar each time. Although this is such a typically Middle Eastern headgear, almost all headcloths not made of cashmere

are woven in China or Japan.

Careful folding of the headcloth, if it’s to be worn as a turban, is vital. First, it’s folded double diagonally like a baby’s nappy used to be, to form a triangle. Then, beginning at the widest part, it’s carefully pleated across its width, with each pleat a bit smaller than the last. The next bit is the trickiest: holding the ends firmly in two hands, it’s placed on the forehead, over the kummah if that is de rigeur locally, and swiftly twisted and wound around the head, with the triangular end bit over the nape of the neck.

The ends are tucked in or pulled out and tweaked to suit one’s preferred

style or mood, depending on the occasion, and you’re ready to step out. The general idea is to display the fine embroidery strips which run around the edge in a pleas-ing zigzag pattern.

All sorts of regional styles and indi-vidual preferences make for a wide range of personal expression. It’s like wearing a tie in the West, and there’s a whole school of thought and psy-chology involved in corporate struc-tures analysing that! For fashionistas and budding sociologists, study-ing the styles can be rewarding.

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P.O.Box : 629, P.C. : 100, Muscat, Sultanate of OmanRex Road : Tel.: 24796680, Ruwi : Tel.: 24863232, Sohar : Tel.: 26847599Mina Al Fahal : Tel.: 24565220, Ghoubrah : Tel.: 24499954, Salalah : Tel.: 23297846

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The roYAl oPerA houSemuscAT

The Royal Opera House Muscat is an influential arts and culture platform that enhances Oman’s interna-tional reputation and reinforces its niche offerings. The organization serves as a laboratory for creativ-ity and intellectual exchanges, and its high-tech venue pays tribute to and presents diverse artistic and cultural expressions from the Sultanate, the region, and the world.

A towering beacon shedding light on the various trends of the Renaissance march towards growth, located at the center of Muscat and established by Royal Decree, the Royal Opera House Muscat was in-augurated by His Majesty Sultan Qa-boos bin Said on October, 12th 2015. In order to promote the Sultan-ate’s cultural heritage and artistic engagement, it was the mission of the Royal Opera House Muscat to broaden people’s participa-tion in cultural life. It ensure its place among the prestigious halls internationally, it made sure that the

first-rate programs it hosts cover all categories of performing arts that meet the interests of families and audiences of all ages, including fa-mous operas, classical ballets, world-wide classical and musical concerts, and popular Arabesque concerts. It also hosted exclusive opera premiers including Carmen and Turandot.

Besides being conceived as a house for musical arts, the Royal Opera House Muscat is a milestone in the evolution of Omani architec-tural style; the building is a fusion of Omani tradition and modernity. The construction of this iconic and ma-jestic building, with stunning hand-made ornaments and the sophisti-cation of its rich interior, is in many ways an embodiment of the com-plexity and multiplicity of references witnessed in Omani architecture.

The multidisciplinary work of Royal Opera House Muscat showcases rich and diverse artistic creations from Oman, the region, and the

world. It provides a space for culture and socioeconomic development reflections and actions. It inspires audiences and nurtures creativity with innovative programs. It fosters cultural vitality and unleashes talent. Finally, it promotes cultural tourism.

Designed to host different per-formances with large numbers of performers on it, the stage of the Royal Opera House Mus-cat is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art sound, light and technical capabilities.

The performances included in the Royal Opera House Muscat’s 2014/2015 season have proven very popular with the audiences. The rich, passionate and signifi-cant 2014/ 2015 season includes renowned shows performed by international stars, opera houses and companies including the opening show of the seasonTeatro Verdi Trieste’s opera Macbeth.

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The season includes a variety of artistic genres, including six opera performances, in addition to return shows for well-known perform-ers such as the Preservation Jazz Hall Band, Egyptian pianist Omar Khairat, and more great shows.

The season continues with up-coming remarkable shows for all audiences and families including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet by Hamburg Ballet, musical concerts, Arabesque and jazz performances. The season will conclude with the

International Rhythm Festival on May 19th, 21st and 23rd, 2015.A part of opening its doors for patrons during the season, the Royal Opera House Muscat also welcomes patrons and tourists for the Daily House Tours: 08:30 AM – 10:30 AM.

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Most people intent on ‘doing’ one of Oman’s premier sights, Jebel Shams, tend to hurry on up the winding road to the viewpoint, and probably pressed for time, hurry back down again to ‘do’ Nizwa or Bahla. Some might also do the scenic drive to the picturesque village of Misfat Al ‘Abriyyjn, clustered on the cliffs above a steep wadi. Very few stop along the way, though, to savour this area’s other attractions, which are surprisingly numerous and interest-ing. The Al Hoota cave is but one!

The main centre of the wilaya of the same name, Al Hamra nestles in the foothills of the southern slopes of the Jebel Akhdar range, part of the larger Western Hajjar chain, and a focal point for one of Oman’s grandest natural spectacles, Oman’s Grand Canyon. The peak of Jebel Shams, the ‘mountain of the sun’, rises to 10,000 feet (3,009 metres),

Al hAMrA GATeWAy To The mounTAin oF The sun

making it the highest point in Oman. To get there, you turn off before the oasis town of AI Hamra, and so miss out on one of Oman’s many hidden assets. The old town of AI Hamra itself lies behind a low hill crowned by old watchtowers as sentinels of times when a more vigilant attitude was necessary. Most visitors miss this old settlement by driving directly through the new town up to Misfah. But if you turn left into the extensive palm gardens and fields of lucerne, and follow the narrow road around and back, you are in a different world. Cross the main falaj divid-ing the town from its gardens, and a walk along one of the lanes will bring you to a whole hidden quarter of two- and three-storey mudbrick houses, one of the few places left in Oman where so many are still in a reasonable state of preservation. Then you will stop wondering why the town’s name means The Red

One, and it will come as no surprise that Spain’s Alhambra got its name for exactly the same reason. One of the most remarkable houses stands somewhat aloof at one end. This is Bayt as Safah, and one of the oldest homes here, about 350 years old, used now as an antique storeroom.The falaj still forms the main artery of the village - clothes and dishes are washed here, and sometimes babies too, while on a hot day little boys splash about happily.

AI Hamra isn’t particularly old as Omani settlements go, only having developed in the 17th century. By far the majority of its people are members of the Al ‘Abriyyin tribe. The village of Misfat AI ‘Abriyyin was where they first established them-selves in more dangerous times, and this village hangs almost suspended from the cliffs in a very protected setting. As peace came and numbers


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grew, it was natural to move down to the confluence of Wadi Misfah and Wadi Ghul. This explains the lack of a defensive wall and, for that matter, a fort. There are two watch towers on the low hill above the town, and the view over the old quarter below in the late afternoon when all the houses take on a warm reddish glow, and AI Hamra lives

up to its name, is not to be missed. Misfah now has a tarred road snak-ing up the mountain slopes behind Al Hamra and has been a magnet for visitors for some years. Flat-roofed houses built of mellow local stone make a perfect cubist composition, and the terraced gardens, lovingly tended and manured, are a riot of mango, lime, banana, papaya and

tall date palm trees. Misfah is so well hidden behind the bare mountain cleft that the sudden sub-tropical greenery comes as a total surprise. While taking care not to invade people’s privacy, you can pick your way through the covered arch down to the reservoir and along the falaj to where it bubbles up from its im-prisoned rock spring. There is a plan

afoot to build new houses on the op-posite side of the cliff and maintain the traditional ones as far as possible without altering their charm.

Another spectacular road enables you to reach Wadi Sahtan and Bilad Sayt and ultimately Rustaq on the northern side of the range. From be-hind and above AI Hamra, this route climbs to the stunning view point of Sharfat AI Alamayn - ‘The Balcony of the Two Worlds’ -before it descends dizzyingly into the lush valley below you. But to get back to the Mountain of the Sun itself, once you’ve briefly savoured AI Hamra, the partly tarred road first leads you first to Wadi Ghul, perched on the rocky con-glomerates above the wadi. Above the green patchwork of fields, defy-ing gravity by being built on a slope, is the old ruined village of Ghul, with the stone walls of its even older fort snaking up to the rocky crest.

One of those surprises is the pres-ence of fossil seashells, at altitudes of over 2000 metres above sea level.

Here you are standing on an ancient seafloor up to three kilometres thick, accounting for the height of Jebel Shams, a mass of limestone, almost exactly. The peak itself is part of a long ridge and doesn’t actually look that distinctive, but you will spot the white dome of the relay station on it. And if you brave the edge of the precipice, clutching the railings, and look down a drop of 1000 metres, you will see tiny villages dwarfed in the wadi curling far below you as watchful ravens wheel above.

The so-called Grand Canyon, like its American counterpart, was prob-ably formed by uplift and later erosion. By this time you’ll have company in the form of some lively bargainers and budding young ‘carpetbaggers’ trying to sell their woven wares. Some very confident youngsters have a good eye for fossils too. Winters can be bitterly cold at night, and incredibly, snow has covered the ground at times, but in summer, those desperate to escape the heat and humidity of the

coast to enjoy the totally different world of Jebel Shams. Several good walks and stiffer hikes are possible from the plateau near the hotel. The best-known is the Rim walk.On your return down the mountain back towards AI Hamra, you’ll see the mass of Jebel Misht, looking like an old saddle. At this stage, you might consider a short devia-tion - by turning left at Wadi Ghul and into another secret garden.

This is Wadi Nakhr, unique for a grove of rosewood trees and a serpentine road that wriggles along the wadi’s sides and in its bed to a delightful village at the end of the road. While sitting down and looking upwards, you would never realise that the tiny wadi threading its way between the rocks that you saw from the viewpoint below Jebel Shams a little earlier is the same one whose floor you are relaxing on ... And the oasis of AI Hamra is not far off, the cinnamon tint of its old town beckoning warmly.

Haven of Serenity Sohar Beach Hotel is the only resort in Sohar, occupying a prime beach side location, designed in the style of a traditional Omani fort. SBH combines long tradition of Omani hospitality with an international standard of living. Two hour and half drive from Muscat and the border of the United Arab Emirates, the resort enjoys a quiet coastal location.

Now Sohar Beach Hotel offers 86 rooms, with Standard & Superior rooms; Deluxe & Executive suites; and 7Chalets over-viewing the beach.

P.O. Box 122, P.C. 321, Al Tareef, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 2684 1111, Fax: +968 2684 3766 E-mail : [email protected], www.soharbeach.com

Face book : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sohar-Beach-Hotel/416635118441684

Dining Facility Al-SALLAN Restaurant & Terrace. Junoon Indian Fine Dining Restaurant. Al-Jazzi Club Lounge. Shatti Beach Bar. Ayna Bar. A Brand New Fine Dining Restaurant &

Lounge.

Meeting & Conference Facility Boardroom. Business Centre. Salalah Hall. Meeting Hall for 60 to 70 PAX. Banquet Hall for 180 Pax seating capacity.

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uP brIGhT AnD eArlY Fresh produce souQs

Omanis, like most Mediterranean and Middle Eastern people, includ-ing South Asian expatriates, regard fresh produce, especially fish, meat, fruit or vegetables, as a daily need. Perhaps it is a habit engrained from the past before modern refrigeration made it possible to keep food fresh, and when your fresh food needs had to be bought daily from the market. Here it is the men who go off with shopping baskets and they have to know their onions, so to speak, as

the queen of the house, rabat al bait, is most particular about what her family eats! Very early in the morn-ing, there is already a buzz of activity at the central Al Mawaleh fresh pro-duce market in Muscat. Overnight, trucks carrying fresh fruit and veg-etables have been ferrying consign-ments from the airport, the ports and across a network of roads to get their produce to customers in time. Fresh fish is a staple of the Omani diet, but it is becoming expensive. A

kilogram of fresh jither, or yellow-fin tuna, sold for RO 1 a kilo in 1996 - now it’s closer to RO4.500, if you are lucky. Hammour (grouper) is becom-ing scarcer and overfished, but still available, but kingfish or mackerel (kannad), shark (qersh) , both fresh and dried, shari, habbar (squid), andag, trevally, snapper, prawns (rubyan) and more are all on the menu, packed out on ice and rushed in from the coast overnight. The best-known fish market is of course


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the one in Muttrah, but those at Seeb and even along the main street in Al Khuwair are bustling with discriminating seafood lovers of all nationalities morning and evening.Dates, once the staple food of the entire Middle East and espe-cially the Arabian Peninsula, are still enormously popular. Dates are also auctioned in summer as the dif-ferent cultivars ripen between May and September. Here it’s common to see the auctioneer, or dallah, as he cries the odds and raises the stakes as select cultivars are paraded for appraisal – fardh, khinayzi, khasab

and the choicest of all, khalas. Few people these days really know where their food comes from, but even at a traditional market in the interior, such as the busiest one in Nizwa, vendors offer an astounding array of fresh produce: deep orange Iranian ribbed pumpkins, lettuce, and white cabbage; French beans and Hatshepsut oranges from Egypt; giant bananas and pine-apples from the Philippines; Granny Smith apples from USA jostling Paki-stani mangoes, Turkish apricots, kiwi fruit and a cornucopia of produce. The global show just goes on and

on, with Syrian cherries, pistachios and cauliflower from Iran, giant po-tatoes from Saudi Arabia, Syria and even Cyprus, delectable South Afri-can grapes and pears, Omani yellow pumpkin, Jordanian tomatoes and lettuce, purple Indian onions, garlic from China, sweet potatoes and some you might never have seen before. And of course, there’s the aroma of those indispensable spices for that delicious biriyani and more : sacks of cardamom (hail), cinnamon sticks, turmeric (kurkum), cloves (karamfel), black peppercorns, and saffron (zaffran) from Iran and Spain.

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The flourishing private and commer-cial gardens of the Batinah especially are now producing good quality tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, bell peppers, ladies’ fingers (okra or bhamia) and even mushrooms. This is a welcome development as the country diversifies food produc-tion to become less reliant on food imports. One item almost no Omani meal is without is the little green lime, fresh or dried! Papayas (fifai) are often also grown in home gardens. From the verdant tropi-cal gardens of Salalah, coconuts, both green and husked, make the journey north with mountains of fresh plantains and green bananas. One major summer speciality is a constant temptation of juicy fragrant mangoes from Pakistan, Yemen and India and smaller sought after ones from Oman (amba).Pomegranates, or ruman , hailed as the new health wonder fruit, have also risen in price - they can sell for RO4.500 a kilogram. In the height of summer too, watermelons (juh) slake our thirst, and musk and sweet melons from Iran, Turkey and Syria are piled in fragrant heaps waiting for buyers. All summer, the Nizwa

souq is the source of seasonal deciduous fruit from the terraces of Al Jebel Al Akhdhar, ‘Green Moun-tain’: apricots, figs, peaches, pears and those peerless pomegranates, said to be the best in the world. Also much in demand from those fertile organic gardens is garlic (thom) and figil or gargeer (rocket), often sold with a knowing wink - another rea-son for the popularity of these fresh greens is their reputed aphrodisiac properties as ‘Omani Viagra’! Well, as they say, you are what you eat, right? And of course, apart from the LIVE CHICKEN SALE outlets and its cold counterpart, other livestock play their big part too. Every Thursday morning, there is a camel sale in Sinaw, to which mainly Bedu are at-tracted in numbers. And then there are the perky goats and sad-looking sheep, best seen early on a Friday morning being eyed for sale at the Nizwa souq. It’s quite common to see Bedu women buying and selling goats in particular. Unlike other Omani women from villages and towns, whose menfolk do the shopping for them, Bedu women own, herd and tend goats as part of

their daily lives. And ask an Omani what is so special about Omani goats and you will get a quizzical look. Of course, their meat is the best! Cattle are sold too - mainly the humped soft-eyed Indian type from the hills of Salalah.

The main meal in Oman tradition-ally tends to be lunch, one reason why shoppers are out early. Modern supermarkets are all very well and convenient, but they are often no match for the local markets in terms of value and freshness. Not to mention local colour and flavour! Another advantage of local souqs is that you buy exactly the quan-tity you need, as most items are loose, not pre-packaged. Things are sold by weight and a little gentle bargaining offer may be in order. These mobile vendors are often the best sources of what is in abundant supply if you don’t have the time or energy to visit your local fresh produce souq, such as my favourite in Seeb. Ask local restauranteurs where they buy their daily sup-plies and learn from the locals...

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bAIT Al ZubAIrThe house ThAT BecAme A museum

A MonuMenT In TIMeBait Al Zubair (House of Al Zubair) is a private museum that opened its carved wooden doors to the public in 1998. It is totally funded by its founders, the Zubair family. In 2005 the family established the Bait Al Zubair Foundation as the cultural and social arm of the family-owned business, The Zubair Corporation. The Foundation manages Bait Al

Zubair Museum and projects relating to culture and heritage, the arts, the community, history and publishing. Bait al Zubair displays the family’s collection of Omani artefacts that spans a number of centuries, and is considered to be the finest that is privately owned. Its ethnographic artefacts reflect highly specialised inherited skills that define Oman’s society, both past and present. It is

one of country’s architectural icons and in 1999 was the proud recipient of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ Award for Architectural Excellence, the first time it was awarded in Oman.

The complex consists of four sepa-rate buildings (Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Oud and Bait Al Nahdhah) as well as a garden with a number of traditional features.

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Bait Al Bagh (House of Gardens) is the main museum building that was originally founded as a family home in 1914 by Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali, who served three former Sultans as a minister and advisor. It was a gathering place for the elite, while today it is rebuilt to suit its function as a museum, though still reflecting traditional elements of Oman’s ar-chitectural heritage and the original

house. Exhibits include information regarding the Al Busaidi dynasty; with portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and various other Sultans. There are also four galleries on the ground floor that ex-hibit excellent examples of khanjar (Omani dagger), male and female at-tire, traditional swords and firearms, antique jewellery and household articles. On the first floor the stamp

collection of Mohammed al Jamali is exhibited along with a historic collection of coins and a unique collection of manuscripts dating from the 16th century. A research library is available by appointment. The garden features a barasti (palm frond) hut, a falaj (ancient water distribution system), a souq area, a boat display and stone houses.

Bait Al Bagh

Bait Al Dalaleel

Bait Dalaleel (House of the Dalaleel district) is an adjacent house that has been carefully restored and renovated and symbolises the true essence of vernacular architecture in

Oman. This attraction allows visitors to step back in time and experience how Omanis lived over 100 years ago. It has a majlis (guest lounge), bedroom and domestic date store

to discover. Bait al Dalaleel hosts an arts space and restaurant where you can see more experimental art and relax in a beautiful eclectic space surrounded by books and history.

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Bait Al Oud (Grand House) is a three-storey building designed to reflect the family’s former principle residence in Muscat, where Sheikh Ali bin Juma (Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali’s father) and his family lived in the 19th and 20th centuries, until

the house was demolished in the 1940s to provide more space for vehicle access to the palace. This part of the museum contains a large temporary exhibition hall and recep-tion area on the ground floor. The first floor includes early European

maps of the Arabian Peninsula and typical Muscati furniture. The second floor includes early prints of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, early photographs of Muscat and an exhibit of historic cameras.

Bait Al Oud

Bait Al Nahdhah (House of the Renaissance) pays homage to the Renaissance (Al Nahdhah) period led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is dedicated to the promo-tion of the arts. There are four floors where an ever growing art collection can be viewed. On the first floor there is also a multi-purpose hall with a stage and state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. Exhibited

is the work of over 30 Omani artists that form part of the museum’s permanent collection. It includes artwork by some of Oman’s leading and developing artists together with international artists. There are a vast range of themes and concepts. Artworks have been collected over a number of years and some Omani artists also produced special pieces. A series by Mohammad Al Zubair

called ‘Our Beautiful world’ is also exposed in a series of photographs. Bait Al Zubair foundation is proud that this art collection, together with its collection exhibited in the main building of The Zubair Corpora-tion and throughout Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa forms the largest art collection of Omani artists in the Sultanate of Oman.

Bait Al Nahdhah

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Gallery Sarah

Gallery Sarah is the most recent addition to the complex. The gallery is tasked with exhibiting contem-porary Omani and international art as well as hosting workshops and seminars to support the growing art scene in Oman. Gallery Sarah is fast becoming one of the most popular galleries in Muscat. The gallery hosts a comprehensive e-commerce website which enables local artists and photographers to also sell their work internationally. The Gallery Sarah website has been built with the latest technology and is considered to be the first Omani e-commerce site to offer fully automated online shopping for delivery all around the world.

Mission the Al Zubair family are committed to preserving, protect-ing, presenting, promoting and advancing Oman’s rich cultural heritage through their carefully assembled collection. Bait al Zubair is renowned in the region as one of the premier arts and culture hubs in Oman offering a wide range of cul-tural experiences to people, both lo-cal, resident expatriate and tourists, of all ages. Bait al Zubair provides support for both established and up and coming young creatives to de-velop, learn and explore as well as to exhibit, perform or install their works in order to broaden the knowledge and awareness of Omani heritage and contemporary creativity.

Temporary exhibitions are frequently organised and aimed at promoting local, regional and international culture, history and art.

education is a core activity offer-ing complimentary services for schools, colleges and universities. All educational booking must be made in advance please contact: [email protected] or call us on 00968 24736688.

