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[omansafaritours-blog]

Discover the Allure of Oman A Safe Haven for Adventurous Travellers

When it comes to travel destinations, Oman might not be the first name that pops into your mind, but it should be. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people, Oman is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. For vloggers, writers, photographers, and tourists from the USA, Oman offers a treasure trove of experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. In this blog post, we'll explore why Oman is considered a safe country for tourists and highlight the exciting adventures that await you.

Oman Safe Country for Tourists

One of the first questions any traveler asks when planning a trip is, "Is it safe?" The answer is a resounding yes when it comes to Oman. The Sultanate has been recognized as one of the safest countries in the Middle East, consistently ranking high on global safety indexes. Oman's crime rates are low, and the local people are known for their hospitality and kindness. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Muscat or venturing into the serene landscapes of Salalah, you can feel secure and at ease.

For American travelers, Oman offers a peaceful environment where you can immerse yourself in the local culture without worry. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure and tourism, ensuring that visitors experience a seamless and safe adventure. English is widely spoken, making communication easy, and there's a strong presence of law enforcement maintaining order and safety across the country.

Muscat Tours An Introduction to Oman's Capital

Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modernity. A must-visit destination, Muscat offers a range of tours to acquaint you with its captivating charm. The city is home to several iconic landmarks, like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which stands as a testament to Oman's rich history and architectural prowess. With its pristine beaches, vibrant souls, and elegant palaces, Muscat promises an unforgettable experience.

A Muscat city tour often begins with a visit to the Royal Opera House, followed by a stroll around Mutrah Souk, where the aroma of spices and frankincense fills the air. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture the essence of Oman's capital, while writers and vloggers can document their experiences of the local culture and cuisine.

Whether you choose to join a guided tour or explore on your own, Muscat Tours offer a glimpse into the heart of Oman. The city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing modern amenities makes it an enticing destination for travelers.

Exploring Muscat's Surroundings

Beyond the city limits, there are numerous tours from Muscat that cater to adventurous spirits. The rugged Hajar Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for hiking and photography, with their striking rock formations and hidden wadis. For those seeking a desert adventure, the Wahiba Sands offer an exhilarating escape into the dunes, where you can experience traditional Bedouin hospitality.

From Muscat, you can also venture to Nizwa, a historic town known for its ancient fort and bustling cattle market. Here, you'll witness the daily life of locals and gain insight into Oman's rich traditions. Each tour offers a unique perspective of the country, allowing you to create lasting memories and stories to share with your audience.

Traveling from Muscat to surrounding areas is convenient, with well-maintained roads and a variety of transportation options. Whether you're taking a day trip or planning an extended stay, there's no shortage of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Salalah Tour Packages A Journey to Paradise

While Muscat is the bustling heart of Oman, Salalah offers a different kind of enchantment. Situated in the southern part of the country, Salalah is renowned for its lush landscapes, tropical climate, and the annual Khareef (monsoon) season. During this time, the region transforms into a verdant paradise, attracting tourists from around the world.

Salalah tour packages often include visits to the majestic Al Mughsail Beach, where turquoise waters meet golden sands. The nearby blowholes are a natural wonder, providing a spectacular display as waves crash into the rocky shore. For history enthusiasts, the ancient ruins of the Al-Baleed Archaeological Park offer a glimpse into Oman's past.

For those interested in experiencing the local culture, a Salalah city tour can be incredibly rewarding. From the fragrant Frankincense Land Museum to the bustling Haffa Souk, Salalah is a place where tradition and natural beauty coexist harmoniously. The city's relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect setting for unwinding and creating captivating content for your audience.

Traveling Between Salalah and Muscat

Exploring both Muscat and Salalah is a must for anyone visiting Oman, and the distance between these two cities is easily manageable. The most common modes of transportation are flights and buses. A flight from Muscat to Salalah is quick, offering convenience and comfort for travelers with limited time.

For those who prefer a more scenic route, the Salalah to Muscat bus service provides an opportunity to witness Oman's diverse landscapes. The journey takes you through picturesque coastal roads, rugged mountains, and quaint villages, offering insight into the country's geography and culture.

