Tourism in Oman

Salalah

Salalah (صلالة in Arabic), is the capital and seat of the governor or Wali of the southern Omani province of Dhofar. The population of Salalah is 178,469 as of 2005[1]. Salalah is located at 17°2′6″N 54°9′5″E / 17.035°N 54.15139°E / 17.035; 54.15139
Salalah is the second largest town in the Sultanate of Oman and a traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. The Sultan traditionally lives in Salalah rather than in Muscat, the capital and largest city in Oman; Qaboos has bucked this trend, however, and he has lived in Muscat since he ascended to the throne in 1970. He does however visit Salalah fairly regularly to meet with influential tribal and local leaders; his last visit was in 2006 and before that he visited in 2002 .

Many people still think that the Arabian Peninsula is an extended desert, baking in high temperatures, especially in the summer.However, this thought doesn't reflect the whole truth, and visitors are often very surprised when they come to Dhofar Province. There should be an exception to every rule, and Dhofar Province is the exception here. Dhofar Province lies in Southern Oman, on the eastern border of Yemen. Its area covers 99,300 sq km and has a population of 215,960 according to the 2003 census. The largest town in the region is Salalah. Historically, it was the chief source of frankincense in the world. However, its frankincense is now mostly used locally. Dhofar has been the traditional homeland of many non-Arab tribes whose people speak a variety of South Arabian Semitic languages.From late June to early September, Dhofar is influenced every year by the monsoon that comes from the Indian Ocean, causing a big change in climate, known as the 'Khareef' season. As a result of the constant light rain, the terrain turns lush and green, and remains green for some time afterwards, until the vegetation slowly loses its moisture. This makes Dhofar a natural resort for the Gulf and neighboring countries, whose people who wish to escape from the rising summer temperatures and high humidity.The province is divided administratively into 10 cities which are; Salalah, Thamrait, Taqa, Mirbat, Sadah, Rakhyut, Dhalkoot, Sheleem and Al Halaniat Islands, Muqshen, and Al Mazionah.

The City of Salalah:-

Salalah is the biggest city in the Dhofar region and the second largest one in the Sultanate of Oman. It is known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions, wonders of nature and as the traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. Today, it is also contributing towards the economic boom in the Sultanate of Oman. Salalah, despite lying in the Arabian Desert, enjoys a temperate climate throughout most of the year. The period from late June to early September, known as the 'Khareef', or monsoon season, is one of the main reasons why the area is becoming a tourist 'haven'. Visitors from across the Persian Gulf flock to Salalah to enjoy the cool mists and avoid the harsh heat faced by the rest of the region during the same months. During this period every year the town's population nearly doubles with an influx of tourists, mainly from other parts of the Middle East. Various fairs (such as the 'Mahrajaan' at Ittin) are organized, as well as many events which seem to turn the monsoon season into a three month long celebration. The weather is cool and the atmosphere misty. The beaches and coastline are also major attractions for scuba divers and bird watchers. Salalah is a city of antiquity, boasting both the ruins of a palace reputed to have belonged to the Queen of Sheba and the resting place of the biblical prophet Job in the nearby Jabal al Qamar. It is also the alleged resting place of the Prophet Emran, father of the Virgin Mary.

Tourism in Oman

OMAN

Wadis, Mountains & Desert

Wadi means "valley" in Arabic and these dissect and run through the mountains forming narrow or large gaps. They are mainly dry with a few of them having water year round. Should there be rain however, these wadis get flooded with fast flowing water from the mountains.The wadis usually hold luscious greenery, amidst idyllic settings with blue pools of water, running streams and small but clear sparkling waterfalls. These wadis usually support dozens of small villages due to its fertility and are fringed by lime, mango and bananna trees besides others including date palms.

Wadi Ghul:

is located approx 15 Kms from Al Hamra. Over here one can see an abandoned persian village perched on the sides of a steep cliff. Wadi ghul has a recharged dam built to stop floodwaters from washing into Al Hamra and to allow water to be stored and drained down into the Wadi bed.

Wadi Abyadh:

Located around 75 Kms from Barka. Wadi Abyadh means "White valley" and is so called becuase of the formations of calcite mineralised pools visible in the area. It has year round flowing water and is enclosed at either ends by mountains and skirting sand dunes. Vast date plantations can be seen along this valley.

Misfah:

located approx 10 Kms from Al Hamra is an incredible village of ancient houses and narrow streets perched in a valley amidst the mountains. The village abounds in greenery and date palms. The falaj system in Misfah is fascinating since the water weaves its way in a snakelike fashion along the mountain side and special channels in-turn redirect the water down to different levels of the mountain side.

Jebel Akhdar Mountains:

A good approach to the Jebel Akhdar mountains is from past Wadi Ghul, around 45 Kms up. Jebel Akhdar is called "Green Mountain" due to the number of small bushes and trees that grow along the mountain sides. The mountain village people who live around here weave a lot of handicrafts like rugs, slippers and belts all woven from the hairs of the goats they look after. The road which snakes up the side of the mountain reaching the high plateau, rewards the traveller with a dramatic bird's-eye view of the famous Grand Canyon of Oman.

The Dhofar:

region which experiences monsoon showers from June to September, turn the slopes and plains lush green and with the mountain tops covered with mist, make it look like a piece of heaven.

The Wild oryx -

a rare species is the national animal of Oman

Tourism in Oman

Beaches;
Oman is lined with some stunning beaches. Activity for beach visitors include sunning, swimming, diving, boating, surfing, beach combing and shell collecting.
' The Intercon Beach' faces Muscat Intercontinental Hotel and extends two km to Crowne Plaza hotel. This beach is ideal for family outings, morning walks or a jog in evening. The beach is lined with restaurants, snack bars and cafes. The Qurum beach allows entrance barbecuing. At beach local fishermen will offer to take you fishing and at beach the view of the rocky coastline is just fabulous. The drive to Yitti beach through hilly terrain will lead to a fishing village with winding dirt track that lead to the beach through a long shallow cove. At the beach fishermen are busy at work but there is still ample room for any kind of beach activity. You can wade in the shallows or investigate the shell encrusted outcrops along the shore.

The popular Al Sawadi Beach Resort is about an hour west from Muscat. The resort offers dives, snorkeling, speedboat rides, water scooters, temperature controlled swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The coast beyond Quriyat can be reached by driving southeast on a four wheel drive. There are a variety of beaches between rocky outcrop, the most prominent being Mokallah (also known as White Beach). This spot is very popular for overnight camping on the shore and it is excellent for snorkeling.

Aviation Beach, or Shell Beach,
Which is located near the Civil Aviation Club in Al Azaiba. A four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to get down to the water's edge. It is abundant in starfish, crabs and exotic shells.

Qurum Beach:

Qurum Beach, below the Crowne Plaza Hotel, is well set up for visitors and has a number of picnic areas and palm shades. When the tide is low, one can take a 4km walk towards the Embassies' area in Shati Al Qurum. Approximately half way along this stretch of beach is the Muscat InterContinental hotel. Around this area are many jetski rentals.

Bandar Jissah;

Bandar Jissah is located near Qantab, on the way to Al Bustan. The bay is quite secluded and the rocks at the foot of the cliffs can be good for exploring when the tide is out. Snorkelling is popular here. There is also a children's playground and snack shop.

-Other beaches...