Gallery Sarah

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The Gift Shop offers a special range of handicrafts, books, postcards, jewellery, scarves, clothing and perfumes. It is a destination in itself for the perfect gift or souvenir.

banquets & events can be booked within the traditional setting of Bait Al Zubair Museum with traditional Omani dancers, musicians, artisans and henna artists if desired. The mu-seum has hosted memorable feasts and private tours, staff parties and away days, training, press confer-ences, meetings and workshops, commercial exhibitions, incentive groups, private conferences, prod-uct, car and book launches, lectures, fashion show’s and children’s parties.

opening hours are from 9.30 am 6.00 pm from Saturday to Thurs-day. Special timings apply during holidays and the Holy Month of Ramadan. There is a nominal entry fee; however admission to children below 10 years old, pre-booked official delegations and educational groups is free. Entry fees are doubled for special openings of the mu-seum and during national holidays. Photography is not permitted within the museum in order protect the col-lection, and cameras should be left at reception. Visitors are asked to re-frain from eating, drinking or smok-ing within the galleries. Refresh-ments can be found in the coffee shop and restrooms are available.

Private banqueting at Bait Al Zubair Museum

Royal Air force of Oman band performing at BAZ

Omani wedding band perform at BAZ

For more information contact tel +968 24736688 fax +968 24740913 or e-mail [email protected] or visit the website www.baitalzubairmuseum.comJoin us on Facebook or Follow us in Twitter or Instagram for our latest news!www.facebook.com/bait.alzubair.museum@Bait_AlZubair

@Bait_AlZubair

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MuSAnDAMThe pArAdise peninsulA

Photo © Deepak Nair

Text and Pictures by Deepak Nair

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In the farthest reaches of the Sultanate, isolated from the rest of Oman by the arm of the United Arab Emirate’s East coast, arises a land of dramatic beauty.

Musandam took shape 1850 million years ago during the Cretaceous and Miocene ages. Here, awe-inspiring mountain faces overlook pristine blue expanses. These mountains, originally from the Zagros Mountain range, separated under earthquake and volcanic violence to form the Hajar Mountain range. A starkly beautiful region of fjords, moun-taindraped roads and bustling villages, Musandam is a must visit for any visitor to Oman.

TAKe A WAlK DoWn TIMeThe passage of time has not changed the raw natural beauty of Musandam. Flanked by the Arabian Gulf on the North West and the Gulf of Oman in the East, this land is home to four wilayats, Khasab, Bhuka, Dibba and Mudha.

A boat ride across the coast of Khasab is a breath-taking experi-ence, with panoramic views of craggy cliffs, a jagged coastline, and glimpses of little fishing villages nestled among them. Dominat-ing the coast and surrounded by towering mountains, is the Khasab fort. Dating back to the time of Al Bu Said, it was renovated by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture in 1990. The Kumzan fort ruins and the towers of Al Siba, Kabas Al Kar and Said Bin Amad Bin Sulaiman Aal Malik are other areas of interest here.

A stone’s throw from Khasab port is the village of Tawi, where you can admire ancient rock carvings, the work of artists from prehistoric times. Research has also proved that Mudha has been home to settlers for over 3500 years. Here rock paintings dating back to pre-Islamic times have been uncovered. And excavations have thrown light on ruins from the Iron Age, 1000 – 1500 years B.C.




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Where nATure GoeS oVer-boArD WITh AbunDAnCe.The Musandam coastline is pep-pered with many small islands and inlets, all teeming with bird and ma-rine life. Seabirds, dolphins, whales and a colourful spectrum of fish species make this a nature lover’s and diver’s paradise. Divers espe-cially, find an underwater haven in these blue waters. Mushroom Rock, a small island that just kisses the surface, has a reef that gently slopes down to the sand floor, making it the

perfect dive spot. Another ideal dive spot is Limah Rock, a large island rising from the sea. Divers in these waters are astounded by the variety of reef fish and shoals of larger fish like the batfish and barracuda, which give it an almost aquarium like feel. Corals abound here – large green cabbage coral, red and yellow teddy bear coral, soft purple coral, brown and green table coral.

A lAnD ThAT GroWS on YouKhasab means ‘fertile’ in arabic,

and the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, fishing and animal rearing are the occupations fol-lowed by the inhabitants here. Mudha is irrigated by a fa-laj and natural springs.

Some of these have astonish-ing properties, which put them high on a mustvisit list. Al Samaai springs contain sulphu-rous water, which is said to cure skin disorders. Sheikh Al Mohammed bin Salim al Madhani falaj is cold


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in summer and warm in winter.

To experience these rejuvenating waters, be sure to make Mudha part of your Musandam itinerary.

PACK Your bAGS For The MAJeSTIC FJorDSYou can get to Musandam by air, with Oman Air, which has three direct flights from Dubai to Khasab, and yearround Muscat-Khasab flights. The airline also has con-venient connections from many

Gulf cities. Also, check out the attractive packages linked to these flights. Oman Air’s holiday package to Khasab includes Economy Class airfare to Khasab and back, airport / hotel / airport transfers, 2 nights accomodation with breakfast on a twin sharing basis at the Khasab Hotel, two half-day 4WD tours, and a full day Dhow Cruise with lunch. You could also drive down from Dubai to Dibba (120 kms) crossing. Alterna-tively you can also arrange to get there by sea from the U.A.E. Local

tour operators will be helpful here.

VISA ForMAlITIeSCitizens of GCC nations and most residents can enter Oman by road or air with valid passports. Citizens of 59 other countries like Austra-lia, New Zealand and Japan can apply for a visa at the border or at Khasab airport. (For the latest in visa formalities please check the details at www.rop.gov.om)

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SAlAlAh A verdAnT pArAdise

All fall under the spell of Salalah when nature here is in its full bloom during the Khareef and leaves the visitors catching their breath.

Salalah is the coastal plain of Dhofar, which lies in the south of Oman 1,000 km from Muscat, facing the expanse of the Indian Ocean. It is dominated by Jebel Dhofar, a range of mountains along the coastline. The lush greenery spreads over the mountain slopes and valleys. The greenery is a spread of beautiful, undulating carpet of green coconut

groves and banana plantains which lace the coast line, where the clouds and mist shroud the mountains, burbling waterfalls, springs and wells gush forth and many migra-tory birds home here temporarily. Trees blossom here beautifully when monsoon showers lash this region and turn it into a tropical para-dise. One may see plenty of birds around ponds, cows and camels wandering through the fields, and the weather seems just perfect to have a leisurely stroll along the beach. Green Turtles, Olvie Ridley turtles, loggerhead turtles, and

Hwawsbill turtles are found on the beaches along the mainland coast. Salalah’s hospitality is completely heartfelt. Visitors to Salalah stop by the plantations to drink the refreshing coconut milk which is so evocative of the tropical at-mosphere of this city of gardens. The fruit and vegetable stalls that line up the road add a touch of rustic ness to the atmosphere. The houses which stand proud in the plantations are designed according to the traditional Arab

Mughsayl Beach

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architecture. One feels more relaxed while staying on its superb beach either at Hilton Hotel Salalah, which is built to ensure that their guests enjoy Salalah›s magic completely.

It overlooks the Arabian Sea, and is just about 20 minutes from the airport or stay at another five star hotel is Crowne Plaza, which is also a beach property and is 15 minutes from the Airport. The guests and beach visitors take back memo-ries of the incredible soft white sandy beaches of Salalah, lapped by the heavenly Arabian Sea.

KhAreeF TIMeThe best time to see this green paradise is during the Khareef festival, a musical, cultural and shopping extravaganza lasting three months from June to Septem-ber when the drizzling monsoon rains give its atmosphere a fresh magical feel. Concerts are organ-ised and singers from Gulf and other Arabic countries also par-ticipate. Salalah is a photographer›s paradise during these months.

To enjoy Salalah, thousands ar-rive here locally, regionally and

internationally every year. The Municipality›s recreation center placed in Atin hosts Khareef›s events and is equipped with open theaters, traditional vil-lage, exhibitions, amusements and child›s village, which offers all amusement activities.

Salalah town spreads along the coast with a long cornice popular for eve-ning walks, where one can enjoy the cool sea breeze at a relatively slow and perfect for a languid, relaxed holiday interspersed with some in-teresting places to see and adventur-

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ous mountain trekking. Ain Arzat is the source of several natural springs and a popular spot for picnics. SouK hAFFAIrresistible is the fabulous incense souk where women dressed in multicolored costumes and veils with a ring or gold flower in their nose come to sell their incense. They sit on the ground with their weigh-

ing scales and heaps of crystallized gums and the prices are decided by bargaining! The white blue frankin-cense (Hujari) is the purest and most expensive. The red frankincense is much cheaper but of lesser quality. PreSerVInG hISTorYSalalah has conserved its heritage and history. Its rich cultural center is like a museum of centuries old

artifacts. On display are very artful archaeological objects (some en-graved with Yemenite writings) from Sumharam, arms, silver jewelry, an-cient pottery, craftwork from Dhofar like wickerwork, pottery), costumes, different types of Omani homes with embroidered cushions and blankets. SAlAlAh’S olD ArChITeCTureOne may find the most beauti-

ful homes in the oldest districts of Salalah. An old wali›s house has been restored to show off the very typical Dhofar windows divided into four carved wooden shutters (mashribiya) surrounded or topped by a sculpted plaster panel. The carved doors, often brightly painted look attractive with their large wooden locks. African influences are evident in the two or three storey houses made of dried mud bricks, covered in stucco

and decorated with simple grey or blue horizontal bands. Many houses in Haafat Al Maraheen district which are still occupied have lost their original color -faded with time and the carved panels have been lost from the window which had been their most identifying features.

MIrbATThe wilayat of Mirbat is on the central strip of the Dhofari coast and is famed for breeding Arabian horses which were exported, along with

frankincense, to India and East Af-rica. It has a spectacular landscape, from its coastline to the impressive peaks of Jebel Samhan, the high-est of which stands at 4754ft. The Citadel of Mirbat was built in the tra-ditional Omani style. Marbat is rich in natural springs, caves and grottos.

SAVorInG SAlAlAh… One may do some bird watching at the eastern Khawr where the seabirds and waders are delightful.A must visit spot which features

Photo © Jaap Croese

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on every tourists itinerary is the Biblical ‹Nabi Ayob› Prophet Job’s Tomb, placed high up in the ‹jebel› mountains overlooking Salalah. Passing by, one reaches the beautiful lagoon Ayun, where frankincense grows along the road. From here one may continue to the oasis of Hanoon, where the frankincense was stored in ancient days before carry-ing by caravans to Ubar and Cana.

The drive to Khor Taqah and touring of the mangroves and reed beds never stops to surprise the visi-tors, for they might see an Isabel-line Shrike or Gull-billed Tern, with other waders and flamingos.From here one may visit Mirbat which is an ancient port which always intrigues visitors and today is deserted. From here one may also go back to Khor Rauri where

one may see the Ferruginous ducks, many Heron, and swifts and is truly wondrous spot. The tourists can and find their way to the other end of the Khor which is the point where it nearly meets the sea. Also worth visiting is the archaeo-logical site Samurhan over 2000 years old lie on a promontory between two khawrs, or sea creeks, some 30 km east of Salalah.

Salalah, set in legends, and it is said that the Queen of Sheba had a palace here, and biblical figures like Job and the father of Mary (mother of Jesus Christ) are sup-posed to have been buried here. One may also drive up the moun-tains to Tawi Atayr, the site of a sink-hole. The wildlife here is amazing and the site is totally unspoiled.

On the way back down the moun-tain one may turn off to Wadi Darbat.

This is at the top of a steep preci-pice, a bit like hidden valley in the Musandam. The area is flat and lush with some cultivation of bananas and papaya. The road crosses a river and the track is extremely bumpy but built of rock hard mud and here one can see many birds , including an Eagle, a Grey-Headed Kingfisher and a Black-Crowned Tchangra. The people here are Jebali, and live gypsy-like in tents and shacks.

MuGhSAYl

Another must-visit spot is the Mughsail Beach where ‹Blow-holes› (perforations in the limestone rock) through which sea water gushes during high tide. Here landscape takes on a new grandeur. At the end of the beach begins a road which is indeed the most incred-ible engineering achievement of Oman as it cuts into the mountains and has 14 hairpin bends and takes the visitor to an elevation of 1100m at the top of the cliffs. The road follows along then crests of the


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mountain range running parallel to the coast. The most breathtak-ing view is seen during winter.

One may stop here at the highest point the watch the beauty and the dragon blood trees. One may see the beautiful frankincense trees over looking, fantastic mountains ranges. In these parts there are many shady picnic spots under the many trees. The way leads to the Khors which is just up the road. One may very often while driving onto the main-road see a Lanner Falcon on the electric wires.

Jebel SAMhAn To Jebel Al QAMArTo the east lie enormous beaches

where during the fishing season, sardines are dried (Taqa beach) before they are fed by Jabalis to their live stock. From Taqa a road goes inland towards the mountains and the Wadi Darbat waterfall which forms a lake in the monsoon season.

Sumharam, the frankincense port is called the city of charms by Ptol-emy due to the adjacent fortified precipice and a temple which is dedicated to the goddess of moon, and over looks the very beautiful Khawr Al Ruri where large numbers of flamingoes nest. The name of the founder, Elaus, is engraved on one city doors. This city was built during the 1st century BC and saw the very

prosperous days in 1st century AD. The coast road ends in Mirbat where one get the impression of having reached the end of the world. A white mosque with a pair of onion shaped domes pressed against the black mountain among tomb-stones in an old cemetery adds a dramatic touch to the landscape. Time stands still in Salalah as one rejuvenates by absorbing in the peace and tranquility and the feel ligers for long even after leaving the serenity of Salalah.

Photo © Jaap Croese Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat

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QAWAhThe TrADITIonAl oMAnI CoFFee


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WAKe uP AnD SMell The CoFFee!Can’t get going without a shot of 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine in the morn-ing? You suffer with millions. It’s a complex molecule consisting of car-bon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen to chemists, but it’s the heady whiff of coffee and the tongue-tingling taste of caffeine to most of us. The story of coffee’s origin in its natu-ral home, Ethiopia, is that a lonely goatherd supposedly named Kaldi, saw his goats eating the red berries of the bush, which grows naturally in the highlands around the village of Kaffa, and acting even more perky than usual. He nibbled a few too and got a buzz in those cold high altitude mist belts, and so coffee was born.

Coffee mythology has it that he told the local monks and they got work-ing on it, like the monks of Europe, specialists in brewing potions medicinal and alcoholic! The roasting process, though, was only discov-ered about 600 years ago. Roasting caramelizes the bean, and the heat breaks down the complex starches into sugars. Many aromatic oils are also released, the most important for us being cafenuol, cafestrol and especially caffeol, which provide the flavour. The Turks were the first to adopt it as a drink, spicing it with cloves, cinnamon and aniseed. As alcohol is forbidden to Mus-lims, the fortunate appearance of a permissible mild stimulant like coffee must have accounted for its rapid success. It quickly spread throughout the Middle East and took the Arab world by storm. Mocha, now the sleepy town of Al Mukha in Yemen, was the most convenient port on the Arabian Peninsula opposite Ethiopia.

Converging from the highlands, the coffee caravans assembled at the old city of Harar and then went down the burning coast to the waiting dhows and the narrow crossing of the Straits of Bab El Mandeb and across to Mo-cha. Both Arabs and Turks soon took to imbibing coffee enthusiastically. Coffee was introduced to countries beyond Arabia mainly as a result of

the region being part of the Otto-man or Turkish Empire. Venice was the richest trading port in Europe and had a long history of contact with the Middle East from the earliest Crusades. So coffee filtered into Italy first, a legacy you can still enjoy today from the rivals on St Mark’s Square, the venerable insti-tutions of Caffé Florian and Caffé Quadri. It will probably be the most expensive cup of espresso you have drunk, but sip at it and enjoy the ambience of a wonderful old city.

The Austrians came into contact with the delectable dark beverage after the Turks besieged Vienna in 1683. When the Turks were forced to retreat because of the Sultan’s sudden death, the Austrian forces captured their abandoned supply of coffee. The aroma must have lingered on enough to encourage a national addiction, as any visitor to the elegant coffee houses of Vienna knows. There’s also a fascinat-ing and unexpected connection between that romantic standard silver coin the Maria Theresa thaler, the first dollar, and the coffee trade. It was first minted by order of the Empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and because of its reli-able standard silver content, it became the medium of cash payment all over the Middle East.

In Oman it was called abu reesh and was legal tender until the 1970s. How did these coins come to circulate in this part of the world? Well, the Austrians loved their coffee and paid for it in good silver, which the Arab merchants were more than happy to accept, beginning the long and happy marriage of Mocha and (Tia) Maria...Mmmm!Because of its scarcity and the mys-tery surrounding it, coffee was at first an expensive delicacy. As with many substances with properties to uplift and stimulate, religious authorities were often suspi-cious about the black beverage.It made people happy and talkative and then they spent long hours chatting and making mischief and

staying awake all night, therefore it was bad. It was banned even in Muslim countries – but happily, only briefly – after the religious authorities in Mecca put it on trial as a forbidden stimulant. The European coffee houses of the 17th century were hotbeds of political dissent because they were easy social meeting places for the educated middle classes.

Coffee was once an illegal drink in England. It was also illegal to transport coffee out of Muslim areas. Knowing they were onto a good thing, traders guarded their commodity vigilantly. They made sure the bean was made infer-tile by boiling or parching before shipping it. As with the drug trade or any other desired commodity, though, smart competitors with a nose for the aroma soon smelt out ways of getting around the ban. Portugal entered the Indian Ocean in the early 1500s and set to with a vengeance competing with the Turks and Arabs, more especially the Omani fleet, which sent a convoy to Mokha every year to pick up coffee which it then transported all the way up the Gulf to Basra.

Today, the aroma of coffee comes to us from places as far apart as Kenya, Angola, India, Costa Rica, Colom-bia and Vietnam, and it’s a major revenue earner for poorer farmers in many underdeveloped countries. It’s the world’s seventh largest agricul-tural export by value. Coffee needs the higher altitude and rainfall of tropical regions. Latin America grows light to medium-bodied coffees; Africa and Yemen medium-bodied, and Asia full-bodied ones. The nose comes into coffee grading just as it rules perfume and wine.

‘Light’ embraces nutty, spicy and cocoa-like flavours; ‘medium’ floral or fruity to spicy; and ‘full-bodied’ from earthy to spicy or cocoa. As a rule, the more bitter robusta coffee contains 40—50% more caffeine than arabica, and it’s this that gives espressos their bite. In fact, almost

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any country lying between the tropics with the right climate can grow coffee. Brazil is the biggest pro-ducer, but who would have thought Vietnam and Indonesia pipped Colombia? Jamaica Blue Moun-tain and Java are world famous.

The Arabs have a formal presenta-tion of coffee to guests, but for the Ethiopians it’s like the Japanese tea ceremony. And it’s performed by women as a ritual of welcome. Fresh grass is strewn on the floor, incense is burned, the coffee is roasted and ground and brewed and popcorn is served with it. It’s a gracious and formal occasion. The dried beans, from bushes in their front garden, were first selected and roasted in a shallow pan, then ground. In the Gulf countries coffee drink-ing is such an institution, from the humble welcome of a Bedu settle-ment to the majlis and palace, that it is hard to imagine life without it. In Oman, qahwa is served in small cups, and flavoured with cardamom (hail) and sometimes with saffron. In some homes, rosewater, cloves, ginger and even sandalwood oil might be added to the mysterious brew. It’s customary to drink three cups. Only a little is served - to en-sure it can be savoured piping hot. If you don’t want any more, because your cup will be refilled assiduously unless you indicate otherwise, you gently shake the hand holding the cup from side to side when handing it back to the server. Stories of guests not being able to sleep for days because they didn’t know

how to refuse yet another cup of caffeine-loaded qahwa out of fear of offending their hosts are legion! Dates, or halwa, the dark gelatinous Omani sweet, are always served, a perfect foil for the bitterness of the unsweetened coffee. In some villages in Oman today, you can still hear the clink-clink-clink of coffee beans being pounded in the good old-fashioned way with a brass pestle and mortar. Water is boiled in an ibriq, a little juglike brass container with a long handle.

The coffee is gently boiled for a few minutes, and then stands for another few. Thenit’s strained and poured into the dal lah, left a while for the grounds to settle, and it’s ready. The quality of

the coffee and the manners accompanying its serving are a matter of pride for every home. Even a boy as young as six can act with aplomb as your host, holding the heavy dallah and pouring a splash of coffee into a tiny porcelain cup and presenting it to a guest like a flower Nowadays, most families use a thermos flask but in the past, splendid copper or even silver dallahs held the pre-cious beverage. These traditional coffee pots vary in design down the Gulf from Kuwait to Yemen.

We’re spoiled for choice here in Oman. In Muscat, Café G, Vergnano, Costa Coffee, Second Cup and Starbucks all vie for passing trade and compete in concocting newbrews and potions. We’re talking

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the nose for a good while longer. Store roasted coffee well-sealed and cold to keep the genie im-prisoned in it until freed.

It’s a potent blend, with mysterious powers still not completely under-stood.

designer business now. Whether it’s café, caffe, kahve, qahwa or koffie, the rich aroma from that magic plant from Kaffa will lead us by

IMMerSe YourSelF In A WorlD oF reJuVenATIon

Experience the ultimate journey to wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvena-tion at the Millennium Resort Mus-sanah‘s Zayna Spa and revel in a host of facilities to renew mind, body and soul. Individually designed and inspired by Omani traditions, the spa also incorporates expressions of nat-ural essences from around the world.Zayna Spa, by its very name, exists to offer a tranquil sanctuary where people can rediscover a clear and energised state of being through tried and tested traditional treat-ments in the midst of some of Oman’s most idyllic surroundings. With 11 spacious treatment rooms, including Oman’s only Ayurvedic facility, steam rooms, a Hammam and private ladies only lounge overlooking the Marina along with a manicure and pedicure lounge complete the holistic experience. A

fully-equipped Fitness Centre with the latest Technogym cardiovas-cular and strength training equip-ment in addition to Yoga classes are also offered and female guests are invited to take advantage of the ladies only pool and Jacuzzi.