Oman Safari Tours A Desert Adventure

No visit to Oman would be complete without experiencing its mesmerizing deserts. Oman Safari Tours offer an exhilarating ride through the vast dunes of the Wahiba Sands, where you can witness stunning sunsets and starry nights. These tours often include camel rides, sandboarding, and a taste of Bedouin cuisine, providing a complete desert experience.

For photographers and vloggers, the desert landscape offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking shots. The contrast between the golden sands and the vibrant blue sky creates a striking visual that is sure to captivate your audience. Writers can draw inspiration from the serene surroundings and the tales of Bedouin life.

Oman safari tours are a testament to the country's diverse offerings, allowing you to explore both its coastal beauty and desert allure. It's an adventure that promises excitement, relaxation, and a deeper understanding of Oman's natural wonders.

A Culinary Journey Through Oman

Oman's culinary scene is a delightful blend of flavors and spices, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. From traditional dishes like Shuwa and Majboos to the aromatic blend of spices in Omani coffee, there's something to tantalize every palate. Exploring Oman's food scene is an essential part of any visit, offering insights into the country's history and traditions.

A visit to local markets and souks provides an opportunity to sample fresh produce, spices, and sweets. The experience is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a chance to interact with locals and gain a deeper appreciation for Oman's way of life. Photographers and vloggers will find endless inspiration in the vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere of these markets.

Whether dining in a local restaurant or enjoying a meal with a host family, Oman's culinary offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression. It's an experience that adds depth to your travel narrative and provides delicious content for your audience.

Cultural Experiences and Traditions

Oman is a country steeped in tradition, with a rich tapestry of cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. From traditional music and dance performances to vibrant festivals and celebrations, there's no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in Oman's culture. Engaging with local artisans and craftsmen offers a glimpse into time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

The country's museums and heritage sites provide valuable insights into Oman's history and development. Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Bat or visiting the National Museum in Muscat, you'll find plenty of opportunities to learn about Oman's past and its influence on the present.

For those interested in storytelling, Oman's cultural experiences provide a wealth of material to share with your audience. It's a chance to connect with the essence of the country and bring its stories to life in your content.

Accommodation Options in Oman

Oman offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and budget. From luxurious beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses, there's something for everyone. Staying in a traditional Omani house or camp in the desert provides a unique and authentic experience, allowing you to connect with the country's culture and hospitality.

For vloggers, writers, and photographers, accommodation can play a significant role in your travel story. Choosing a unique place to stay can enhance your content and provide added value to your audience.

With its growing tourism industry, Oman continues to expand its accommodation offerings, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're seeking luxury or authenticity, Oman's hospitality industry is ready to welcome you with open arms.

A Land of Endless Exploration

Oman is a land of endless exploration, with something new and exciting around every corner. From the bustling streets of Muscat to the tranquil landscapes of Salalah and the vast deserts in between, the country offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. As you venture off the beaten path, you'll discover hidden gems that showcase Oman's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

For creatives like vloggers, writers, and photographers, Oman provides a canvas to capture stunning visuals, tell compelling stories, and inspire your audience. The country's authenticity and warmth make it a destination worth exploring and sharing with others.

Whether you're embarking on an Oman safari tour, exploring the vibrant cities, or indulging in the local cuisine, Oman promises an adventure that will stay with you long after your visit.

Conclusion Your Journey Awaits in Oman

Oman is a safe and enchanting destination that offers a wealth of experiences for vloggers, writers, photographers, and tourists from the USA. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Oman is a place where adventure and relaxation coexist harmoniously. Whether exploring Muscat, venturing to Salalah, or embarking on a desert safari, you'll find endless opportunities to capture the essence of this beautiful country.

For those seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with the world, Oman is the perfect destination. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, share compelling stories, and engage with a vibrant community of fellow travelers.

Your Oman adventure awaits. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the magic of this incredible destination. Safe travels! 

