Oman

Offering pristine beaches and verdant oases of greenery, Oman has to be one of the most surprising countries in the Middle East. There are vast deserts and rugged mountains but you’ll also be completely charmed by the diversity and beauty of this wonderful land.

Oman is proud of its rich Arabian culture and history, with one of the oldest civilisations in the region, dating back over five thousand years. You'll find tradition plays an important part in everyday life here, with a notable serenity and gentleness to the place. There are many luxury resorts set on fabulous beaches and watersports are understandably popular, including some excellent dive sites. But we recommend you also go exploring as you'll find ancient imperial forts, magnificent mosques, Omans’ own Grand Canyon and centuries-old frankincense-producing trees which were the original source of the areas wealth.

The mountain villages and their terrace farming have remained unchanged for centuries. Visit the the capital Muscat with its colourful mix of old and new. Stand on the waterfront and watching the animated scenes in the ancient Fish Market. Or bargain in the Muttrah Souq for Bedouin rugs, gold and frankincense.

The most surprising thing about Oman, with all that it has to offer, is the way it is so often overlooked by holidaymakers. One more reason for you to go!

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World Heritage Sites:

The importance of Oman's natural and cultural sites has helped the Sultanate to gain the special attention and interest of UNESCO, through its International Heritage Preservation Programme, which aims to categorise and name all significant heritage sites worldwide, both cultural and natural.
To date, UNESCO has classified four major localities in the Sultanate:
The Castle of Bahla, its perimeter and the adjoining oasis in A'Dakhliyah Region, listed in 1987.
The settlement and tombs in Bat dating from the third millennium BC, including the Al-Khatm and Al-Ain locations in Adh-Dhahira Region, all listed in 1988.
The Frankincense Route in the Governorate of Dhofar, which was listed in 2000. The Route comprises the ancient cities of Al-Blaid and Shasr, Khuwr Rori, and Wadi Dooka. These locations collectively contributed to the flourishing of the frankincense trade for many centuries throughout the Middle Ages.
In July 2006 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved the inclusion of five Aflaj irrigation systems on the World Heritage List. The origin of this system of irrigation may date back two thousand years. Using gravity, water is channelled from underground sources or springs, often over many kilometers, for agricultural and domestic use. The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. The Aflaj inscribed on the list are:
• Falaj Daris in the Dakhliyah Region
• Falaj Al-Khatmeen in Niyabat Barkat Al-Muz near Nizwa in the Dakhiliah Region.
• Falaj Al-Malki in the Wllayat of Izki in the Dakhiliah region.
• Falaj Al-Mayser in the Wilayat of Rustaq in the Batinah region.
• Falaj Al-Jeilah in the Wilayat of Surin in the Sharqiya region.