The Pevonia Botanica and Phy-toceane spa product lines used contain the finest natural marine and botanical ingredients com-bined with technologically ad-vance formulas and treatments that deliver highly visible results. Guests are spoiled for choice with a comprehensive menu of op-tions that include body massages, reflexology, sports massage, hot stone treatments, aromatherapy, slimming therapy and selected healing therapies from around the world. The Spa also offers deep pore

cleansing facial treatments that firms and purifies the skin before a gentle face, neck and shoulder mas-sage from an international array of specialist staff. Inspired by nature to impart a holistic sense of well-being, Zayna Spa also offers a selection of healthy drinks and snacks us-ing local ingredients to complete the total sensory experience.

Zayna Spa has been created around three pillars, Unwind, Balance and Uplift, around which all spa treat-ments and wellness journeys are created. By recognizing each guest as an individual, the Spa offers a holistic, tailored experience that guides each person towards their goal whether they are seeking pure relaxation, skincare solutions, treat-ment for an injury or extended spa vacations with tangible outcomes.

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Some five kilometres down the coast from Muscat, between an azure sea and buttery limestone cliffs, lies the sheltered bay of Bandar Jissa, once a magnet for divers and Muscat’s Friday beach picnickers. An idyllic scene of sybaritic pleasures perhaps, and with yet another vast luxury resort planned… But what a tale of diplomatic derring-do! And beach landings a thousand years ago by vengeful Iraqi troops, wielding fire and sword? Just to the left as you approach Bandar Jissa’s old public beach, a road loops over a shoulder of mountain and brings you to the village of Qantab. Once one of the coast’s best-kept residential secrets, the news is out. You can live in your own Omani non-designer fishing village.

But a different fate is in the pipeline for Jissa…At Jissa itself, a deserted ruined village stretches along the

wadi bed. The highest walls still standing belong to the crumbling mosque. Why has no-one lived here more recently? One current tale has it that a sultan long ago punished the people of the village for supporting his rivals, or that it was a plague. There is a tale to tell.

And what if these rocks could speak? It’s a saga going back at least 20 mil-lion years and more to the Tertiary limestones that were once laid down by the sea. They are the youngest rocks in Oman. In marked contrast, the oldest are the jagged brown ophiolite mountains which began as lava on the sea floor. Fifteen thousand years ago, sea levels were about 100 metres lower than today. But between 5 and 2 million years ago, layer upon layer of fossilized beaches in fact further down the coast, ending in the high cliffs of Ra’s Al Hadd, point to times when seas

were much higher. The sparkling white sands we enjoy today are also calcite, or calcium carbonate, and began as the powdered remains of dead corals and shells. Billions of little lens-shaped fossils called nummulites crowd a whole slice of rock laid down between 55 and 36 million years ago on the south-east side of the bay at sea level. These fascinating fossils are Foraminifera. They’re about the size of 15 and 50 baisa coins. Their flat spirals are meticulous copies in stone of their single-celled protozoan living mod-els, rather like miniature versions of PDO Oman’s logo. Bandar Jissa itself may have derived its name from jus, the burnt limestone-based plaster used in Oman as a building material. The subtle range of colours as the sun plays out its intensity on these limestone rocks is due to limonite, or iron hydroxide. It’s also quite soft and this is how those

bAYWATCh oMAn BAndAr Al JissA And The French connecTion


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bAYWATCh oMAn lavishly sculptured forms evolve.

So why all this talk of dry stones and geology? And fishing? Because they explain why people settle where they do, and literally under-lie the intrinsic appeal of a place. Qantab, Quriat, Qalhat… A chain of Q’s down the coast towards Sur, and landfalls for mariners from the earliest days of sail. The land may be pretty barren, but the sea is not. The smaller settlements that sprang up, like Bandar Jissa and Qantab, relied mainly on the rich natural harvest of the sea, and still do.

These shores saw successive waves of foreign visitors with an eye on possible real estate or trading out-lets. The Persians were active here on and off for two and a half thou-sand years. The word bandar itself, meaning a protected bay or anchor-age, is apparently not Arabic in ori-gin. During the medieval period, as power bases shifted with the decline of the caliphate of Baghdad and the Mongol invasions, Oman fell under the sway of the sultans of Hormuz, then the richest trade emporium in the Gulf. One oral tradition also points to the tranquil beach of Ban-dar Jissa as the site where the hated governor of Iraq might have landed his forces to punish the rebellious Omanis in the 9th century. The Ca-liph of Baghdad sent a commander famed for his brutality to bring the Omanis to heel in one of several attempts by Baghdad to force them into acknowledging his authority.

Bandar Jissa’s position and the fact that it is such a sheltered bay made it something of an unexpected trouble spot too in the 1890s. An is-land blocks its entrance, and it’s eas-ily fortified. In the days when ships’ boilers ran on coal, having regular sites where you could refuel was crucial. Coaling stations in Oman? The dominant world colonial pow-ers then were Britain and France. The British navy saw it as their duty to police the Gulf and to control India. The French naturally wanted a slice of the colonial cake too and thought

that Britain had way too much. So did the Sultan, who wanted to offset British influence, and who better than the French to oblige? In 1798, Napoleon had tried to persuade the Sultan’s ancestor to deny British ships access to Muscat and accept France’s protection, but his invitation was intercepted by the British, who took a very dim view of proceed-ings! A little secret shuttle diplomacy between the newly-appointed and talented French Vice-Consul in Muscat, Monsieur Ottavi, and the Sultan therefore took place. To dilute the powerful influence of the British, Ottavi accordingly tried to persuade the Sultan to grant the French their own coaling station, first at Sur, then at Bandar Jissa. The Sultan, though,

found he was bound by the 1891 treaty with Britain. Things got hot when a French artillery ship arrived in Muscat to throw some weight be-hind their claim to an independent coaling station, as a deal was al-ready under way to see their freight line operating again to the Gulf. It all culminated in a hissy-fit of a diplomatic row. France, predictably perhaps, was forced to back down yet again amid yet more cries of Per-fide Albion! After a year’s stand-off to regain some dignity, the French eventually agreed to share coaling facilities in Muscat harbour with the British. But the matter of who was boss in the Gulf dragged on: France might have thrown in the towel on this one, but the ongoing dispute

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over Omani ships flying the French flag and engaging in arms trad-ing and other un-British activities brought matters to a head. The spat only ended in 1905 after being taken all the way up to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, in fact.

Ottavi’s house, by the way, is now the Omani-French Museum, a little-known gem in old Muscat. Fortu-nately, the age of gunboat diplo-macy is now out. It’s cruise liners and luxury glass-bottomed boats and catamarans now, folks. Tourism and the leisure industry have replaced imperialism, and as we speak, the magical beach is out of bounds in the name of development ….Saraya Bandar Jissa is set to open soon.

The Omani French Museum in Old Muscat

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In 1995, a vision began to be realised - a garland of secluded getaways far from the madding crowd began its flowering. There are now some seven SIX SENSES resort spas worldwide from Thailand and Vietnam to the Maldives and Fiji, and since 2007, Oman. Not so much a resort or a getaway than a hideaway, is the latest, tucked away in a bay just north of Dibba, in the northernmost part of Oman, Mu-sandam. Welcome to Zighy Bay, the latest jewel in the chain. It won the title of Oman’s leading resort and spa in 2012 and 2013, and the Best Hotel in the Middle East in 2013. And a stay there will tell you why.It’s best reached from Dubai, as the other option of driving to it from Oman is time-consuming and only for the determined! Your 2 hour road trip from Dubai takes you through several of the Emirates and cuts across the desert to the old port of Dibba, shared between Oman, Fujairah and Sharjah. You cross into Omani territory in the town itself and you are officially in Musan-dam. A graded road takes you up

through the stony valley of Wadi Bih, passing the ruins of tiny old villages once inhabited by the tough local Shuhi mountain people who made this harsh world their own.

Zighy Bay was completely inacces-sible by road until the awesome three-year long engineering feat of constructing a road across the mountains was complete. It winds and snakes up a rugged cliff face and then plunges down to sea level. A vista lies beneath you. Be patient - you will have time to savour it all. So make a point of getting out of your vehicle and taking in the sight far below you. An Omani fishing village lies nestling in the right arm of the bay, and the resort spa stretches off to the left, like a beach oasis, rugged limestone cliffs plunging into the Arabian Sea on either side of the expanse of wide blue bay.From the first approaches, it is clear that this place is different - a huge ancient split sidr tree is the assem-bly point, for the charming local goats too, the tamest and most curious goats you will ever meet!

You enter through a plain archway built to look like the entrance to a gated village using an effect similar to traditional sarooj plaster.

The shade within beckons you into an old souq, with a nice subdued play of light and shade from the palm rib ceiling, for that friendly hospitable Omani welcome.It is a place to cleanse the body and soul, a haven away from the rush, noise and technological clutter of city life. Mercifully, you won’t hear a mobile phone jangling and be forced to listen to personal con-versations you really don’t want to share - so you can enjoy the ambience of the restaurants and poolside without this affliction. Sounds are further muffled by the soft sand lanes that are meticulously raked by unobtrusive staff. The staff themselves are at hand to provide the best service - and many of them have come to Oman from other SIX SENSES resorts. They include Sri Lankans, Indians, Philippinos, Germans and South Africans, among others, all with a proven track record

SIx SenSeS ZIGhY bAYText and Pictures by Rob Arnhem

TAnTAlize your senses

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SIx SenSeS ZIGhY bAY

of international experience at the high end of the hospitality industry.

One of the pillars of Six Senses Resorts’ philosophy is to blend into the local natural and human environment. Sandwiched between the limestone cliffs behind and the sweep of beach and sea, it has been carefully and sensitively planned as a quiet traditional northern Omani village, characterised by the simple old stone cottage typical of Musan-dam known as bait al qafel. Little shaded lanes meander along quiet sandy tracks, the soft sand reducing unnecessary noise between each unit of accommodation. It’s hard to believe that it can accommodate 220 guests, but it is laid out in such a way that it is both intimate and private. The villas and suites offer space and privacy, each with a sand garden, pool and patio. The two-bedroom duplex villas have balconies too for panoramic sea views. There is no harsh ceramic tile in sight - only soft natural surfaces - barasti palm, wood, plaster and stone. Sofas and cushions are in warm natural tones

of lime green, pale yellow, buff, khaki and ochre. Big windows stra-tegically placed allow natural light to wake you gently if you choose not to draw the blinds - it is all quite pri-vate. If you want to dine here in pri-vacy, an outside barbecue or dinner is easily organised. A clay pot filled with cool water and a coconut shell scoop stands at every entrance for you to wash the sand off your feet.

These subtle touches of design and choice of materials impressed me. Each inviting private pool is faced with a beautiful blue-grey-green natural stone with flecks of glittering mica, and water splashes and drains through beds of waterworn pebbles almost individually selected for co-lour and texture. You are in your own enclosed world if you want to chill out in comfort. The tang of ginger-scented toiletries, an al fresco shower if you prefer, the touch of beautiful soft cotton sheets and towels, quality reading material and TV are all just a touch away. The sounds of birdsong and water and the constant soft hissing of the

surf along white sands continue the illusion that you are in a seaside oasis village. The pace of life is governed by natural rhythms, not the hurly-burly of hectic urban life. The gardens rustle with date palms, indigenous trees such as the stone apple, shady neem trees which need little water, henna and indigo plants, and locally cultivated fruit trees like the fig and pomegran-ate. The attention to such details is what makes Zighy Bay unique. In line with environmentally-friendly guidelines, Zighy Bay produces its own bottled water, and you would be hard put to fault it.

The key notes here are simplic-ity and a kind of rustic func-tional elegance and comfort.The resort has gone out of its way both to blend in with the landscape and observe environmentally- friendly options. This is reflected in the building materials, a recycling plant with filtering reed beds, an extensive organic garden and every effort to keep the human impact muted. It is all very casual and

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geared to total relaxation - guests are encouraged to walk barefoot, use the bicycles provided outside every unit, and dress accordingly. T-shirts and shorts are quite in order, and even swimwear may be worn in the restaurants and bars with a little attempt at some modesty requested! When walking along the beach towards the Omani village, though, guests are asked to dress according to local values out of respect, and cover up accordingly.

A stunning circular pool lies below the restaurants and sets off the whole scene - a traditional style tower dominating. The restaurants offer a huge range of international and local delicacies to tempt the palate, and seafood is a speciality, of course. If you are a little more adventurous, several activities are offered – a day trip by dhow exploring the stunning coastline, fishing, walking through ruined mountain villages, amazing snor-kelling and scuba-diving and, for a real buzz, you can even paraglide in for a breathtaking arrival! Your

farewell will be a wish to return!You should leave Zighy Bay with a newly-developed sixth sense and the other five revitalised after a compulsory rest cure. Perhaps the sixth is that wonderful feel-ing of knowing that you feel good and regenerated without knowing it? Get there if you can before the

world discovers it. With Zighy Bay being such a great combination of superb dramatic location, sensitive planning and organisation requir-ing a high level of logistics, don’t expect any bargain travel deals - but it will be a lifelong experience in determining your quality of life.

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hoT SuMMer ColourSThe FloWerinG Trees And shruBs oF omAn’s ciTies

In Lawrence of Arabia’s immortal phrase, the sword of summer has been drawn from its scabbard and lays most of us, even those tena-cious flies and mosquitoes, low for months. Yet from May to July, this is precisely when the splendid flowering trees of our streets and parks defiantly come into their own in a dramatic affirmation of continu-ing life. May and June are months when many trees and shrubs are ablaze with hot summer colours. No delicate pale European pastels here at the T-junction of Africa, Arabia and Asia - it’s all shocking pinks, deep crimsons, golden yel-lows, magenta and flame orange - more like the wild, passionate and often, to the Western eye, the violently and carelessly clashing hues of Africa and India. They are the virile and sensual colours of

blood, heat and hot spices, and they transform Oman’s urban landscape, shocking, seducing, and dazzling us with vibrant pure colour.

But just how much do we know about these exotic and generous blooms? One or two are at home in Arabia, like Oman’s very own Nerium mascatense, better known as the oleander. This shrub has a smaller and deeper pink flower than the cultivated oleander, Nerium oleander, which hails from the Mediter-ranean originally. The leaves are lance-shaped and leathery, and the sap is milky. It’s a hardy evergreen plant which grows well in dry sandy soils and can withstand heat and drought. All parts of the plant are toxic and a potential problem for children and animals which might be tempted to eat it. The oleanders

belong to the dogbane family, or Apocynaceae, and are poison-ous. Oleanders are also popularly known as the Rose of Jericho or the Rose of Ceylon, and come in almost all shades from deep crimson to white. Another local beauty, sporting the same deep pink, is at home in Dhofar but flowering in profusion now to greet visitors to the Intercontinental Hotel in Muscat. This is the so-called Desert Rose, Adenium obesum. It’s not a tree, but a succulent shrub, with a weird grey swollen base and spindly branches.

All 500 Cassia species, regardless of their size, from shrub to tree, have typically upright spikes of canary yel-low flowers with unopened buds at the top of the cluster that look rather like blackened popcorn. And almost all of them contain powerful laxative


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chemicals. The trees have attractive dark green feathery leaves which set off the generous heads of flowers.

But a smaller, more delicate mem-ber of the Cassia family flowers triumphantly in the heat of May, with long dangling pale yellow blos-soms contrasting with last season’s black seedpods. This is Cassia fistula, or the ‘purging fistula’, a rather un-fortunate name for such a graceful lovely bloomer. Its beauty has given it a range of much more appealing names: Indian Laburnum, Amaltas and Golden Shower (not to be confused with the orange-flowered creeper of the same name). The dras-tic senna pod extract that our great-grandmothers used to threaten us with when we were peaky comes from this family. You’ll recognise them immediately, especially from the area around the Intercontinental Hotel in Muscat. The long pod looks like a thin dried black sausage. For the rest of the year, they hide modestly behind their large leaves, so catch them while they’re in their prime. The active chemical which shocks any lazy colon into action is anthraquinone. This tree comes from the Himalayan foothills, and is something of a cure-all in popular medicine. Most folk, though, just get on with appreciating the tree’s stun-ning gardening potential and give its ‘opening medicine’ a wide berth!

Without any quibbling, though, pride of place among flowering trees must be the Royal Poinciana, whose pre-eminent regal status is empha-sised in its Latin name, Delonix regia. It can reach heights of 15 metres. Now a popular ornamental tree all over the drier tropics, its bravura performance begins with shedding all its tiny compound leaves for dra-matic effect, and then putting out great clusters of fiery blossoms in a kind of reverse botanical strip-tease. Planted singly or in rows, the impact of these trees is stunning. On closer inspection, the blossoms, which can be up to 8cm across, reveal a palette of dazzling intensity which can vary from tree to tree: from deep

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dark ox-blood crimson to brick red, vermilion and flame orange, with speckles and splashes of yellow, or even the odd cream petal. In India it’s the Gulmohur. Its other popular names are Peacock Flower, Flame-of-the-Forest, Flame Tree and Flamboyant, the last like the name of the man who introduced it to the world, a Frenchman christened Phillipe de Longvilliers de Poincy who described it in Madagascar.

The seeds are contained in a 60 cm long flattened woody pod. We are fortunate in having a more muted, but still beautiful, wild member of the family in Oman. This is the white to pale-yellow or orange flowered Delonix elata, happily a common tree in Dhofar, where it is one of the first to welcome the monsoon by budding in June. In earlier times, its wood was exploited on the Salalah plain to make quicklime for building and plastering, and an infusion of the leaves eased delivery for both women and livestock in labour. (The Botanical Garden in the grounds of Muscat’s Museum of Natural History has a nice local specimen, together

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with other indigenous trees.)The tamarind tree, whose tart fruit flavours those English staples HP Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce, is naturalised in Oman. Although it’s scientifically Tamarindus indica, the “Indian date”, it is a native of tropical Africa, and probably made the move with prehistoric man to South Asia. It’s a fine, stately tree which can reach a venerable age. The seeds are embedded in an acidic Vitamin C and potassium-rich pulp which makes superb sauces for fish or meat dishes and also a great polish for brassware and silver. In Indian ayurvedic medicine, it’s recom-mended for gastric problems and

malaria, while all over the Middle East, it’s used for so many ailments as a tonic it really deserves its com-mon name - tamar hindi is actually Arabic for ‘Indian date’. The tree’s yellow recurved flowers are not as conspicuous as its other family members’, but the brown segmented knobbly pods are distinctive.

Cassia, Caesalpinia, Delonix and Tamarind trees are all related and classified as Caesalpinoideae, themselves all members of the huge Leguminosae family, to which peas and beans belong. All these plants are nitrogen-fixers, and thus help to recycle organic nitrates, one of

the basic nutrients of life. It is to the credit of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources that an ongoing programme of carefully selected planting and regeneration beauti-fies our surroundings. The species were all chosen for their effect and for their high tolerance of extreme heat and low water requirements. Spare a thought for the quiet army of gardeners assigned to take care of them and keep them trimmed and attractive, and hats off to those responsible for their selection.

Summer in Arabia comes at a price, but has its own unique reward.

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rAS Al JInZThe Green TurTle hABiTAT

It could be the serenity. It could be the beauty of the coastline. It could be the warmth of the inhabitants. Or maybe, it is a combination of all these and more that attracts the largest number of mating turtles in Oman, to the Ra’s Al Hadd peninsula. Located in the Wilayat of Sur in the Sharqiya region, it is the migration destination for 6000–13000 turtles who make their annual journey here, from the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the East African Coast.

The Green SIGnAl For lIFeOman is a vital area for green turtles

in the Indian Ocean and the green turtle is heavily protected by the government of the country. In fact, over 275 of the Sultanate’s beaches double-up as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognised spe-cies of sea turtles, the most com-mon being the green turtle. The ‘green turtle’ gets its name from the colour its body becomes because of the green algae it feeds on. They spend most of their lives in the sea, but return to land to lay their eggs. The females, according to researchers, come back to the beach of their birth to lay their eggs, in

the company of their prospective mates. They swim thousands of miles to get to their ‘natal’ beach.

MoTher PoWerAfter the mating ceremony, the female is ready to lay her eggs in the sand. Before this however, she labouriously digs a number of false nests with her hind flippers to divert predators from her real nest. Only then does she settle down and deposit her eggs into the nest. The eggs number about 100 in all. The mother then goes about cover-ing them with sand, in a process


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rAS Al JInZ

that could take up to four hours.

Then exhausted but satisfied, she returns to the shallows, when she will keep guard, without feeding, for two weeks. After which she returns to lay her next batch of eggs… a cycle that she will repeat over eight times in the nesting season.

Female turtles lay eggs every four years. These take about two months to hatch. The sex of the unhatched turtle depends on the temperature of the sand in which the female lays its eggs. After

breaking through the shells and digging out of the nests, the baby turtles head for the ocean. Sadly, many will get eaten by predators during their very first journey in life!

Sea turtles, being large in size, seldom face attack from other marine creatures. However, many succumb to life threatening fish-ing nets and plastic bags. Ra’s Al Hadd is home to a large fishing community. And to ensure that both the turtles and the fishermen benefit, two management areas have been demarcated. First priority

is given to the nesting sites here, and tourism is strictly monitored.