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[laxmipharma]

Packing Conveyor Unit in Oman

Laxmi Pharma Equipment Offers Packing Conveyor Unit in Oman. Our Manufacturing Unit is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. We are Manufacturer, Supplier, and Exporter of Packaging Machine like Packing Conveyor Unit, De Cartoning Conveyor and Heavy Duty Conveyor. A packing conveyor unit is essential equipment in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and packaging. It streamlines the packing process by offering a controlled platform for efficiently preparing products for shipment. Working Principle: Automated Movement: Facilitates smooth and organized movement of products or packages along a conveyor belt. Loading Process: Products or packages are placed onto the conveyor belt at the loading end. Motorized Operation: The conveyor belt is powered by a motor that drives its movement when activated. Adjustable Speed: Operators can adjust the conveyor’s speed to align with the packing or sorting pace. Controlled Handling: Ensures efficient and accurate packaging and sorting by controlling the movement and placement of items. Features: Conveyor Belt: Provides a smooth surface for the transportation of products or packages. Adjustable Speed Controls: Allows operators to set the conveyor’s speed according to specific packaging requirements. Adjustable Heights: Accommodates various tasks and ergonomic needs of operators. Side Guides/Rails: Prevents products from falling off or becoming misaligned during movement. Sorting and Inspection Sections: Facilitates quality control and organization within the packing process. Modular Design: Allows for adaptation and expansion to meet changing production requirements. Conveyor Type Options: Belt Conveyors: Suitable for various types of products. Roller Conveyors: Ideal for different handling needs depending on product type. Laxmi Pharma Equipment Offers Packing Conveyor Unit in Oman Including Adam, As Sib, Al Ashkharah, Al Buraimi, Al Hamra, Al Jazer, Al Madina, Al Suwaiq, Bahla, Barka, Bidbid, Bidiya, Duqm, Haima, Ibra, Ibri, Izki, Jabrin, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, Khasab, Mahooth, Manah, Masirah, Mudhaybi, Mudhaireb, Muscat, Muttrah, Nizwa, Quriyat, Raysut, Rustaq, Ruwi, Saham, Shinas, Saiq, Salalah, Samail, Sohar, Sur, Tan`am, Thumrait. For more information and inquiries, feel free to contact us. View Product: Click Here Read the full article

[omnia606]

Title: Exquisite Oman Tours: Unveiling the Treasures of the Sultanate

Oman Tours::

Oman Tours, a land of enchantment and timeless beauty, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. In this blog, we invite you on a captivating journey through Oman's diverse regions, as we explore a selection of exquisite tours that showcase the country's most treasured sights, immerse you in local traditions, and create memories to last a lifetime.

1. Muscat: The Gateway to Oman Tours:

Begin your exploration in the vibrant capital city of Muscat, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity. A guided tour of Muscat will take you to its iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the historic Mutrah Souq, and the imposing Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. Delve into the city's rich history at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Mutrah Corniche. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of architectural marvels, aromatic spices, and friendly locals that define the essence of Muscat.

2. Nizwa: A Glimpse into the Past :

Journey inland to the ancient city of Nizwa, a treasure trove of Oman Tours heritage. Explore the majestic Nizwa Fort, renowned for its imposing defense mechanisms and panoramic views from the top. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nizwa Souq, where you can haggle for traditional handicrafts, silver jewelry, and aromatic spices. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, a masterpiece of Omani architecture. As you wander through the narrow streets of Nizwa, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped the Sultanate.

3. Wahiba Sands: Desert Splendor  :

One of Oman tours isEmbark on an unforgettable desert adventure as you venture into the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands. Explore the towering sand dunes and witness the ever-shifting patterns created by the wind. Experience the thrill of dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, and marvel at the sunset as it casts a warm glow over the golden landscape. Immerse yourself in Bedouin hospitality as you sip traditional Arabic coffee and enjoy a sumptuous desert feast under the starlit sky. The Wahiba Sands tour offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty and tranquility of Oman's desert wilderness.