July –October is the peak time for turtle watching in Oman as ap-proximately 20,000 turtles or more lay an estimated 50,000-60,000 eggs each year in the Sultanate.

rAS Al JInZ TurTle reSerVeThe Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve was established in 1996 when the Ras al Jinz national nature reserve and the Ras al Hadd national scenic reserve were merged into one order to bet-ter protect the sea turtles and their


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natural environment. The protected area stretches over 120 sq km with a 45 km coastline, extending for one km into territorial waters. The re-serve houses numerous six thou-sand-year- old archaeological sites of fishermen villages and tombstones. Excavations, have unearthed sev-eral important relics - most notably Oman’s first wooden boat and the peninsula’s oldest incense burner.

These ancient remnants are reflec-tive of the trade relations that linked fishermen to the inhabitants of the remote oases of the distant desert and commercial activities with Mes-opotamia, India, Africa and China.The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers a truly unique experience- the fasci-nating scene of sea turtles nesting in a completely natural environment.

The centre also aims in promot-ing social responsibility and sound environmental practices in the framework of an aware-ness raising programme.The Ras AI Jinz beach is world

renowned for the nesting en-dangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas), probably the most impor-tant nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean. This is possibly one of the few places in the world where you can watch the nesting process of these amazing sea giants.

The centre conducts guided excur-sions every night to view the turtles and witness the nesting process. All the Centre guides have a commit-ment to the preservation of the turtle and are knowledgeable. uP CloSe WITh The TurTleSA visit to Oman will not be com-plete without a visit to the Ra’s Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. You will have to obtain a visitor’s permit from the Director General of Nature Reserves, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment, or the Directorate General of Regional Municipalities and Environment, A’Sharqiya region, before you visit.

Once you get there, please

make sure you follow these simple dos and don’ts.

1. Do not make noise and disturb the peace.

2. Do not bring your camera to the nesting site. The flash could unsettle the mother turtle.

3. Do not touch any of the turtles or eggs.

4. Do not spend the night on the beach.

5. Do not litter.

If you follow these simple instruc-tions, you will find yourself part of an exciting new life process. With the guidance of the reserve wardens, you will watch the beginnings of a species so ancient. It is believed the Sea Turtles watched the dinosaurs evolve and become extinct.

TurTle VISITor CenTer (MuSeuM)


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Ras Al Jinz Sea Turtle Reserve has opened the much awaited “Turtle’s Visitor Center” specially dedicated to the Sea turtle’s life cycle and the ar-chaeological findings at Ras Al Jinz.

This “Turtle’s Visitor Center” is one of its kinds introducing an array of new museographical display systems and technolo-gies in the Sultanate of Oman.

PlACeS To STAY:The Ras AI Jinz Turtle Reserve, a truly ecotourism project, was established in 2008 to help con-serve the fascinating and amazing nesting processes of these giants of the marine turtle world and offers place to stay. It has a total of 31 Carapace Rooms, 17 air-conditioned twin/double en-suite rooms, 2 Air-conditioned bunk bedded en-suite for families/ small groups, all equipped with toilets, mini refrigera-tor, tea-coffee maker and LCD TV. In addition it has 12 Luxury Eco-Tents on a hillock close by equipped with attached toilets, mini refrigerator, tea-coffee makers and LCD TV.

The Reserve conducts guided turtle viewing excursions at night, when the sea green turtles come to the beach to nest. Early morning guided tours are also available on a daily basis.

Turtle Beach Resort - Situated just 50 meters away from the water-front, this resort is fully equipped to fulfill the varied tastes of even the most discerning customer. It is constructed in the traditional Omani style. Guests can experience living in the wild in 22 spacious, well-furnished ‘huts’, artistically built with date palm sticks and leaves. The restaurant resembles a 16th century Arab sailing boat.

Sur Plaza Hotel - Situated 308 km from Muscat International airport, has 81 single / double rooms, 24 twin rooms and 3 suites. The standard rooms are equipped with all modern amenities. A variety of restaurants and bars offer a choice selection of fine dining.


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Get in touch with us today!

GSM: +968 98432645, 98459315

Tel: +968 24810204/ 24815434

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.destinationoman.com

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The Sur GATe ProJeCTDESIGNED TO CHANGE THE AMBIENCE OF SUR

Sur is the capital for the Al Shar-qiya region and it is one of the Sultanate’s most important natural reserves. The city still upholds its reputation as a major dhow-building town. Sur played a historical role in trade and navigation in the Indian Ocean. Besides marine activity and ship building Sur is famous for historical and natural tourism places such as caves, cliff, castles and beaches. It is also known for wood and textiles and produces a number of agricultural crops.

Sur has entered a new phase of development with considerable increase in commercial activities and industrial development taking place in the city. The city is poised for a major economic growth with

tremendous business opportunities in the commercial, manufacturing, tourism and real estate sectors. The population of Sur is estimated to cross 100,000 in the year 2015. Sur city has the most potential for trade and economic growth, and the Sur Gate project is expected to play a major role to facilitate the economic and tourism development of Sur.

Sur Gate project is considered a golden investment opportunity for investors. It is proposed to be a fully integrated modern Real Estate Development located at the entrance of Wilayat Sur. This project, spread across an area of 217,000 sq. meters will comprise of resi-dential and commercial establish-

ments backed by comprehensive infrastructure and amenities. The residential and commercial space will respectively occupy 30,135 sq. meters and 184,665 of land. It gives us great pride to say that the con-struction quality and design match to international standards with all requirements of modern style living, in place, and will include a Shopping Mall, Hyper market, Luxury Hotel, Commercial Zone, International School and Leisure Centre. City Walk – a part of Sur Gate project offering Service, Retail and Entertainment – Phase I is under construction.

This integrated project, set in a green environment, will offer ac-cess to all the amenities of modern living within its confines. It will

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have world class recreation facili-ties in the form of a shopping mall, luxury hotel and hyper market - all located close at hand. A grand and exclusive luxurious hotel, having the requisite facilities and built on the latest architectural concept, is an integral part of this project.

A massive shopping mall sprawl-ing across 71,442 sq. meters of land will gratify all the shopping needs ranging from fashion to lifestyle products. A hypermarket, food court, shops and other family entertain-ment options will add the element of entertainment. An adequate area will be earmarked for the banquet hall for cultural, festival and religious requirements of the residents. Keep-ing in view of the existing and future needs of parking requirements for such a large “development”, there will be ample space allocated for providing various parking lots.

The oPPorTunITYCity Walk is geared up to offer business opportunities to distin-guished parties, in the form of

retail spaces that are ready to be leased for the following commercial activities: Fast Food, Fine Dining, Prominent Coffee Shops, Banks, Pharmacy, Bowling Alley, Billiards,

Children’s play area, Handicrafts, Electronics and other service oriented, suitable retailers, that support the concept of City Walk.

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A ‘Green’ GArDen reSorT on The Green MounTAIn

Gazing out over the dramatic bowl from the lip of the cliffs overlooking the terraced gardens of Shuraija, Al Ain and Al Aqr of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Nabhan Said Ahmed Al Nabhani is a driven man. He and his elder brother Ibrahim are seeing a dream materialise. They have seen their hotel take shape almost organically, rising up slowly from the ancient limestone rocks spattered with ancient marine fossils. The hotel speaks for itself. The site itself is magnificent for several reasons. It’s been uniquely designed, blending traditional Omani features with very low-key and subtle eclectic personal touches. The view is superb, west-facing. The climate is a welcome relief from the slammer of summer below, as you are 2000 metres and more above it all. There are distinct seasons, with a bounty of deciduous fruit ripening every month between

April and October. Fruit trees blos-som in spring and bear in summer, and winter, although it can be very cold at night, brings steel blue skies and fresh complexions, perfect for walks and exploratory hikes. Of course, the Jabal is also famous for its roses, which bloom in April, and especially for its pomegranates. Sev-eral natural ecosystems make this place unique. The juniper and wild olive tree belt at higher altitudes is another unique natural attraction.

Rain can fall at any time of year, and of course, clouds gather and disperse at these altitudes. So they’ve chosen the name Al Sahab – the clouds - for their brainchild. Where the mountains meet the sky and life-giving clouds form…. Most of the Jabal massif consists of black limestones up to 3 kilometres thick: once ancient

seabed, now stabbing the sky.

It’s the garden here, however, that is the real gem. When you meet the man responsible, John Le Carre’s hero in The Constant Gardener springs to mind immediately. The garden’s been a labour of love for Nabhan, and his patient brother Ibrahim has indulged him! What ‘garden’? Some might just shrug it off as just being a motley collec-tion of dull local shrubs. But linger longer and look more closely and you will be rewarded. It’s just not the place for an exotic motley foreign show. More and more people want something essentially Omani in character, and it’s some-thing the brothers have aimed to create in laying out a garden here. What’s so encouraging and inspiring is that instead if planting a pretty formal imported garden, designed


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by others and sucking up precious water, Nabhan has looked at the local environment. Firstly, the idea of the whole development is to blend into the environment – local stone, local natural colours, and local indig-enous plants wherever possible. In this regard, the Ministries of Tourism and of the Environment have offered sensitive guidelines and advice. Al Jabal Al Akhdhar may mean the ‘Green’ Mountain, but it’s a very rela-tive term. With only 300 mm a year, rainfall is unpredictable and often scattered, while increasing domestic water consumption by both locals and visitors is a major problem. So only tough local indigenous plants which have adapted to growing here feature in the central garden. Its lay-out is irregular, inviting exploration. It beckons and lures. The same local stone which faces the building has been cut into non-standard blocks,

roughly square or rectangular, to form the raised pathways, rather like small cobbles. The water used in these water features is recycled back into the pools after pumping and filtering. Small intimate areas have been levelled and paved with natural colours, greys and fawns, so guests can sit in the garden.

It’s the creation of an individual with imagination and flair – part of it is almost Japanese in inspiration, with islands of rocks, and features such as a gnarled olive tree, or a naturally eroded rock, or the incomparable se-lection of fossil-rich rocks. These are literally the bedrock of the complex. About 250 million years old and laid down on the seabed during Triassic times, the fossils were found on site and used in situ – the garden was designed around them to incorpo-rate them wherever possible and

they have been carefully integrated into not only the garden, but the walls and interiors of the hotel. be. After years of goat attack, boot (Monotheca buxifolia) and wild olive trees are once again flourishing on the property. Drought-resistant evergreen bushes like the dominant secies Dodonea viscosa do very well at this altitude, and in May, they bear a mass of papery triangular winged seeds which will blow away and populate other spots. The cheerful hardy Euryops arabicus is a low bush with a mass of small yellow daisy-like flowers. The fine grey-green leaves of the Teucrium stocksianum, called ja’ada locally, have a strong lavender-like scent, and are used medicinally for stomach complaints, while the prickly mauve –flowered Solanum incanum bears a yel-low fruit used to draw abcesses.

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Nabhan and his brother grew up in these mountains and know many traditional medicinal uses of the local plants they are keen to preserve. In the rocky arid succu-lent section, aloes and two species of Caralluma have been planted. Already the smaller yellow-flowered species has happily bloomed in rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers contrasting with the grey knobbly stems. Native grasses like Cympogon create a softer profile. It’s amazing how well the garden has come along with a regular initial watering to establish it.

In a microcosm of the plant life of the Jabal in this informal botanical garden, there’s even a local Omani traditional vegetable garden – here, in a separate low walled unit, mulberry trees, garlic, and trailing pumpkin-like vines illus-trate local agricultural methods.

Grapes have been grown on the Jabal for centuries, and each unit of accommodation will be shaded by a grape vine, or a fragrant jasmine bower. Other scented plants, like the wild myrtle Myrtis commu-nis, whose bruised leaves exude a distinctive scent, are planted apparently randomly. Rosemary and other aromatic herbs like basil (rehan) also advertise their scented presence. Wherever pos-sible, building has protected and included old established trees. Indigenous gardens attract wildlife, and even in the hottest month of May, late butterflies were already swarming about, while endemic and migrant birds flit in on flying visits. Several lizards, including a speedy slim blue-tailed model and the tiny semaphore geckoes, live among the rocks. In each two-roomed unit’s attached courtyards, one in front and one behind, a few glorious imported roses have been approved. The deeply-scented small pink Damask rose is the one cultivated in the local villages, but as it flow-ers only in April, it enjoys a short season and Nabhan loves roses all

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year if he can persuade them to bloom. Certainly, there were already some real beauties gracing some of the personal gardens in May.

It’s clear that Nabhan has green fingers and a very good eye. On your next visit to Green Mountain, make sure you get to meet the constant gardener.

A number of good books have appeared recently to encourage ‘green’ gardening with indigenous plants, all of which stress the tried and tested ability of native plants to flourish under often harsh local conditions. Check them out at the bookshops: Field Guide to the Wild Plants of Oman by Helen Pickering

and Annette Patzelt (RO 26.500) and hot off the press; Clive Winbow’s handy The Native Plants of Oman at RO 8 and David Insall’s Landscaping with Omani Wild Trees (RO 2.500).

Locally, two gardens in Muscat to inspire you are the Omani garden at Bait Al Zubayr Museum and, the Natural History Museum Of course, the Botanical Garden at Sultan Qaboos University which has been a hidden gem for years too, and with the plans for the National Omani Botanic Gardens burgeoning in Al Khawdh, something world-class. It’s time to go green and turn na-tive and put Oman on the map.

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FrAnKInCenSeThe scenT oF omAn

Frankincense, also called Luban in Arabic, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra. It is used in incense and perfumes. In Oman where the finest Frankincense in the world comes from, it is con-sidered a gift of God. Oman enjoys the privilege of being the olfac-tory hub with its much celebrated frankincense reserves in Dhofar. Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula and in

North Africa for more than 5000 years. A mural depicting sacks of frankincense traded from the Land of Punt adorns the walls of the temple of ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, who died in 1458 BCE.

The lost city of Ubar, what is now the town of Shisr in Oman, is believed to have been a centre of the frankincense trade along the recently rediscovered «Incense Road». Ubar was rediscovered in

the early 1990s and is now un-der archaeological excavation.

Oman Frankincense, Boswellia Sacra is one of Earth’s greatest treasures. A precious substance revered through the ages. In the ancient world frankincense was valued more than gold and in our time it is a rare and unique gift. The scent is historically connected with healing and spirituality in almost every culture and religion.

Photo © Bait Al Zubair Foundation

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Boswellia sacra comes from the Dho-far region of southern Oman Cover-ing about 100,000 square kilometers, the Dhofar region borders Yemen to the west and Saudi Arabia to the north. The trees do not like moisture and thrive in barren areas cooled by sea winds.The ancient twisted trees with crinkly leaves spring unexpect-edly to life every September with an explosion of white star flowers. An incision is made into the silvery bark, from which drips the fragrant “pearls”, white globules of resin called luban. Left to dry, this will turn transparent after about two weeks.

There are numerous species and varieties of frankincense trees, each producing a slightly different type of

resin. Differences in soil and climate create even more diversity of the resin, even within the same species.Frankincense trees are also consid-ered unusual for their ability to grow in environments so unforgiving that they sometimes grow directly out of solid rock. The means of initial at-tachment to the stone is not known but is accomplished by a bulbous disk-like swelling of the trunk. This disk-like growth at the base of the tree prevents it from being torn away from the rock during the vio-lent storms that frequent the region they grow in. This feature is slight or absent in trees grown in rocky soil or gravel. The tears from these hardy survivors are considered superior due to their more fragrant aroma.

Flowers and branches of the Bo-swellia sacra tree, the species from which most frankincense is derived. The trees start producing resin when they are about 8 to 10 years old. Tapping is done 2 to 3 times a year with the final taps producing the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene and diterpene content. Generally speak-ing, the more opaque resins are the best quality. Dhofari frankincense obtained from Boswellia sacra is said to be the best in the world.

QuAlITYFrankincense comes in many types, and its quality is based on colour, purity, aroma, and age, and shape. Silver and Hojari are generally con-


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sidered the highest grades of frank-incense. The Omanis themselves generally consider Silver to be a bet-ter grade than Hojari, though most Western connoisseurs think that it should be the other way round. This may be due to climatic conditions with the Hojari smelling best in the relatively cold, damp climate of Europe and North America, whereas Silver may well be more suited to the hot dry conditions of Arabia.

Local market information in Oman suggests that the term Hojari encompasses a broad range of high-end frankincense includ-ing Silver. Resin value is deter-mined not only by fragrance but also by color and clump size, with

lighter color and larger clumps being more highly prized.

uSeSFrankincense is used in perfum-ery and aromatherapy. Olibanum essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin. Some of the smell of the olibanum smoke is due to the products of pyrolysis.

TrADITIonAl MeDICIneFrankincense resin is edible and often used in various traditional medicines in Asia for digestion and healthy skin. Edible frankin-cense must be pure for internal consumption, meaning it should be translucent, with no black or brown impurities. It is often light

yellow with a very slight greenish tint. It is often chewed like gum, but it is stickier because it is a resin.

Burning frankincense is be-lieved to repel mosquitos and thus helps protect people and animals from mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria, West Nile Virus, and Dengue Fever.

At the height of the Roman Empire, Dhofar was exporting immense quantities of frankincense, by ship to Yemen and up the Red Sea, and by camel caravan overland to Petra and the Mediterranean.


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CITY SeASonS MuSCATThe ideAl hoTel For Business And leisure

Centrally located on Sultan Qaboos street, Al Khuwair, City Seasons Hotel is ideal for business travels and city breaks. The hotel is a landmark in Muscat and one of the favourite ad-dresses for family holidays; located a walking distance from the beautiful shore and minutes away by car from Mutrah Souk, the Opera House and other major places of interest and tourist sites. Moreover the Hotel con-cierge is at hand to offer and book city tours, excursions, boat trips one of which is watching dolphins.

This 4-star hotel boasts 334 rooms, 23 suites and a club floor with dedi-cated executive lounge. Banquet and meeting facilities, with state-of-the-art equipment and attentive service can accommodate up to 400 guests. The Hotel has 65 fully equipped and serviced apartments, perfect for families with young children; these units are available

in one or two bedrooms and can fit families for up to 6 members.Dining offers at City Seasons Muscat are aplenty: Seasons Restaurant offers daily international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The spread covers cuisine from the Middle-East, Europe and Asia as well as international; live cook-ing stations make it more inter-esting for the gourmet travelers where Chefs will happily prepare the recipe to guest liking.

Raouche Restaurant features traditional Lebanese cuisine, while Raouche Terrace Cafe is popular for its freshly made mocktails and specialty house beverages as well as delicious light bites and snacks served all day long.

Al Majlis Lobby lounge is the perfect venue for a relaxed afternoon tea time or an informal business

meeting. An extensive menu offers French pastries, oriental sweets and a variety of international favourites to please all tastes.

The modern Sky Lounge, perched on top of the building, offers a secluded place for afternoon drinks while it transforms at night into a romantic dining venue offering mocktails and tapas.

The roof top swimming pool with its unparalleled views of Mus-cat city and shores is the perfect place for relaxation or a quick dip during the afternoon laze.

The Health Club with its fully equipped gym, a sauna and a spa complement the leisure offerings. Highly trained instruc-tors - and among them Oman Youth Champion- are at hand to tailor make any fitness routine.

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The PerFeCT Venue For Your eVerY oCCASIonmillennium resorT mussAnAh

Nestled on the pristine beaches of the Al Batinah coastline, the Millennium Resort Mussanah is a relaxing resort destination over-looking the sparkling blue Gulf of Oman. Well known for its brilliantly hued sunsets, the resort features 234 spacious and well-appointed rooms in a variety of options along with 74 lavishly decorated apart-ments, each with mesmerizing views of the Al Hajar Mountains, the Marina or the Gulf of Oman.

The resort provides fabulous culinary offerings with three restaurants serv-ing local and international fare all with private terraces facing the sea and poolside restaurant serving buf-fet and a la carte menu completes the exceptional dining experience.

The Millennium Resort Mussanah provides the perfect venue for wed-dings, corporate seminars, board

meetings or other business func-tions with five state-of-the-art meet-ing rooms including the Millennium Resort Mussanah ballroom. Each room is equipped with audio and vi-sual equipment installed with a large screen television, Wi-Fi and broad-band internet, LCD projection equip-ment and smart automated lighting as standard. An outdoor event plaza with a large function area can accommodate up to 1500 guests.

With four swimming pools, includ-ing a ladies-only temperature-controlled private pool an Olympic sized leisure pool and two infinity pools leading down onto beautiful private beach. The resort incorpo-rates an 18-hole mini golf course, , tennis courts, football and beach volleyball facilities, as well as a kid’s splash pool, children’s programmes and a secure Kid’s Club on site with activities for the entire family.

The ‘Zayna Spa’ boasts 11 spacious treatment rooms including Oman’s only Ayurvedic facility, steam rooms, jacuzzi and ladies lounge overlook-ing the private Marina and offers massage and relaxation treatments from around the world. The Health & Fitness Club equipped with the lat-est Technogym’s patented Kinesis™ Stations deliver a full body workout. The private 54-berth Marina, oper-ated by Oman Sail, provides sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, PADI certified diving courses, yacht charter options and excursions that can be tailor made to suit individual guest needs. Custom designed for business and leisure travellers with a vibrant blend of Arabian and Asian themes, the resort is where personal experience exceeds expectations, where sim-plicity is the foundation for splen-dour and where distinction is the basis for creating your ideal getaway.

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Once the four wheel drive which drops you at the Thousand Nights Camp drives away through the sandy desert path, few noises will disturb you except the murmur-ings of gentle desert breeze.

The sight of the camp with a big Bedouin tent as reception and smaller tents under trees for accom-modation located amidst the bright sands of Sharqiya desert will fill your mind with tranquility and joy. The reception is set up in Arabian style with carpets and pillows.

Thousand Nights Camp set up by Empty Quarter Tours is one of the most exclusive camps in the Shar-qiya Sands where one could live in harmony with the environment. It is one of the perfect places to relax and unwind. TNC, does not have noisy quad bikes, or generators to spoil the peace and tranquility of your stay under the desert stars.

loCATIon

The Sharqiya sands is sand sea of over 15,000 square kilometre, lying in the eastern region of the Sultanate of Oman, three hours drive from Muscat. The sands are approximately 200 km from north

to south, and 80km from west to east. The TNC is located in a sheltered valley some 40 km south of Al Mintirib, at GPS coordinates 22.06.069 North, 58.45.592 East.

ThInGS To Do AT TnC

The Thousand Nights Camp is a place to relax and get close to nature. Enjoy an evening walk to the top of a nearby dune to photograph the sunset and admire the stars, or get up early to see the mist and sun-rise, and to hunt for animal prints. For those with a desire for more, the TNC could arrange for a camel or horseback safari with a local bedouin guide, or a guided walk-ing tour. If you like the real taste of Arabia, the TNC will arrange for a henna artist or an Ou’d player to visit the camp, or they could take you to some of the local bedouin people.

The rates for Arabic wool tents attached with open to sky private WC and shower are RO 67 for double occupancy and RO 57 for single occupancy. The rates include expenses for dinner and breakfast. Accommodation for children would be provided at the rate of RO 7 per child. For the ordinary Arabic tents (4x5m) with open to sky com-

mon WC and shower, the rates are RO 40 for double occupancy and RO 25 for single occupancy. For children accommodation is pro-vided at the rate of RO 5 per head.

The buffet menu at the camp includes shawarma, omani shuwa, tandoori, barbecue, salads, rice des-sert and fruits. The menu for break-fast and buffet changes everyday. Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and dates are provided free of cost. Free activities which could be indulged at the camp include swimming, billiards, dart board, sands boarding, volley ball, children games, ga-zelles yard, table games,astronomy telescope and selected books.

Other activities offered at the camp for which charges apply include dune bashing, camel rid-ing and horse riding. The camp also provides services oft guides.

PlAnTS AnD AnIMAlS

At the first glance, the sands ap-pear to be empty of life but when you spend time exploring the area around TNC you will discover that they contain a rich variety of flora and fauna, a variety that decreases as you go deeper into the sands. Recent surveys have shown that

ThouSAnD nIGhTS CAMPexperience The TrAnQuilliTy oF deserT liFe

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Mongoose, Ruppell’s Sand and Red Fox are all present in the area. The remains of a wolf were also discov-ered at a bedu camp. On a more domestic note, it is estimated that 15,000 goats, 3,000 bedouin and 1,500 camels live in the sands.

Whilst the flora of the sands is not rich, it is very diverse. Eight lichens, four micro-fungi, one fern and 162 flowering plants have been recorded. In terms of fauna, 28 spe-cies of ants, 17 species of dragonfly and 57 species of moths have been observed, together with 115 species of birds, with 21 of them found in the central sands around TNC. This includes the incredible Desert Eagle Owl that can often be heard calling at dusk and dawn around the camp.

To avoid the heat, most ani-mals in sands come out at night, which means that all you will see are footprints in the sand around TNC at dawn.

PeoPle In The SAnDS – The beDouIn.

There are an estimated 3000 Bed-ouin living in the sands. The relative abundance of plants and animals is one of the reasons why there are so many. In the sands, there are two types of Bedouin – those who live in the fishing villages in the south-east, where there is little plant life for grazing animals, and the pastoral Bedouin who live with their herds of goats and camels. Because the trees,

such as those around TNC are so im-portant to their lifestyle, the Bedouin take care not to damage them. As with all people in Oman, the Bed-ouin are Muslims. Their long loose robes cover their bodies as their religion requires, and give protec-tion from the burning sun and cold nights. The Bedouin women cover their faces from strangers. The women look after the household, care for the family and the animals. They also practice a number of crafts to make things for the family, or for sale. With an increasing number of imported goods now available in Oman, these crafts are slowly dying out. The arrival of the car has transformed the life of the Bedouin. They now no longer have to wander great distances in search of water and fodder. Before 1975 it was possible to cover 40 km in one day on a camel. Today, on a graded road it is possible to cover 600 km, with an ice box to keep your fish fresh!

DeSerT SAnD

The sand in the desert is thousands of years old, and about 50 per cent of it is made up of quartz. Scoop up a handful and you will see that there are different colours of sand. The sand that has blown in from the coast is light yellow or white. This sand comes from the sea bed and contains small pieces of shells. In the north of the sands, the colour is darker – red or dark grey. This sand has come from the mountains, and has been transported by water and wind. You will notice that the dunes run in north/south lines. This is explained by the prevailing winds, the majority of which blow either from the North or the south, depending on the monsoon season.

WATer

Water is essential to plant and animal life here in the sands, and to man. Water is available in two forms; from underground supplies, and from dew. Several species of beetles and plants have adapted to making use of the regular morning dew. Whilst at TNC, please remem-ber that you are in an arid desert environment, and use water spar-

ingly when you can. Free drinking water and coffee are available at the dining area throughout your stay.

ArounD The CAMP

There are a few things which the guests need to observe during their stay at the camp. They should always wear something on their feet around the camp, especially at night but should not wear shoes inside the tent. Guests are requested to talk quietly, in hushed tones.

The only source of light in the camp at night is paraffin lamps. To reduce fire risk, guests are advised not to take lamps into tents. They should refrain from smoking inside the tents.

Temperatures can drop 18 degrees at night, and from November through to early March the nights and early morning can be chilly. So bring something to wrap up warm. Those who intend to visit one of the local bedouin camps, should dress respectfully, and avoid shorts and revealing clothes.

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Part of the largest corporate house in Oman – the Omzest Group of companies, Mezoon Travel was established in the Year 1972 with the core commercial activities of Travel, Tourism, General Sales Agen-cies, Representations and Cargo Services. It’s one of the oldest and reputed travel companies in Sultan-ate of Oman serving third genera-tion since it was incorporated.

The new rules and regulations from International Air Transport Authority (IATA) from the Year 2010 confined Mezoon Travel to the business of General Sales Agent (GSA) of various airlines. Today Mezoon Travel LLC

represents some renowned airlines of the world in its capacity as GSA such as Jet Airways, Swiss Interna-tional Air Lines, Lufthansa German Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Mihin Lanka, Egypt Air, Royal Jordanian Air-lines, Middle East Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Iran Air and Air Mauritius.

Mezoon Travel offers compre-hensive business solutions to the Principal Carriers to whom it represents in the Sultanate. Mezoon Travel also caters to all the segments of the travel busi-ness except the GSAs which comprises of Retail Travel, Cor-porate Travel, Inbound Tourism and Destination Management Services, Outbound Tourism and Holidays, Cargo and Logistics.

The company is proudly associated with the BCD Travel on Corporate Travel front and World Cargo Associ-ated on the Cargo and Freight For-warding front in Sultanate of Oman.

ASSorTeD brAnDS:1. mezoon Travel llc2. mezoon international Travel & Tours llc3. mezoon holidays4. mezoon destination management services5. mezoon cargo and logistics

Al Marrah Pub : 24424404Al Bahjah Hotel

barrio Fiesta : 24592900Majan Hotel

Club bar : 24704244Ruwi Hotel

Club Safari : 24602327Grand Hyatt Muscat

Churchill’s Pub : 24487123Muscat Holiday Inn

Copacabana : 24641234Grand Hyatt Muscat

Coral bar : 24487777Radisson Blu Hotel

Duke’s bar : 24660660Crowne Plaza Muscat

Feeney’s Irish Pub : 99262821Al Qurum Resort

habana Café : 24602327Grand Hyatt Muscat

John barry bar : 24641234Grand Hyatt Muscat

layalina bar : 24487123Muscat Holiday Inn

le Pub : 24702311Al Falaj Hotel

left bank : 24693699Qurm

nuts & bolts : 24702311Al Falaj Hotel

on The rocks : 97983333Seeb

Periwinkle’s Pub : 26795545Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Piano lounge : 24776565Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa

rock bottom Café : 24564443Ramee Guestline Hotel

Sports bar : 24487123Muscat Holiday

Safari : 24641234Grand Hyatt Muscat

The Cellar : 24487777Radisson Blu Hotel

The hut : 26795545 Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Tradervic’s : 24 680 080InterContinental Hotel, Muscat

The lazy lizard : 24487777Radisson Blu Hotel

The Wahiba : 26795545Al Sawadi Beach Resort

The Al Gazhal Pub : 24680000InterContinental Hotel, Muscat

Zouk : 24664912Crowne Plaza Muscat

To ensure your visibilty in the next edition contact: Tel - 93972362, 98432645 Email: [email protected]

NIGHT LIFE

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Restuarant & Coffee Shop LLC...................... 102

Arabic Made Easy............................................... 115

Discovering Oman............................................ 120-127A fact file on Oman. Here you will find a mix of the snaz-ziest shopping malls and the wonderfully quaint tradi-tional markets or the Souks. Thanks to a cosmopolitan population, cinemas here help you take in recent inter-national cinematic fare.

Where to Stay ..................................................... 104-115Your stay in Oman will be comfortable, as you can choose from a vast selection of hotels from 5 star deluxe to stu-dio apartments and budget hotels.

Eat-Outs................................................................ 116-119Arabic, Indian, Lebanese, Oriental, European, you name the cuisine of your choice, you will find it in Oman. Be-sides this, international fast food chains like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, have many outlets in the Sultanate.

Fadhil & George and Partners

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A mutli-cuisine restaurant with a more modern European taste, On the Rocks is set in an elite pub themed setup. The res-taurant promises innovation in a fusion of food. Right from theolive pops that steals the bill for the best pub food, to zatar spiced lamb chops and the special smoked prawns that have been much praised by even the most pricy of critiques.

For food enthusiasts, the open kitchen offers a performance on its own as the chefs toss, cut and fire up some unique deli-cacies. For those who stick around for the best of both worlds, the subtle transit happens a few minutes before midnight. The open kitchen slides close, lights dim, the resident DJ picks to an upbeat number and the floor is set for some groove. Keeping up with crowd response the songs bridge from hip-hop to R&B and even popular commercial music; the DJ’s got the best of all genres. Oman’s diverse expat as well as local community demands more than the typical ‘something for everyone’. On The Rocks completely redefines the concept of a resto-pub with its posh ambience and scrumptious menu.location: Golden Tulip Seeb Tel: +968 97983333

If not sun tanned horsemen strutting their rodeo leaps, this fancy Brazilian restaurant is definitely going to bring in the skewers with some exclusive cuts, rumps or loins. A paradise for meat lovers, Espeto Gaucho is the one and only authentic Brazilian restaurant that’s chosen as its base The Cave, the most architecturally splendid manmade creation in the city. Liv-ing by the real South American Rodizo concept, the skewers (and sometimes trays, for the larger, more daring meats for the bold eaters) give you unlimited access to a steady chain of chicken, lamb and beef in 12 different cuts.

Espeto Gaucho serves also to be a very classy place to host dinner parties or corporate lunches. With ample parking space, you won’t have to worry about guests complaining about going round in circles. The hill top corner overlooking the main highway on one side and a small residential block on the other, this place brings together the love of food and the bliss of good view.location: The Cave, Darsait heights: Tel: +968 94447775

on The roCKSAN ELITE PUB THEMED RESTAURANT

eSPeTo GAuChoBRAZILIAN RESTAURANT AT THE CAVE

This unique restaurant set comfortably at a rooftop niche, lives up to its name covering cuisines from the world over, set in an ambience that gives a peripheral view of all things magnificent down below and across the horizon. The restaurant boasts of the highest Sheesha lounge in Oman. It’s two outdoor lounges offer two different ambiences - The Sky Lounge that faces the bold mountains and the Hydro Lounge with the blissful view of the ocean.

Specialized in an array of culinary delicacies from around the world, 360 degrees believes in handpicking the best ingredi-ents to deliver the finest dishes on your plate. A heaven for seafood lovers, 360 also offers the best Teppanyaki and sushi. Those that aren’t the greatest seafood fans can alternatively enjoy delicacies off the Mediterranean wood fire oven or even authentic Lebanese favorites; and of course you can never go wrong with the Indian tandoor in all its flavor.

The interiors sparkle with the works of well-cut crystals as they adorn the swanky dining area. 360 offers a separate place for the distinguished guests which are set with shiny cutlery on spotless white linen. From dedicated hosts to the gentle music, 360 has it all covered.location: 9th Floor, Al nahda Tower, Azaiba. Tel: +968 98360360

360 DeGreeSFINE DINING RESTAURANT ON ROOFTOP

Where To sTAy

ShAnGrI-lA’S bArr Al JISSAh reSorT & SPA

A hidden retreat set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery just fifteen minutes from the Sultan-ate’s capital of Muscat, the luxurious Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa expresses the welcom-ing heritage of Oman.

Front Desk : +968 2477 6666F : +968 2477 6677Email : [email protected] Web : www.shangri-la.com

location: bandar Al Jissah«««««

To get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected]

GrAnD hYATT MuSCAT

Grand Hyatt Muscat offers world-class comforts for business and leisure travelers in a traditional Om-ani setting mixed in with old world charm and elegance. Overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and is one of the largest and most opulent hotels Muscat with standard room sizes of 42sqm.

location: Qurum beach«««««

Tel : +968 24641234Fax : +968 24605282 Email: [email protected] : www.muscat.hyatt.com

InterContinental Muscat is a 35-acre oasis in the heart of the city’s premier residential, government and diplomatic quarter. The business and commercial district is close by, as are must-see sights in-cluding the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and Amouage Perfume Factory. For shoppers, the Muttrah Souk is the essence of Muscat.

Tel : +968 24680000Fax : +968 24600012Email: [email protected] : www.ichotelsgroup.com

InTerConTInenTAl MuSCATlocation: Qurum beach«««««

The CheDI – MuSCAT

One of the Top 20 Best Overseas Holiday Hotels in The Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean (according to Condé Nast Traveller UK Reader’s Award 2012 & 2013). Situated on the stunning Boushar Beachfront in Muscat, where crystal Gulf Waters mirror images of glorious mountain ranges. The Chedi is an oasis of mysticism and luxury, 15 minutes drive from Muscat International Airport.

location: north Ghubra«««««

Front Desk: +968 24524400Fax: +968 24493485Email: [email protected]: www.chedimuscat.com

Al buSTAn PAlACe, A rITZ-CArlTon hoTel

Experience an Oman luxury hotel where you can indulge in an array of water sports, savor exquisite cuisine and, just minutes away, discover the rich history and traditions of an Arabian nation. A recent redefining renovation – both inside and out – the Al Bustan Palace is a Ritz-Carlton hotel set on a private beach with acres of lush gardens.

location: Al bustan«««««

Front Desk: +968 24799666 Fax: +968 24799600 Email: [email protected]: www.albustanpalace.com

hoTelS & ACCoMMoDATIon

HOTELS - MUSCAT

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GolDen TulIP Seeb

Few minutes from Muscat International Airport and adjacent to Oman International Exhibition Cen-tre. Golden Tulip Seeb is ideally located for travelers visiting Muscat for business and leisure.

location: Seeb««««

Tel : +968 24514444Fax : +968 24510055 Email: [email protected] Web : www.goldentulipseeb.com


CroWne PlAZA MuSCAT

The Crowne Plaza Muscat is magnificently nestled at the tip of Qurum Beach with breathtaking pano-ramic views of the Gulf of Oman. The Crowne Plaza Muscat offers 205 elegantly appointed rooms ideal for both corporate and leisure guests. The Crowne Plaza Muscat’s business facilities include Club Rooms & Lounge, WiFi, high speed internet, meeting rooms.

location: Qurum ««««

Tel : +968 24660660 Fax : +968 24660600 Email: [email protected] Web : www. cpmuscat.com

The Park Inn by Radisson Muscat is positioned near the commercial district and shopping areas, offering corpo-rate and leisure travellers a convenient location. Situated nearby the main highway linking Muscat International Airport to Ruwi, the city’s central business district, this hotel also boasts easy access to the Al Ghubra beach, local companies and attractions.

location: Sultan Qaboos Street Al Khuwair««««

PArK Inn bY rADISSon MuSCAT

Tel : +968 2450 7888 Fax : + 968 2450 7889Email: [email protected] : www.parkinn.com/hotel-muscat

The boutique hotel is located in elegant Shatti al Quram area, just minutes from the diplomatic quar-ter and other major leisure and business attractions in Muscat, Oman. Facilities include Lobby sports lounge, Different meeting facilities, Executive lounge, Wellness centre, Out side catering and Cafe noir restaurant.

rAMADA MuSCAT location: Shatti Al Qurum ««««

Tel : +968 24603555Email: [email protected] : www.ramadamuscat.com

rADISSon blu hoTel, MuSCAT

Radisson Blu creates iconic buildings with individual interiors invoking an inviting, exciting ambiance and offering a holistic hospitality experience that is totally relevant to now. Radisson Blu flagship properties can be found in prime locations, including major cities, airport gateways and leisure des-tinations around the world.

location: Khuwair ««««

Tel : +968 24487777 Fax : +968 24487778 Email: [email protected] Web : www.radissonblu.com

rAMee GueSTlIne hoTel QuruM

Ramee Guestline Hotel Qurum is a business-friendly hotel located in Muscat’s Matrah neighborhood and local attractions include Sultan Armed Forces Museum, Port Sultan Qaboos, and Muttrah Souq. Regional points of interest also include Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex and Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace.

location: Al Qurum««««

Tel: +968 24564443Fax: +968 24562464E-Mail: [email protected]: www.ramee-group.com

Al-FAlAJ hoTel

A scenic 25 km drive from Muscat International Airport brings you to the famed 4-star Al Falaj Hotel, which enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city with easy access to an abundance of tourist at-tractions, the city’s business hub, places of religious worship, shopping and entertainment centres, supermarkets, hospitals and the main bus station. The Hotel is only three km from the renowned Port Sultan Qaboos.

location: Greater Mutrah ««««


The SIFAWY bouTIQue hoTel

The Sifawy Boutique Hotel offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the hospitable nature of the Omani people. The Sifawy Boutique Hotel is in the Sultanate of Oman, only 45 minutes drive from the capital city Muscat.

Front Desk: +968 2474 9111 Fax: +968 2474 9122 Email: [email protected]: www.sifawyhotel.com

location: Jebel Sifah, Muscat««««

City Seasons Hotel Muscat is a 4 star hotel with 269 rooms, attached to a new shopping mall due to open later in 2011. The hotel is situated in the Diplomatic area of Muscat close to Muscat International Airport and all the city’s main business and leisure centres. The City Seasons Hotel Muscat enjoys a stunning location with views of the Gulf of Oman, which is in close proximity.

CITY SeASonS MuSCATlocation: Al Khuwair, Muscat ««««

Tel : +968 24394800Email: [email protected] : www.cityseasonsgroup.com

Tel : +968 24702311Fax : +968 24795853 Email: [email protected] Web : www.omanhotels.com

MAJAn ConTInenTAl

Unveiling a unique vision of elegance as you step in to Majan. You will enter through a doorway of relaxed ambience and comfort. By offering all facilities to successfully conclude your Leisure or busi-ness trip, Majan Continental hotel helps you get the most from each visit to Muscat. When you need a business partner in Oman, look no further than the Majan Continental Hotel.

location: Ghala««««

Tel : +968 24592900 Fax : +968 24592979 Email: [email protected] Web : www.majanhotel.com

Waves international Hotel welcomes all to experience the grand history and mystifying beauty of Muscat while being surrounded by homey comforts.

location: Al Khuwair««««

WAVeS InTernATIonAl hoTel

Tel : +968 24486999, +968 98048340 Fax : +968 24483838Email: [email protected] : www.wavesinternationalhotel.com

Eastin Residences Muscat is located on a sea road connecting Al-Seeb and Al Athaiba in the north of Muscat, Oman. The Seeb corniche and beaches within walking distance as well as its close proximity to Muscat International Airport makes it one of the prime areas and the favourite locations for busi-ness and leisure travellers seeking a prime residence accommodation in Muscat.

location: Al hail north, Muscat««««

Tel: +968 24429300 Fax: +968 24420511E-Mail: [email protected] : www.eastinmuscat.com

eASTIn reSIDenCeS MuSCAT

hAFFA houSe hoTel MuSCAT

Haffa House hotel in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, is part of the Shanfari Group and has been created with the businessman in mind. The Hotel contains a total of 120 rooms inclusive of 37 suites with all the comforts desired.

location: ruwi ««««

The PlATInuM hoTel

The Platinum, a newly opened non-alcoholic hotel that depicts a fusion of rich Islamic & Moghul herit-age, ultra modem facilities and the famed Omani culture, is all set to redefine hospitality in Sultanate of Oman. The architecturally majestic structure is now a prominent landmark in Muscat.

location: opposite Court, next to oman oil Petrol Pump, Al Khuwair, Muscat.««««

The Holiday Muscat Hotel is situated within the capital area of Muscat, Oman. Coveniently located midway between Seeb International Airport and the central business district.

holIDAY MuSCAT hoTellocation: Al Khuwair ««««

holIDAY MuSCAT-Al MADInAh

The Holiday Muscat-Al Madinah, Situated within the capital area of Muscat, Oman. Conveniently lo-cated midway in the Industrial Area between Muscat International Airport and the central business district. Our friendly Can-Do service is not about reacting but anticipating our guest needs, an ex-clusive Pillow Menu of 5 choices that creates the ideal restful environment, the delicious Holiday Inn breakfast as well as a rewards programme, tailored to suit one person – you!

location: Ghala - boushar ««««


Tel : +968 24707207Fax : +968 24707208 Email: [email protected] : www.shanfarihotels.com

Tel : +968 2439 2500Fax : +968 2439 2501Email : [email protected] : www.theplatinumoman.com

Tel : +96824487123Fax : +96824480986Email: [email protected] Web : www.muscat-holiday.com

Tel : +968 24529700 Fax : +968 24529800 Email: [email protected] Web : www.holidayinn.com

Easy elegance, tasteful furnishings and bursts of vibrant colours are a trademark of Midan Hotel Suites.Midan Hotel Suites is internationally managed, and maintains a worldwide four star standard.

location: Al Ghubrah north«««

MIDAn hoTel SuITeS

Tel : +968 24499565 Fax : + 968 24499575Email: [email protected] : www.midanoman.com

Safeer Plaza Hotel invite you to experience the grand history and mystifying beauty of Muscat while being sur-rounded by homey comforts. Located at the heart of the Oman capital, Muscat, our mid-priced hotel combines modest luxuries with apartment-style convenience in its rooms and suites.

location: Al Khuwair «««

Tel : +968 2447 1000 Fax : + 968 2447 1001Email: [email protected] : www.safeerhospitality.com.om

SAFeer PlAZA hoTel

2015 110To get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected]

Safeer International is a four star hotel designed and catered for families and business class traveler. Its is cen-trally located in Muscat City (Al Khuawir) close to Shatti Al Qurum, the main diplomatic and commercial city.

location: Al Khuwair«««

Tel : +968 24473900Fax : + 968 2447 9957Email: [email protected] : www.safeerhospitality.com.om

SAFeer InTernATIonAl hoTel

In the heart of the city of Muscat, home to many popular historic and cultural sites, stands the Ruwi Hotel, which is a 25 km picturesque drive from the Seeb International Airport.

location: ruwi«««

ruWI hoTel

Tel : +968 24704244 Fax : +968 24704248Email: [email protected] Web : www.omanhotels.com/ruwi

This facility is in Muscat (Oman) located in a peaceful valley surrounded by glories mountains, on the way to Al-Bustan, Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort and all time cool Ethi Beach and it is just 25 minutes from the Muscat International Airport. Nearby shopping’s and business centers and beaches makes it a very convenient location for tourists and business travelers.

location: Muscat«««

Tel : +968 24811655Fax : + 968 24814065 Email: [email protected] : www.hotelgoasis.com

hoTel GolDen oASIS

hoTel IbIS MuSCAT

The Ibis Muscat is conveniently located in the Al Khuwair area,off Sultan Qaboos street, the main road of the city, which connects the airport to the main city. 171 air-conditionned rooms for one or two people, Wifi Internet access, Flat-screen Tv’s, andfunctional bathroom.

location: Al Khuwair, Muscat «««

Tel : +968 244 898 90Fax : +968 244 879 70Gsm : +968 985 968 0Email: [email protected] : www.ibishotel.com

The Tulip Inn Muscat- Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Muscat District. Conveniently close to major Offices, Malls, Shopping arcades and is only 12km from Muscat International Airport. With a quick and easy access to Ministries & Embassies it offering unlimited opportunities to the Business Traveller. The hotel is just 10 minutes away from shopping district of Qurum & the beach area of Muscat.

The TulIP Inn MuSCATlocation: Al Khuwair, Muscat «««

Tel : +968 24 47 15 00Fax : +968 24 47 16 00Email: [email protected] : www.tulipinnmuscat.com

The sun rises like a fiery ball from the blue-black depths of the Arabian Sea. As Darkness retreats across the Hajar mountains, the barren landscape changes from grayish - brown to beige and copper. It is the birth of a new day in the Sultanate of Oman, a legendary home of Sindbad the sailor and the fabled source of frankincense for the queen of Sheba.

boWShAr InTernATIonAl hoTellocation: ruwi«««

Tel : +968 24491105Fax : +968 24499124Email: [email protected] : www.bowsharhotel.com

2015111

Located in the main and centre place of Al-Khuwair with serene ambience convenient access to the Ministries, Embassies, business centre and shopping Malls. 10 minutes drive from Muscat Airport and is situated close to the main road and Muscat Bakery which is opened round the clock. Totally it is in the prime location for both businesses traveler and leisure visitor. We provide top-notch service, relaxing atmosphere and some thing more our hotel is safe and secure

location: Al Khuwair««

SAMArA hoTel

Tel : +968 24481666, 24478087Fax : +968 24482454Email: [email protected] : www.samarahoteloman.com

A 3-star international hotel, Beach Bay by Swiss-Belhotel is located just 15 minutes drive from Muscat Interna-tional Airport. Shatti Al Qurum, one of the nicest beaches in Muscat, is just two minutes walk from the hotel, while shops are just 10 minutes’ drive away. Nearby attractions are the Grand Mosque, and Muttrah Old Souk.

location: Shatti A Qurum«««

beACh bAY bY SWISS-belhoTel MuSCAT oMAn

Tel : +968 24692121 Fax : +968 24694404Email: [email protected] Web : www.coral-hotelmuscat.com

The Best Western Premier Muscat hotel is situated in the commercial district of Al Khuwair in the heart of Mus-cat, next door to the Ministries and Embassies district. The hotel is only 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport, less than five minutes from the Royal Opera House, four minutes from Qurum Beach and five minutes from the Grand Mosque.

location: Al Khuwair««««

beST WeSTern PreMIer MuSCAT

Tel : +968 220 33333Fax : +968 220 00888 Web : www.bestwesternoman.com


For a successful business or leisure trip to Oman’s picturesque capital, the Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb places you where you need to be. It’s just an eight-minute drive from Muscat International Airport to the hotel’s stylish lobby, where guests find a warm welcome and a relaxing vibe. In town for a meeting? A cluster of important institutions lie within a 20-minute drive of the 185-room hotel, including Knowledge Oasis Muscat technology park, Rusayl Industrial Estate and Sultan Qaboos University.

location: Al Mawaleh South - Muscat««««

holIDAY Inn MuSCAT Al Seeb

Tel : +968 22080555, Fax : +968 22080566Web : www.holidayinn.com

For hundreds of years, the Strait of Hormuz has been the gateway to all the countries of the Gulf and the treas-ures that lay within. Through its warm waters, generations of traders and explorers have come bringing spices, cloths, languages and news; all commodities that remain valuable today. Thanks to navigators such as the famed Ibn Battuta and Sinbad, the Strait of Hormuz has always been a safe haven where East and Westmeet and their influence continues on to the four corners of the world.

location: Seeb««««

horMuZ GrAnD

Tel : +968 2435 0500Email: [email protected] Web : www.hormuzgrand.com

RAMEE DREAM RESORT in Muscat, striking modern hotel conveniently located near seeb International Airport. Muscat City Centre is mere 10 kilometers away and there are supred road connections to the nearby water park, traditional souk, Royal guard of Oman and all the regions cultural and commercial attractions.

location: Seeb«««

rAMee DreAM reSorT

Tel : +968 99891282Fax : +968 24457030Email: [email protected] : www.rameehotels.com

2015 112

JuWeIrA bouTIQue hoTel

Nestled on the picturesque marina promenade of Salalah Beach and facing the Indian Ocean, Juweira Boutique Hotel offers 65 guestrooms, including 21 spacious Marina Suites and 44 Juweira Rooms. Each room has access to a private terrace overlooking the Ocean surrounding Oman.

location: Salalah «««««

Tel : +968 23239600 Fax : +968 23239622 Email : [email protected] : www.juweirahotel.com

HOTELS - SALALAH

Located on the private beach of Salalah, approximately 10 miles from Salalah International Airport. Right on the Indian Ocean, this hotel is five miles from the Old and Gold Souk and National Museum, 15 miles from Ain Razat, 22 miles from Sumhuram and Khor Rori, 28 miles from Al-Mughsail Beach, 44 miles from Mirbat Village, and 112 miles from the Lost City of Ubar.

CroWne PlAZA reSorT SAlAlAhlocation: Salalah«««««

Tel : +968 23235333Fax : +968 23235625Email: [email protected] : www.cpsalalah.com


Al-SAWADI beACh reSorT

Set within beautifully landscaped gardens on one of the most tranquil private beaches of the Sultan-ate of Oman, the Al Sawadi Beach Resort overlooks the serene string of Sawadi Isles. It is the ultimate choice for fun and leisurely relaxation.

location: barka ««««

Tel : +968 26795545 Fax : +968 26795535 Email: [email protected] : www.alsawadibeach.com

Located in the South Batinah region, and a 45 minute drive from Muscat International Airport nestled along the Gulf of Oman will offer panoramic views of its private 54 berth marina and in the distance the Hajar mountains.

MIllennIuM reSorT MuSSAnAhlocation: Wudam Al Sahil , Mussanah««««

Tel : +968 268 71555Fax : +968 268 71556 Email : [email protected] : www.millenniumhotels.com

Coral Boutique Villas, at Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Barka - Oman enjoys a magical location barely 30 minutes from Muscat International Airport. Set in 30 acres of lush botanical gardens, it’s a cute col-lection of 109 rooms and villas each well-equipped with the latest amenities. Offering elegant but understated comfort, the rooms are designed for relaxation and are very spacious.

Al nAhDA reSorT & SPAlocation: barka«««««

Tel : +968 26883710Fax : +968 26883175Email: [email protected] Web : www.alnahdaresort.com

HOTELS - OUTSKIRTS OF MUSCAT

2015113To get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected]

DArbAT hoTel

We have great pleasure introducing ourselves DARBAT HOTEL. It has been in operation since 2000 and is presently open to guest who wish to get good ccommodations for a low and budget price. Darbat Hotel welcomes you to Salalah and Dhofar region, famous for its beautiful landscapes, cool temperature and frankincenses.

location: Salalah«««

Tel : +968 23 295 877 Fax : +968 23 289 281 Email: [email protected] : www.darbathoteloman.com

hAMDAn PlAZA

Hamdan Plaza Hotel Salalah ; a three star luxurious property just 5 minutes from Salalah International Airport overlooking the Indian ocean. It is the most Iconic hospitality brand providing all the modern amenties and outstanding services. Come alone or bring your family with you, stay here for a night or for weeks, stay here while on business trip or at some kind of conference - either way our hotel is the best possible variant.

location: Salalah«««

Tel: +968 93201048, +968 93201054Web: www.hamdanplazahotel.com

Samharam tourist Village is situated on the virgin beach of Salalah coast. Samharam Tourist Resort is located in Salalah at a distance of 10kms from the Salalah Airport which is a 20 minutes drive and 15 minutes drive away from Salalah city. It is a five star deluxe resort set on the shores with coconut palms on either side and is an ideal place for relaxation.

location: SalalahNot Yet Rated

Tel : +968 23211420Fax : + 968 23211267Email: [email protected] : www.shanfarihotels.com

SAMhArAM TourIST reSorT

hIlTon SAlAlAh

The hotel is south of midtown Salalah, along Oman’s crystal blue coast, eight miles from the Salalah Museum, 10 miles from the Gold Souq and the Frankincense Route, eight miles from Wadi Darbat and the beaches of Taqah, and 40 miles from the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.

location: Salalah«««««

Tel : +968 23211234Fax : +968 23210084Email: [email protected], [email protected] : www.salalah.hilton.com

Not Yet Rated

hAFFA houSe SAlAlAh

Haffa House is situated right in front of Salalah Airport, it has wide selection of rooms and executive suites. Haffa House has 60 rooms and 63 flats. The hotel rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, satellite Television, channel music and direct dial telephones. It backed up with valet service and 24 hours room service and laundry facilities DINING:The restaurant has built a name for itself for its excellent food and service. Located on the second floor, it serves buffet breakfast, lunch dinner and a la carte menu.

The Salalah Marriott Resort is set on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Sea on the white sandy beaches of Mirbat Cove and at the foot of Jebel Samhan, 80 kilometers from Salalah International Airport. The Dhofar region is the land of gardens, mountain springs, historical treasures and natural beauty. Lo-cated in the South of Oman, Dhofar thrives on its fishing industries, agricultural activities, traditional crafts and tourist initiatives.

SAlAlAh MArrIoTT reSorTlocation: Mirbat«««««

Tel : +968-23268245Fax : +968-23268271Email: [email protected] : www.marriottsalalahresort.com

Tel : +968 23295444, Fax :+968 23294873Email: [email protected], Web: www.shanfari.com

location: Salalah


HOTELS - SOHAR

SohAr beACh hoTel

Sohar Beach Hotel features 45 guest rooms, suites and chalets. Most of the rooms are in the fort-style building and enjoy views over the swimming pool and hotel gardens. Leisure facilities at the hotel include the temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a recreation centre and of course the resort’s beach.

location: Sohar ««««

Tel : +968 268 411 11 Fax : +968 268 437 66Email: [email protected] Web : www.soharbeach.com

«««««CroWne PlAZA SohAr

location: Sohar, Sultanate of oman

Situated in Oman’s key commercial hub, Crowne Plaza Sohar is 9km from Sohar’s Special Economic Zone in the Port of Sohar. Speak to our friendly Concierge about arranging a limousine pick-up from Muscat.

Tel : +968 26850850 Fax : +968 26850800E-mail: [email protected]

HOTELS - MUSANDAM - KHASAB - DIBA

The Golden Tulip Resort, Diba is ideally located on the east coast of the Musandam Peninsula, 60 kms from Fujairah, on the Indian Ocean. The hotel offers 54 rooms and suites, tastefully decorated, and a range of cafes, and restaurant, bars, to cater to all needs. a sea view conference room, and a range of recreation facilities, ideal for a great escape. Golden Tulip Resort Dibba is a part of Golden Tulip Hospitality Group.

GolDen TulIP DIbAlocation: Diba««««

Tel : +968 26836654 , Fax : +968 26836653Email: [email protected] : www.goldentulipdibba.com

SIx SenSeS ZIGhY bAY, MuSAnDAM

Six Senses Zighy Bay is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman.The setting of these beautiful indigenous village-style accommodations and private marina is spectacular, with the dramatic mountains on one side and the sandy beach of Zighy Bay on the other.Tantalize your senses: feel the sand beneath your toes; listen as your sunset dhow cruise glides through waves; taste culinary delights of the region

location: Zighy bay, Musandam Peninsula Sultanate of oman«««««

Tel: +968 26735 555, Fax: +968 26735 556Tel: +968 26735 888, Fax: +968 26735 887 E-mail: [email protected]: www.sixsenses.com

ATAnA KhASAb

Atana Khasab is located on the Musandam shoreline, in the Northern part of Oman, North of the United Arab Emirates It is only 160km from Dubai, 80km from Ras Al Khaimah and 640km from Muscat, the capital.

location: Musandam shoreline««««

Tel: +968 2673 0777Fax: +968 2673 2703

AccommodationClassified as a four-star hotel, perched on a rock, Atana Khasab offers the most panoramic views of the famed Musandam shoreline.

The hotel features 60 rooms and suites, elegantly furnished, each having its own balcony overlooking either the fabulous mountains or a panoramic sea view.

The hotel offers a meeting room fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technologies that can accommodate up to 100 people.

Location

Atana Khasab is located on the Musandam shoreline, in the Northern part of Oman, North of the United Arab Emirates.It is only 160km from Dubai, 80km from Ras Al Khaimah and 640km from Muscat, the capital.

الموقع

يقع فندق اتانا خصب على ساحل مسندم على الجزء الشمالى من سلطنة عمان الى الشمال من االمارات.على بعد 160 كيلو متر فقط من دبى 80 كيلو متر من

رأس الخيمة و 640 كيلو متر من مسقط العاصمة.

اإلقامة

يوفر فندق أتانا خصب، المصنف أربع نجوم، والقابع فوق واجهة جرف صخري، إطاللة بانورامية خالبة على سواحل مسندم الشهيرة.

يضم الفندق 60 غرفة وجناح تتميز بالرحابة واألناقة، مجهزة بالكامل مع شرفات خاصة لكل منها.

Tel. +968 2673 0777 هـاتـف Fax. +968 2673 2703 فـاكس

Atana KhasabPO Box 434

PC 811KhasabOman

أتانا خصبص.ب 434

الـرمز البريــدي 811خـصـبُعمـان

2015115To get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected]

Green oASIS hoTel

GREEN OASIS RESORT located on the beautiful lush green vicinity, close proximity of approximately 200km from Muscat and 150 km from the Dubai UAE and about 10 minutes drive from the main com-mercial centre, shopping mall and within 15mins from Sohar Industrial/Sohar Port area is a perfect home away from home for business & leisure travelers.

location: Sohar«««

Tel : +968 2684 6077Fax : +968 2684 6441 Email : [email protected] Web : www.greenoasishotel.com

Al Wadi Hotel is located in the ancient marine capital of Oman; Sohar, which is home to legendary Sindbad the Sailor. 210 km from the capital city of Muscat, surrounded by natural wonders and historical sites, Sohar was recently voted the most picturesque city in the Middle East.

Al WADI hoTel SohArlocation: Sohar«««

Tel : +968- 26840058 Fax : +968-26841997Email: [email protected] : www.omanhotels.com/alwadi

HOTELS - SUR

Sur PlAZA hoTel

300 km from Muscat, in the picturesque town of Sur, well known for its old fishing village and traditional manu-facture of dhows, stands the Sur Plaza Hotel; a comfortable three star property offering superlative service with a touch of traditional Omani hospitality.

location: Sur«««

Tel : +968 25543777 Fax : +968 25542626Email: [email protected] : www.omanhotels.com/surplaza

Turtle Beach Resort is a traditional Omani style resort that has been offering its services for more than ten years now. We do everything to guarantee that your stay will be a pleasant one. The hotel has a private Beach for an unforgettable beach experience for all the family to enjoy.

TurTle beACh reSorTlocation: Sur««««

Tel : +968 25569333Fax : +968 25569334Email: [email protected] : www.tbroman.com

Sur beACh hoTel

Sur Beach Hotel, a group of Sur International hotels - the largest in Oman ,offers a breathtaking view of the vast expanse of the Arabian sea. The high standards of services complement the hotels luxuriously appointed facili-ties. Its unique sea side location includes access to the beach and offers a gentle and tranquil experience. In all a truly class hotel with all modern amenities provided of a 3 star.

location: Sur«««

Tel : +968 25542031/32/33Fax : +968 25542228Email: [email protected] : www.sigoh.com.om/surbeach.html

2015 116

The Sultanate of Oman has a unique natural landscape, and offers unspoiled shorelines, golden deserts, luxuri-ant green oases and rugged mountains. It is also gifted with a rich biodiversity - especially in its marine life, due to the board climatic spectrum and unique location in the Indian Ocean.

location: Sur«««

Tel : +968 96550606Fax : + 968 95300234Email: [email protected] : www.rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com

rAS Al JInZ TurTle reSerVe

HOTELS - NIZWA

Falaj Daris Hotel is ideally located just about 4Kms away from Nizwa town. Perfect base to explore the interior and after a tiring day to relax! The hotel is situated 150Kms from Seeb International airport. The hotel has recently undergone a complete renovationand refurbishment. The hotel now has 55 beautifully appointed international standard rooms including 2 suites.

FAlAJ DArIS hoTellocation: nizwa «««

Tel : +968 25410500 Fax : +968 25410537Email: [email protected] : www.falajdarishotel.com

GolDen TulIP nIZWA

Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel is proud to introduce this website,and on this site you will find all possible information about our hotel and can make reservations.Only an hours drive from the Seeb Interna-tional Airport a short distance from Nizwa city, the Golden Tulip Nizwa hotel is set amidst the rugged Hajar Mountains and is ideally located for adventure tours into Oman’s interiors.

location: nizwa ««««

Tel : +968 25431616 Fax : +968 25431619 Email: [email protected] Web : www.goldentulipnizwa.com

HOTELS - DUQM

Ideally situated between the bustling cities of Salalah and Muscat, this Duqm hotel offers convenient accom-modation in a seaside locale. Choose from among 73 well-appointed chalets and apartments, all of which in-clude Free Wireless High-speed Internet, and take advantage of convenient amenities like all-day dining on site.

location: Duqm«««

Tel : +968 2208 5700Fax : + 968 2208 5750Email: [email protected] : www.rezidorparkinn.com

PArK Inn bY rADISSon hoTel & reSIDenCe DuQM


The hotel has been conceived and designed to cater to the rapidly growing need for hotel, accommodation and business facilities in the area. It targets the segment clientele that seeks all the comforts of a business hotel at an economical cost such as visitors connected with business and projects to the new port/harbor, airport, oil refinery and new industrial areas of Duqm.

location: Duqm«««

Tel : +968 25214900 Fax : + 968 25214933 Email: [email protected] : www.cityhotelduqm.com

CITY hoTel

2015117

Crowne Plaza Duqm features 213 rooms and suites designed with style and comfort in mind. Indulge in a skill-fully prepared meal in one of our restaurants showcasing the best of local produce. Enjoy a drink by the hotel’s infinity pool or take time to unwind exploring the untouched sandy beaches surrounding the property.

location: haima««««

Tel : +968-2-5214444Fax : +968-2-5214445Email: [email protected] : www. ihg.com

CroWne PlAZA DuQM hoTel

hotel name location Telphone Fax e-mail

Al-Bahjah Seeb 24424400 24424620 [email protected] Al-Buraimi Buraimi 25652010 25652011 [email protected] Al-Burj International Mumtaz Area 24798008 24794004 [email protected] Al-Rusayal Rusayal 24426900 24426400 [email protected] AREEN Youth Hotel Apartments Al Ashkhara 25566266 25566179 [email protected] Youth Hotel Apartments Salalah 25566266 25566179 [email protected] Buraimi 25655789 25653779 Al-Sawadi Sohar 26840058 26841997 Beach Hotel Shatti Al-Qurum 24696601 24697686 [email protected] Boushar Hotel Ghubrah 24491105 24499124 [email protected] Dhofar Hotel Salalah 23290484 23294358Dreams Resort Seeb 24453399 24453999 [email protected] Eastern Rimal Ibra 9205112 9207012 [email protected]

As-salaam alaykum - Peace be with you (greeting)Wa alaykum as-salaam - And with you peace (reply) Kayf halek ? - How are you? (to a man) Kayf halesh? - How are you? (to a woman)Al hamdu lillah, bikhair - Fine,thanks be to GodZain - Good. (another response)Tammam - (and another response)Tayyib - (and another response)Sabah al kayr - Good morningSabah ah noor - Good morning(the response) Misa al kayr - Good eveningMisa ah noor - Good evening(the response) Ahlan wa sahlan - WelcomeMaharba - HelloMa’salamah - GoodbyeMin fadlak - PleaseShukran - Thank youAfwan - You’re welcome Naam, iwa - YesLa - NoInsha’llah - God willing (or at such time as God desires)Mafee mooshkalah - No problemWayn... - Where is ...Hammam - Bathroom or toiletFunduq - Hotel

Teksi - Taxi or taxi standMushtashfa - HospitalSouq - marketTelefon - TelephoneBikam? - How much?Yillah! - Lets go!

NUMBERS

Sifr - ZeroWahid - OneItnain - TwoTalata - ThreeArbaa - FourKhamsa - FiveSitta - SixSaba - SevenTamania - EightTissah - NineAshara - TenItnashr - TwentyTalateen - ThirtyArbien - FortyKamseen - FiftyMia - HundredAlf - Thousand

ArAbIC MADe eASY


Al KhaimaMajan hotel 24592900Lyali zaman 24498818Near Radisson SAS 24480340

Al madinaMQ 24696515

Al saseerAl khoud 24542340Al shattiCorniche 24714636

Al tanoorAl bandar hotel,ShangriLa 24776666

Al zafranSohar beach hotel 26841111

Arab worldAl ghubrah 24491734Ruwi high street 2498119

Arabic courtChedi Muscat 24524400

Automatic restaurantAl Khuwair 24487200Seeb 24424343Qurum 24561500

Al Akhtam restaurantAl Khuwair 24603292

Al TarbooshQurum 24565673Beirut restaurantNear qurum roundabout 24568411beirutiCoral hotel 24692121bin ateeqAl khuwayr 24478225

Camilia restaurantCBD 24706663Hatam City center 24542344

hormuz Iranianrestaurant Darsait 24709070

IstanbulyNxt to rawasco 24480900

Kargeen caféAl harty complex 24560531Center point 24694048MQ 24692269

MeknesAl khuwayr slip road 24475497

MombasaRadisson SAS 24480340

ofairAl khuwayr 24482965

Mokha Café Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234

Khaima Majan Hotel 24592900

la TarboucheArabic night Club Sheraton Oman Hotel 24799899omani hut Al Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545

Sablat Al bustan Al Bustan Palace Hotel 24799666

SamarAl Nahda Resort99257553

AFRICAN

CaravansZakher mall 24475501

The Chambers Majan Hotel 24592900

hakuna Matata Muscat Holiday Inn 24487123

nando’s(Flame Grilled Chicken)Qurum 24561818

ARABIAN

Al areen al khuwayrNear Radisson SAS 24487056

Al bashashaBook roundabout 24425314

Al baroukBeach Hotel 24604799

Al DeyarNxt to shatti plaza 24603553

Al Fakhr restaurantRuwi hotel 24704244

Al hootMQ traffic lights 24601996Al KatkootAl khoud 24542883

E A T O U T S

WhAT To eAT

2015119To get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected] get listed on these pages please contact: Tel - (968) 24810204, 24815434, 98432645, 98459315 Email: [email protected]

ShirazCrowne Plaza Hotel 24560100

CAFES

Al Ahli CaféAl Bahjan Hote 24424400

Al Falaj Coffee ShopAl Falaj Hotel 24702311

Al MahaMuscat Holiday Inn 24487123

Al MasBowsher Hotel Deluxw 24491105

ArosaAl Khamis Plaza 24560439

barista SABCO Centre 24571531

Café de Muscat Shati Al Qurum 24602585

Café CapuccinoRamee Guestline Hotel 24564443

Café Glacier Qurum 24564974

Café VergananoMadinat Qaboos 24692370

CinnzeoAl Masa Mall,Sarooj 24706727

Costa Coffee Seeb Intr Airport 24519734Muscat City Centre 24535895Oasis by the Sea 24605574Lulu Baushar 24503861

Darcy’s KitchenJawaharat Shatti Complex

Golden GateQurum 24571644

Kargeen café Madinat Qaboos 24692269Al Harthy Complex 24560575City Plaza 24694048

le Croissant Sheraton Oman Hotel 24799899

le Mermaid Café Adjacent to GrandHyatt 24602327

oasis lounge Café Radisson SAS 24687777

olivos Coffee Shop Radisson SAS 24687777

Samharam Coffee ShopHaffa House Hotel 24707207

Pooldeck Intercontinental Muscat 24680000

Second Cup CCC, Qurum 24566616

Sirj Tea lounge Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234

Starbucks CaféMuscat City Centre 24558861Jawaharat A’Shati 24601457Madinat Qaboos 24699367Qurum Beach 24568213

Surf CaféShangri la’sResort and spa 24776666

Sidewalk and DeliCCC,Qurum 24563058

Coffee bean & Tea leaf 24543169

FAR EASTERN

Chinese Garden Al Khuwair 24489414

China Mood Al Bustan Palace Hotel 24799666

China TownQurum 24567974

Chinese PalaceAl Wadi Kabir 24812223

Golden Dragon Madinat Qaboos 24697374

Golden oryx Rex Road 24706128

Magic Wok Muscat City Centre 24537118Silk RouteQurum 24561741

Tokyo TaroAl Falaj Hotel 24702311

The noodle house 24558377

Shang Thai - The Wave 24554774

FAST FOOD

ChickingMarkas Al bahja 24540200

Coral expressMarkhas Al Bahja 24540200

Dairy QueenJawahart A’shatti 24693031Lulu Boushar 24504504Seeb Airport 24519468

hardeesQurum 24564642Al Khuwair 24489575Muscat city ceneter 24489575Airport roundabout 24521133

Mc Donald’sAl Khuwair 24482046Al Sarooj Complex 24691033Muscat City Centre 24545773Book Roundabout 24421119Qurum 24565798City Centre 24558020Airport Roundabout 24521133

KFCAl Khuwair 24477777 City Centre 24477777 Ruwi high str 24477777Qurum str 24477777Airport Roundabout 24477777Seeb 24477777Azaiba Roundabout 24477777 LuLu 24477777Papa John’s PizzaLuLu 24477777Qurum 24477777Seeb Airport 24477777 Pizza hut oman (call centre) 24822500

Muscat 24822500Qurum 24822500MBD 24822500CCC 24822500Airport 24822500

MSQ 24822500Al Khuwair 24822500Al Khuwair (EDI) 24822500Al Khaudh 24822500Gala 24822500Mabela 24822500Salalah 23290303Salalah Lulu 23210215Tharmad 26810036Sur 25545388Sohar 26841155Sohar Industrial Estate 26752900Niwa 25412096Muscat- Wadi Kabir 24822555Salalah 23225626Jalan 25553786Pizza MuscatAl Khuwair 24483393Al Harthy 24565618SantinosCity center 24536698Taza


Al Khuwair 24479339Wally’sMasa Mall 24540200

FRENCH

Al Marjan Al Bustan Palace Hotel 24799666

INDIAN

Ambassador Ruwi 24708082The bollywood CCC 24565653

AGS CBD 24780207Curry HouseWattayah 24564033

KamatAl khuwayr 24479243Rex Road 24793355Ruwi 24783300

Khana KhazanaCBD 24813466

KhyberCBD 24781901

Mumtaz Mahal Qurum Natural Park 24605907

Palm restaurant 24707090Passage to India Wattayah 24568480

Punjabi Dhaba Darsait 24787755

Spicy VillageRuwi 24700175Woodlands CBD 24700192

Tandoori bahar Al Sawadi BeachResort 26795545INTERNATIONAL

Al bandar loungeAl bandar

Hotel-Shangri-La 24776666

Arabic ovenCBD 24797276

AlauddinMQ 24600667

Al Akhtam Al Khuwair 24489292

Al Khiran Terrace Al Bustan Palace Hotel 24799666

bait Al baharAl Waha HotelShangrila 24776666

blue MarlinMarina Bander 24737940

beach PavillionAl Bustan Palace 24799666

ChillisCity center 24545815

Come PrimaCrowne Plaza 24560100

Coral reef Cafe Al Sawadi BeachResort 26795545

Cote Jardin Golden Tulip Seeb 24510300

Fish MarketAl Sawadi BeachResort 26795545

FlavoursAzaiba 24597600Toll Free 80077779

Four SeasonsHaffa House 24707207

Golden SpoonAl Khuwayr 24482263Seeb 24424204

Green Mountain Sheraton Oman Hotel 24799899

Jean’s Grill Sultan Centre 24567666

KhalabAl Nahda Resort and Spa 992RELAX

Khaboura Cafe Majan Continental 24592900

happy Village Qurum 24566142

Majlis Al Shams IntercontinentalMuscat 24600500

Mumbai MasalaMarkaz Al Bahja 24536308

Musandam restaurantKhasab Hotel 24680000

nandosCCC 24561818

o sole MioJawaharat A ShattiComplex 24601363

olivosRadisson SAS 24487777

Palm GroveHilton Hotel Salalah 23211234

Pavo realMQ 24602603

Peppercorns Al Khuwair 24680527

roast and Grill houseGolden Oasis Hotel 24811655

red lobster Al Ghoubrah 24591993

Senor PicoIntercontinental Muscat 24680000

Sundowners beach barAl Sawadi BeachResort 24679545

The Chedi Pol CabanaThe Chedi 24524400

The restaurant The Chedi Muscat 24524400

Trader Vic’sIntercontinental Muscat 24680000

TropicanaCrowne Plaza Hotel 24560100

Tuscany Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234


ITALIAN

Capri CourtAl Bandar – Shangri La 24776666

Come Prima Crowne Plaza Muscat 24560100

la Mamma Sheraton Oman Hotel 24799899

nuovo la Terrazza Hatat House Compound 24571126

o Sole Mio Jawaharat Shatti Complex 24601343

Pale CaldoJawaharat A’shatti 24698697

Mediterranean Grill Intercontinental Muscat 24680000

Tuscany Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234

JAPANESE

Tokyo Taro Al Falaj Hotel 24702311

MEXICAN

Chilis City Centre 24545815

Pavo real Madinat Qaboos 24602603

Senor Pico Intercontinental Muscat 24680000

STEAKS & GRILLS

Al Tajin Grill Radisson SAS 24487777

Club Safari Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234 Kobe’s SizzlersGBM Building, Qurum 24563220

Grill house Al Khuwair 24603660

The edgeCrowne plaza Muscat 24660660

PUBS & BARS

Al GhazalIntercontinental Muscat 24680000

Al Maha bar Al Bustan PalaceHotel 24799666

Barrio Fiesta Majan Continental 24592900

Churchill’s PubHoliday Inn 24487123

Club SafariGrand Hyatt 24641234Coral Bar Radisson SAS 24487777

Copacabana Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234

Duke’s Bar Crowne Plaza 24560100

Hot Super ClubAl Sawadi Beach Resort 26795525

Muscat Rugby Club Al Khuwair 24604890

Oliver’s BarSheraton Hotel 24799899

Periwinkle’sAl SawadiBeach Resort 26795525

Piano LoungeAL BanderHotel-Shangril La 26795545

Periwinkle’s Al Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545

Rock Bottom CaféRamee Guestline Hotel 24564443

Sports BarMuscat Holiday Inn 24487123

The Cellar Radisson SAS 24487777

The WahibaAl Sawadi Beach Resort 26795525

Up Town Restaurant Rex Road 24706020

Middle Eastern

Al Angham 22077777

Al Tanoor 24776565

Shiraz 24660660

Buffet

Mokha Cafe 24 641234

Samba 24776565

buffet restaurant 24697967

Ambience

360degrees 24590398

China Mood 24799666

The beach restaurant 24524343

Casual Dining (Independent)

b+f roadside Diner 24698836

left bank 24693699

nado’s 24561818

Palmeera 24692368

Circles 24776666

Safari rooftop 24641234

2015 122

CounTrY FoCuSCountry : Sultanate Of OmanCapital : MuscatArea : 309,500 sq km, with 1700 km of coast linePopulation : As per the final results of the 2010 census, the total population of Oman has now gone up to 2,773,479. Residential units now number 551,058, according to the second booklet issued by Census Ad-ministration.

Geography : Plains, wadis, mountains, sandy and stony deserts. A diverse landscape ranges from the bar-ren fjords of Musandam in the extreme north to the lush, green hills of Dhofar in the far south.

Climate : Muscat is hot and humid from late-March until September and pleasantly warm with cool evenings the rest of the year. Around Salalah, the second largest city, humid weather with temperatures of 30°C is common even in December, and the area is drenched by the monsoon rains from June to Septem-ber.

buSIneSS hourSGovernment offices : Sunday to Thursday, 7am-2.30pm. Friday & Saturday weekend HolidaysPrivate Sector : Sunday to Thursday, 8am-1pm, 2-6pm, Friday & Saturday weekend Holidaysbanks : Sunday to Thursday ,8am-2pm Friday & Saturday Weekend Holidays

CurrenCY & bAnKInGThe unit of currency is the Omani Rial (OMR / RO) comprising 1,000 baizas. In general, banking hours are Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 2pm. Moneychangers

are also open from 4pm to 8pm.

PublIC TelePhoneSAccept coins and phone cards. Cards available from supermarkets and some smaller shops in units up to RO5.

CuSToMS AnD TrADITIonS Dress : While in Oman, please respect local customs. Please dress modestly but comfortably. Women can preferably wear below the knee skirts or long sleeved dresses.

etiquette : You can shake hands in greeting in Oman.

ramadan : The Holy Month of Ramadan, a month of fasting is observed. Non-Muslims should respect this by not eating, drinking or smoking in public. Dress code should be strictly observed during this time.

leISure ACTIVITIeSShopping: A shopper’s paradise, Oman offers modern day designer shopping as well as the traditional ‘Souq experience. Shopping malls are open from 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 11 pm, small grocery shops open early and do business till late hours.

ShoPPInG MAllSAl Araimi Complex 24566180Al Asfoor Plaza 24564686Al Harthy Complex 24564481Al Khamis Plaza 24562791Al Wadi Commercial Centre 24564782Capital Commercial Complex 24567338Centrepoint 24698988Jawaharat A’Shatti Complex 24692113


DISCOVERING OMAN


Khimji’s Megastore 24708075lulu hypermarket - Barka 26886855lulu hypermarket - Bausher 24504504lulu hypermarket -Darsait 24701401lulu hypermarket Al Burj Seeb 24423771lulu hypermarket Sohar 26843040lulu hypermarket Wadi Kabir 24821111lulu hypermarket Khaboora 26805544lulu hypermarket Salalah 23288133Al Markaz al Bahja 24540200Muscat City Centre 24558888Qurum City Centre 24470700Sabco Centre 24562761Al Araimi Complex, Qurum 24566180Al Burj Trading & Consumers Co. 24423205Al Harthy Complex, Qurum 24564481 Al Khamis Plaza, Qurum 24562791Al Sarooj Centre, Shatti 24691311Al Wadi Commercial Centre 24564782 Baby Shop LLC, The City Plaza 24698988Al Qurum Center,Qurum 24563672Capital Store, Qurum 24562254CentrePointMQ 24698988Ruwi 24817656City Centre 24558059Salalah 23289260

WATer/ADVenTure SPorTSThe coastline, the deserts, mountains etc. make Oman the perfect place for water sports like diving, sailing, fishing, wind surfing and water skiing. On land, you can indulge in horse racing, camel racing, cricket, volleyball, football, rugby, tennis, squash and basketball. Hiking, camping, caving and desert driving is also big here. Dive centres / dive agents arrange water adventure trips for those interested.

Adventure Centre 24485663Bluzone Watersports 24737293Oman Dive Centre 99340096Moon Light Dive Centre 99317700moonlightdive.comCapital Area Yacht Club 24737712Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre 24685663Marina Bander al Rowda 24737288Samaharam Dive andWatersports Centre 23235333Diveco 24602101

Desert Thunder 95555153www.desertthunderoman.comExplore Masirah 25504442www.exploremasirah.comGrand Hyatt Muscat Boathouse 24641234Gulf Leisure 99819006www.gulfleisure.com 24693561Ocean Boats Diving and Sea Tours 92645889www.scubaoman.com

Diving and snorkellingAl Raheeb Marine Tours 99144950 99138967Blu Zone Watersports 24737293Desert Thunder 95555153

www.desertthunderoman.comDimaniyat Divers Club 26795545Al Sawadi Beach ResortDimaniyat Diving 99311350www.dimaniyat.com www.divingoman.comExplore Masirah 96178776www.exploremasirah.comGulf Leisure 99819006, www.gulfleisure.com [email protected] Divers, Neil Bedwin 99355671British Sub Aqua Clubwww.bsac.comMuscat Diving and Rob Gardner 99239658Ocean Boats Diving andSea Tours 92645889www.scubaoman.comMusandam Extra Divers 99877957Global Scuba, Monique Borlee. 99317518www.global-scuba.comDesert Adventures. 95201107Sub Aqua Dive Centre Salalah. 92471073www.subaqua-divecenter.com

Jet skiingAl Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545Moon Light Dive Centre 99317700moonlightdive.com

KayakingDimaniyat Divers Club 26795545Al Sawadi Beach ResortMuscat Diving and Adventure Centre 24485663Rob Gardner 99239658Oman Dive Center 24824240www.diveoman.com.omMoon Light Dive Centre 99317700moonlightdive.com

SailingCastaways Sailing Club 95086284, 24594613Desert Thunder 95555153www.desertthunderoman.com

Sport fishingAl Raheeb Marine Tours 99144950 99138967Desert Thunder 95555153www.desertthunderoman.comExplore Masirah 25504442www.exploremasirah.comGrand Hyatt Muscat Boathouse 24641234Gulf Leisure 99819006, 24693561www.gulfleisure.comMarina Bandar al Rowdha 24737288Moon Light Dive Centre 99317700moonlightdive.comMuscat Diving and Adventure Centre 24485663Rob Gardner 99239658Oman Dive Center 24824240Water World Marine 24737438www.waterworldoman.com

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CourT AnD FIelD SPorTSBasketballOman BasketballAssociation 24796780Golf Al Maha Golf Club 24522177NetballPDO Netball Club [email protected] Dhofar Nomads Rugby Club 99291548Muscat Rugby Football Club 24604890SoftballJohn Chappel 99337593SquashAl Falaj Hotel 24702311Al Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545Crowne Plaza Muscat 24660660Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234TennisAl Falaj Hotel 24702311Al Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234Hotel InterContinental Muscat 24680000 Oman Tennis Association 24751402Indoor SportsbowlingAl Masa Bowling 24693919Seeb Novotel 24510300ChessDilip J Asher [email protected] Centre 24489492Michael FernandesoutdoorHikingAhmed al Abri 99348440Desert Thunder 95555153www.desertthunderoman.comGulf Leisure 99819006, 24693561www.gulfleisure.com Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre 24485663Rob Gardner 99239658horse ridingAl Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545Al Sawahil Horse Riding 95177557Desert Thunder 95555153www.desertthunderoman.comShah Mohammed Khalili 99386978Qurm Equestrian School 99832199rock ClimbingMuscat Diving and Adventure Centre 24485663Rob Gardner 99239658Sand SkiingAl Areesh Tourism Camp 24493232road CyclingMuscat Cycling Club 99324594Motor SportsBikersOman.com 99556430Harley Davidson Owners’ Group 99310853Oman Automobile Association 24510239running Muscat Road Runners 99427866Training & ClassesAl Falaj Hotel 24702311

Martial Arts: (Children) Sunday to Thursday, 5– 6.30pm. (Adults) Sunday to Thursday, 7–8.30pmTennis: Daily (except Friday and Saturday morn-ing), 8am–12pm, 4–9pmSwimming: Daily, 8am–9pm Grand Hyatt Muscat 24641234Ballet: Saturday–Monday, Wednesday, 8.10–9.10pmSalsa Aerobics: Saturday, 6.05–7.05pmYoga for women: Saturday, Wednesday, 8.30–10amHotel InterContinental Muscat 24680000SupaPump: Saturday and Wednesday, 8.15–9.15 am; Monday, 5.30–6.30pm; Thursday, 2–3pm Tai do: Saturday, 9.30–10.30am; Monday, 6.45–7.45pmChildren’s circuits: (10–15 years) Saturday and Monday, 3.30–4.30pm Aerostep and ABS: Saturday, 5.30–6.30pmSpin and ABS: Wednesday, 5.30–6.30pmMind, Body and Soul: Monday, 6.45–7.45pm and 9.30–10.30am; Tuesday, 6.45–7.45pmAqua Aerobics: Saturday and Tuesday, 8.15–9.15amCore Stability: Sunday, 9.30–10.30amSpin: Sunday, 5.30–6.30pm; Thursday, 9–10amPilates+: Sunday, 6.45–7.45pm; Thursday, 10.15–11.15am

CIneMASCity Cinema Ruwi (Hindi films) 24831358City Cinema, Qurum (English films) 24607360City Cinema, Sur 25540666City Cinema, Sohar 26844962Star Cinema - Indian & Arabic 24791641Al Bahja Cinema - English 24540855Golden Cinema - Malayalam 24622446

MuSeuMSbait Adam 24605033 This museum showcases old Omani coins, documents and postage stamps; Open daily, 9am–7pm

bait al baranda 24714262An interactive visitors’ centre showcasing ahistory of the capitalOpen Saturday to Thursday, 9am–1pm and 4–6pm; closed on Friday and public holidays

bait al Zubair 24736688Weapons, jewellery, clothing,books, paintings, photos and mapsTimings:-Sat- Thur (9.30am to 6pm)

Children’s Museum 24605368Timings:-Sat-Thur (9am-1pm, 4-6pm) Fri (4-6pm)

Ghalyas Museum 24711640The museum is a group of typical Omani houses from the period 1950 to 1975 that tell the stories of the Omanis and their deeply rooted heritage, customs and traditions.

Opening Hours: Sat - Wed 10 am to 1 pm. 4 pm



to 7 pm. Thur 10 am to 1pm national Museum 24701289Jewellery, costume, weapons and pots.Timings:-Sat-Thur (9am-1pm, 4-6pm) Fri (4-6pm)

natural history Museum 24604957Timings:- Sat-Thur (9am-1pm, 4-6pm) Fri (4-6pm)

oman Museum 24600946Timings:-Sat-Thur (9am-1pm, 4-6pm) Fri (4-6pm)

omani French Museum 24736613

Timings:-Sat-Thur (9am-1pm, 4-6pm) Fri (4-6pm)

Planetarium 24675542The planetarium, run by the PDO, has shows on five different subjects for the public. Adults and children can attend the shows with prior booking. Arabic: 5–6pm on Wednesdays and 11.30am–12.30pm on ThursdaysEnglish: 7–8pm on Wednesdays and 10–11am on Thursdays

Salalah Museum 24294549 Local artifacts and costumes. Timings:-Sat-Wed (7.30am-2.30pm)

Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Museum 24641650This Ministry of Heritage and Culture museum in al Khuwair showcases traditional weaponryOpen Saturday to Wednesday (excluding Tuesday), 8am–2pm

Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum 24312648Outline of Omani history with army exhibition.Sun, Mon, Wed & Thurs (8am-1.30pm)

heAlTh ClubS & SPASSignature Hair & Beauty 24490282Adam’s Fitness 24536353Al Bustan Palace Hotel 24799666Al Inshirah Pool Club 24713061Al Safa Health Club 24605436Al Qurum Resort 24605945Al Sawadi Beach Resort 26795545Al Nahda Resort and Spa 26883710Al Falaj Health Club 24702311Blu Hotel 24487777Crowne Plaza Hotel 24560100Crowne Plaza Salalah 23235333Club Olympus 24602888 Elixir Holistic Centre 24602825Future Health Club 24600030Gymnasia 24560100Grand Hyatt Club Olympus 24641234Golden Tulip 24510300Horizon Fitness Centre 24571337Intercontinental Muscat 24600500 Majan Hotel 24592900Muscat Holiday Inn 24487123Fontana Club Radisson

Salalah Hilton 23211234Salalah Holiday Inn 23235333Samaa 24604360Sheraton Oman Hotel 24799899Sheraton Qurum Resort 24605945Sohar Beach Hotel 26841111Sky Club Park Inn 24507888

lIbrArIeSbibliotheque Francaise 24481874Timings:-Sat-Wed (4-7pm) Tues (9am to noon)

oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry 24707674 Accounting, economics, law, statistics, commercial, industrial and trade directoriesin Arabic/English Timings:-Sat-Wed (7.30am-1.30pm) Thurs (7.30am to noon)Public Technical library 24673111Science, computing, art, music, sport Sat-Wed (8am-2pm, 4-9pm) Thurs (9am-1pm)

united States Information Service 24698989 Sat-Wed (9am-4pm)

MeDICAl AnD DenTAl Al Hayat Clinic 24565941Allied DiagnosticCenter 80070055 24583619Al Qabas Clinic 24604466Al Massaraat 24566435Al Muthana Physiotherapy 24484046Al Shatti Hospital 24604263Capital Polyclinic 24707549Elixir Health Centre 24602825El Magrabi Eye Centre 24568870Gulf Medical Centre 24564639Hatat Polyclinic Hatat House 24563641Azaiba 24499269Lama Polyclinic 24799077Muscat Private Hospital 24583600Tahhan Medical Centre,MQ 24694930

Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre 24477666

FlIGhT InForMATIon(24 hrs) 1101 or 24519223 Aeroflot 24704455Air France 24704318Air India 24799801Air Maldives 24566046Airlanka 24784545Air New Zealand 24700326American Airlines 24604538Balkan Airlines 24566046Bangladesh Airlines 24701128British Airways 24571294Cathay Pacific 24789818Egypt Air 24794113

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Emirates Air 24786600Ethiopian Airlines 24566046Gulf Air 24703544Indian Airlines 24791914Iran Air 24787423Japan Airlines 24704455KLM 24566737Kenya Airways 24788324Kuwait Airways 24706205LOT Polish Airlines 24796387Lufthansa 24796692Malaysian Airlines 24566046Middle East Airlines 24796680Oman Aviation 24707222Pakistan Intl Airlines 24792471Qantas 24604258Royal Brunei 24784933Royal Jordanian 24796693Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485Singapore Airlines 24791233Swiss Air 24787416Syrian Airlines 24797567Thai Airways 24704455

eMerGenCY nuMberS Muscat:Fire 999Royal Oman Police 24560099Al Nahdha Hospital 24707800Khoula Hospital 24560455Muscat Hospital 24738036Royal Hospital 24592888Car Breakdown Services(AAA) 24605555SalalahRoyal Oman Police 23290099

PoST oFFICeSAl harthy Complex 24563534(7.30am-2.30pm, 7-9pm) hamriya 24789311(8am-2pm, 4-8pm Thurs 8-11am)

Madinat as Sultan Qaboos 24697083(8am-2pm)

Mina al Fahal 24565465(8am-2pm) Muscat 24738547(7.30am-2.30pm Thurs 8-11am)

ruwi 24701651(7.30am-2.30pm, 4-6pm)

Seeb 24519922(8am-3pm, 5pm to midnight Thurs 8-11am, 8-11pm)

Sultan Qaboos universityCampus 24513333 (8am-2pm) Al Wadi al Kabir(7.30am-1.30pm)

oTher SerVICeS

Telephone Directory Enquiries:Talking Pages 24600100Omantel 1318

bAnKS In oMAnAhli Bank 24577000 bankDhofar 80076666 Bank Melli Iran 24815160 BankMuscat 24768888 Bank of Baroda 24817373 Bank of Beirut 24698669 Bank Saderat Iran 24833923 Bank Sohar 24730000 Central Bank of Oman 24777777 Habib Bank Limited 24812871 HSBC 80074722 National Bank of Abu Dhabi 24761000 national bank of oman 80077077 oman Arab bank 24706265 Oman Development Bank 24812507 Oman Housing Bank 24704444 oman International bank 24682500 Qatar National Bank 24725555 Standard Chartered Bank 24773666 State Bank of India 24704232

MoneY exChAnGe CenTreSAbu Mehad Money Exchange 24566123Faiq Money Changers 24562841Gulf Overseas Exchange 24834182Hamdan Exchange 23211258Hamdan Trading 23210000Laxmidas Tharia Ved Co. Llc 24700065Musandam Exchange 24834954Mustafa Sultan Exchange Co. 24706519Oman & U.A.E. Exchange Centre 24750830Oman United Exchange 24794305Modern Exchange 24832133Mustafa Sultan Exchange 24706519Purshottam Kanji Exchange 24830983

eMbASSIeS In oMAnAlgeria 24605593Austria 24694127Bahrain 24605074 Bangladesh 24698660Belgium 24562033Brazil 24640100Canada 24788890Chile 24561977 China 24696698 Colombia 24816264Cyprus 24490200Denmark 24526000Egypt 24600411Finland 24701454France 24681800Germany 24832482 Greece 24706648Holland 24603706India 24684500Iran 24696944Iraq 24695559Ireland 24797083Italy 24693727Japan 24601028



Jordan 24692760Korea 24691490Kuwait 24699627Lebanon 24695844Malaysia 24698329 Mexico 24561977Morocco 24696152 Mozambique 24594207Netherlands 24603719Norway 24526233Pakistan 24603439Palestine 24601312Philippines 24605140Poland 24563606 Portugal 24561400 Qatar 24691153Russian Federation 24602894Saudi Arabia 24601744Somalia 24697977 South Africa 24647300Spain 24691101Sri Lanka 24697841 Sudan 24697875Sweden 24708693Switzerland 24568202Syria 24697904 Taiwan 24605695Tanzania 24601174 Thailand 24602684Tunisia 24603486Turkey 24697050United Arab Emirates 24400000United Kingdom 24609000Uruguay 24568202USA 24643400Yemen 24600815

eMbASSIeS & ConSulATeSoF oMAn AbroADAlgeriaTel : 002132 941 310 / 941 420Fax : 002132 941 375AustriaTel : 00431 310 8644 / 310 8643 / 310 8684Fax : 00431 310 7268bahrainTel : 00973 293 663Fax : 00973 293 540brunei DarussalamTel : 006732 446 953/446 954/446 957 Fax : 006732 449 646E.mail : [email protected] ChinaTel : 008610 6532 3692Fax : 008610 6532 5030E.mail : [email protected] : 00202 303 6011 / 303 5942 / 303 5673Fax : 00202 303 6464FranceTel : 00331 472 301 63Fax : 00331 472 377 10 / 472 302 25E.mail : [email protected] : 0049 228 357 031 / 357 032 / 357 033 / 357 034

Fax : 0049 228 357 045 / 357 040IndiaTel : 009111 614 0215 / 614 4798 / 614 1704Fax : 009111 614 6478E.mail : [email protected] : 009641 541 8198 / 542 9179 / 541 3557 / 541 3621 / 542 9178Fax : 009641 541 3617ItalyTel : 00396 3630 0517 / 3630 0545 / 3630 0544Fax : 00396 320 6802JapanTel : 00831 3402 0877 / 3402 0749 / 3402 2122Fax : 00831 3404 1334E.mail : [email protected] : 00962 686 155 / 686 156 / 686 157 Fax : 00962 689 404KoreaTel : 00822 790 2431 / 790 2432Fax : 00822 790 2430E.mail : [email protected] : 00965 256 1956 / 256 1957Fax : 00965 256 1963MalaysiaTel : 00603 245 2827 / 245 2829 / 245 3109Fax : 00603 245 2826E.mail : [email protected] : 002127 672 064 / 673 788 / 672 258Fax : 002127 674 567

netherlandsTel : 003170 361 5800Fax : 003170 360 5364

PakistanTel : 009251 254 869 / 254 925 Fax : 009251 255 074QatarTel : 00974 670 744 / 670 746 / 670 745Fax : 00974 670 747

russian FederationTel: 007095 230 1255 / 230 1587 / 230 2052Fax: 007095 230 1544Saudi ArabiaTel : 009661 482 3120 / 482 3067Fax : 009661 482 3738SudanTel : 0024911 471 605 / 471 606Fax : 0024911 471 017Syrian Arab republicTel: 0096311 611 0408 / 662 2194Fax: 0096311 611 0944ThailandTel : 00662 639 9380 / 1 / 2 / 3Fax : 00662 639 9390

2015 128

E.mail : [email protected] : 002161 791 655 / 792 912Fax : 002161 790 820E.mail : [email protected]

TurkeyTel : 0090312 447 0630 / 447 0631Fax : 0090312 447 0632E.mail : [email protected]

united Arab emiratesTel : 009712 463 333Fax : 009712 463 333

united Kingdom of Great britainand northern IrelandTel : 0044171 225 0001 / 589 2840 (Consular Section)Fax : 0044171 589 2505

united States of AmericaTel : 0011202 387 1980Fax : 001122 745 4933E.mail : [email protected]

YemenTel : 009671 208 874 / 208 875

Fax : 009671 204 586

ConSulATeSCyprusTel : 00357 22 663300DenmarkTel : 0045 86 17 50 72Fax : 00454 86 22 88 29GermanyTel : 004969 710 0790Fax : 004969 7100 0625hong Kong Tel : 00852 2873 0888 / 2873 2177Fax : 00852 2873 6168IndiaTel : 009122 284 4938 / 284 4877 / 287 6037 / 287 6038Fax: 009122 2523IrelandTel : 003531 478 254Fax : 003531 478 3987lebanonTel : 00961 1817 683Fax : 11961 1817 699luxembourgTel : 00352 405 750Fax : 00352 405 760MauritiusTel : 00230 2124 225 / 212 4607Fax : 00230 2124 226 / 2124 308PakistanTel : 009221 588 8307 / 541 957Fax : 009221 588 7216PhilippinesTel : 00632 8211 651 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5Fax : 00632 8243 549 / 8459 745 / 8451 848SingaporeTel : 0065 4340 828Fax : 0065 3377 266TanzaniaTel : 0025554 30 700 / 30 066

Fax : 0025554 31 070TurkeyTel : 0090212 331 4095 / 331 1128 / 331 2418Fax : 0090212 322 3807 / 331 4247YemenTel : 009672 233 433Fax : 009672 231 857

The neW VISA ProCeDureS AnD FACIlITIeSSInGle enTrY VISIT VISAThis visa has been introduced by combining the tourist visa, business visa and short visit visa which now cease to exist.This visa is issued to two groups of nationals:Nationals of countries listed in country list 1 :Upon arrival at all land, sea and air terminals whether individually or as part of a group, re-gardless of their sex or age.

Fee : OMR 6 or its equivalent in other currencies

Procedures on how To Get The Visa:It is issued upon arrival in all land, sea and air entry points after filling and presenting the visa application form.Nationals mentioned in list NO. (1) Can also ob-tain this type of visa once they apply to Oman diplomatic missions and commercial representa-tion offices. Mission and offices can issue them without the need to obtain the approval of the Directorate General of Passport & Residency in Muscat . The validity period of the applicant’s passport should not be lees than 6 months.

Visa Validity : One monthExtension Term And Procedures: One month with same fee (OMR 6). The extension applica-tion should be presented to the Directorate Gen-eral of Passport & Residency or its sections in the regions.

As per the law, a fine of OMR 10 per day is charged for an overstay beyond the validity of the visa.

nationals of countries listed in country list 2 Visa is issued to them upon arrival in Oman through air entry points only either individu-ally or as part of a group. They should have pur-chased a complete tourist package from specific tourist companies in their countries which are approved by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The package to include the accommodation and the air ticket using a national airline i.e. Oman Air or Gulf Air. These visas are granted regardless of sex or age.

Fee OMR 6 or its equivalent in other currencies

Procedures on how To Get The Visa: This visa is issued on arrival in Oman through air entry points only after filling the visa application form. Visa Validity: One month Extension Term And Procedures: One month with the same fee (OMR 6). The extension application should be present-ed to the Directorate General of Passport & Resi-dency and its sections in the regions.

As per the law, a fine of OMR 10 per day is charged



for an overstay beyond the validity of the visa.

It is granted to a foreigner who wants to visit Oman for tourism. This visa can be used within six months from the date of issuance. If it is granted by the Sul-tanate of Oman’s legation abroad by co-ordination with the DGPR, it should be stamped within one month only from the date of its issuance, and must be used within not more than six months from the date of its issuance.It is a single-entry visa valid for staying in the coun-try for three weeks from the date of entry.This period is extendable once and for one week only.Fees: RO 5

TourIST VISAApplication for the tourist visa can be made one of two ways: A visa under a sponsor. A visa without a sponsor. In both cases the tourist visa enables its holder to stay in the country for three weeks from the date of entry.

requirements for Tourist Visa under a Sponsor:The sponsor must be a local one with full legal ca-pacity, and be responsible for the truth of the infor-mation stated in the application form.The sponsor should be involved in tourist business like hotels, tourist companies, etc.

Application: Visa application form typed, approved and stamped by the sponsor. For Arabs holding passports issued in Arab countries the visa applica-tion form must be filled out in Arabic.For Non-Arabs holding passports issued in non-Ar-ab countries the visa application form must be filled out in English.

Tourist Visa Without a Sponsor:An application is submitted by the tourist in per-son to any Omani embassy or legation abroad, and without the need for a local sponsor.

CoMMon VISA FACIlITY WITh The eMIrATe oF DubAINational set out List Nos.(1) arriving from Emirate of Dubai to Sultanate bearing an entrance visa or stamp from the Emirate of Dubai are not required to obtain a separate visa for Oman. The Entry stamp/Visa for Dubai is recognized for entry to Oman, whether individually or as groups entering through different land, air or sea terminals regardless of the sex or age after filling in the forms designated that purpose.

Fee: No fees are charged. Fees are only paid to the relevant authorities in the Emirate of Dubai

Procedures on how To Get The Visa: On com-pletion of the joint facility from which is available at the airports and sea port and at Hatta Hotel for those arriving through Al Wajaja terminal.

Visa Validity: The bearer of the visa is allowed to stay for the period of the visa issued to him from the reverent authorities in the Emirate of Dubai or a maximum of 3 weeks for nationals, which do not require entrance visas to the Emirates.

extension Term And Procedures: The visa may not be extended and the visitor is required to leave when the period expires .As per the law, a fine of OMR 10 per day is charged for an overstay beyond the validity of the visa.

enTrY VISA For ForeIGn reSIDenTS In AGCC STATeSIt is granted to a foreigner who is resident in any member state of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), provided that his occupation is not of low grade. It is also granted to members of their families, relatives and those in their com-pany as long as they enter together.This visa is valid for staying the country for four weeks, and is extendable for one week.

It is granted at the entry point directly.

Fees: ro 3Fees: ro 3 (RO 1 for entering Musandam Gover-norate Only)Delay fine : RO 10 Per day.

requirements:1- An applicant must have valid residence per mit in an AGCC state.2- They should be in an occupation approved for entry.3- Their passport must be valid for not less than 6 months.4- Families, drivers, servants, attendants, and dependants of those residents are eligible for this visa , provided that they present their labour cards, and their passport are valid for not less than 6 months .5- All nationalities in AGCC states are eligible for this visa.

The Royal Oman Police is the authority for visas.Please visit www.rop.gov.om for upto-dateinformation on obtaining visas.

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PO Box 332, PC 117, Wadi Kabir, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: (968) 24810204, 24815434

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Editorial & Photography Contributors: Jaap Croese, Bait Al Zubair Foundation,

Robert Angus, Deepak Nair, Nandini Pravin, Athira Krishna Prasad, Priyanka GhoshSales Team: Ramkumar B K and Antara Bose

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Advertisers Index

Al Reyami Interiors ........................................................................................................................ 23

Amouage .......................................................................................................................................... 05

Bank Muscat .................................................................................................................................... Back Cover

Crowne Plaza................................................................................................................................... 06

Crowne Plaza................................................................................................................................... Inside Back Cover

City Seasons .................................................................................................................................... 64

Destination Oman ......................................................................................................................... 59, 82

Golden Tulip Nizwa ....................................................................................................................... 43

Interac Oman .................................................................................................................................. 24-25

Mezoon Travels ............................................................................................................................... 33

Millennium Resort ......................................................................................................................... Divider Page-4

Ministry of Tourism ....................................................................................................................... 10-11

Muscat Hills ..................................................................................................................................... 49

National Bank of Oman ............................................................................................................... 01

Oman World Tourism ................................................................................................................... 13

Oman Arab Bank ............................................................................................................................ 14

Oman Observer .............................................................................................................................. 38

Oman Observer .............................................................................................................................. 69

Oman Observer .............................................................................................................................. 73

Omantel ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Oreedo .............................................................................................................................................. Inside Front Cover

Royal Opera House ....................................................................................................................... Divider Page 1-2

Sohar Beach Hotel ......................................................................................................................... 39

Sur Gate ............................................................................................................................................ 07

Times of Oman / Al Shabiba ...................................................................................................... 94

Times Of Oman .............................................................................................................................. 98

Turtle Beach Resort ....................................................................................................................... 83

Thousand Nights Camp .............................................................................................................. Divider Page-3

The Chedi Muscat .......................................................................................................................... 22

Fadhil & George and Partners Restuarant & Coffee Shop LLC ....................................... 103

SPECTACULAR WEEKEND SPECIALSAT CROWNE PLAZA MUSCATEnjoy a weekend in a standard room including breakfast, wi-fi and all other amenities you would expect from a world-class hotel, starting from OMR 77* per room per night.

CPMUSCAT.COM 00968 2466 0660

*Conditions apply. *Subject to availability, service charges and applicable taxes.

SPECTACULAR WEEKEND SPECIALSAT CROWNE PLAZA MUSCATEnjoy a weekend in a standard room including breakfast, wi-fi and all other amenities you would expect from a world-class hotel, starting from OMR 77* per room per night.

CPMUSCAT.COM 00968 2466 0660

*Conditions apply. *Subject to availability, service charges and applicable taxes.

Documents

Destination Oman 2015