4. Jebel Akhdar: The Green Mountain :

Escape the desert heat and head to the breathtaking Jebel Akhdar, or "Green Mountain." This rugged mountain range is known for its terraced farms, fruit orchards, and picturesque villages. Take a guided tour through the mountain trails, marveling at the verdant landscapes and the ancient aflaj irrigation systems that have sustained the region for centuries. Visit the village of Al Ayn, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the traditional Oman tours way of life. From panoramic viewpoints to hidden valleys and rose gardens, Jebel Akhdar offers a refreshing retreat and a glimpse into Oman's agricultural traditions.

5. Dhofar: The Land of Frankincense :

Venture to the southern region of Dhofar is one of Oman tours, a land steeped in history and natural beauty. Explore the vibrant city of Salalah, known for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and the annual monsoon season, locally called the "khareef." Discover the ancient ruins of the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Al Baleed and visit the Frankincense Land Museum to learn about Oman's rich trade history. Take a tour of the

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[chotogolpo-blog]

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📍Place✏✏✏✏✏ .. .. Ruwi Clock Tower, Muscat, Oman.. .. .. 📷 Cam✏✏✏✏✏ .. .. Iphone 6s .. .. ℹ️Info✏✏✏✏✏✏ .. .. Built in 1991, the Ruwi clock tower in Muscat used to be the reference time for watches in the area. It’s also used as reference in looking for directions. Information conveyed by a clock — like time, location, scheduling — is why clock towers were placed at the site of important historical events or built as part of city walls or part of transit systems such as bus stations in Ruwi, Seeb and Salalah. Running a few minutes early, the train station clock in Limoges, France, makes passengers keep moving along swiftly to catch their trains. The clock tower in Saudi Arabia reminds people when to pray. “The Muscat Clock Tower in MBD, Ruwi is the oldest monument in modern Oman and showcases the Sultanate’s commitment to modernization,” said N Jafar, an Indian expat living in Oman for the last 30 year. .. .. 👣➡Follow Us✏✏✏✏✏ .. .. If u love this pic please follow us (@mybagoftravels ) https://facebook.com/mybagoftravels/ https://www.instagram.com/mybagoftravels/ #⃣Hashtag✏✏✏✏✏✏ .. .. #clocktower #muscat #oman #tower #travel #travelblogger #instatravel #travelgram #tourist #tourism #vacation #traveling #trip #travelphotography #travelphoto #nationalgeographic #natgeotravel #tourist#tourism #wanderlust #traveladdict #mybagoftravels #lonelyplanet #omanbloggers (at Ruwi, Masqaţ, Oman)

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[politicoscope]

Qaboos bin Said Al Said Biography and Profile

New Post has been published on https://www.politicoscope.com/qaboos-bin-said-al-said-biography-and-profile/

Qaboos bin Said Al Said Biography and Profile

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was born November 18, 1940, according to the Oman News Agency. Qaboos is a direct descendant of the founder of the Al Bu Said dynasty, which created the sultanate in the 1600s after expelling the Portuguese from Muscat, now Oman’s capital.

Qaboos Bin Said was also a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England and served in the British army. As ruler, Qaboos sought to solidify ties with western allies. Oman has a particularly deep-rooted relationship with the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2010 to commemorate Oman’s 40th National Day. ne of the more notable incidents during Qaboos’ reign was his release of three American hikers who were arrested and charged for spying in Iran in July 2009. The three Americans were released in 2011.

Qaboos, and ruled Oman for five decades before his death Friday 10 January 2020. He overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1970, becoming the longest serving Arab leader. The Omani government declared three days of national mourning.

The US Embassy in the capital of Muscat said it’s “deeply saddened” by Qaboos’ death.

Who Was Qaboos Bin Said Al Said?

Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, born November 18, 1940, was Oman’s sultan who seized power from his father, Said Bin Taimur, in 1970. When Sultan Qaboos came to power, he not only named himself the country’s ruler but also appointed himself as prime minister, foreign affairs minister and commander of the armed forces.

Qaboos also served as the head of the defence and finance ministries. His policies have proved popular in spite of the lack of a democratic government. Under his rule, oil revenues was used to develop the country’s infrastructure. Sultan Qaboos responded to a rare outbreak of discontent in 2011, following a wave of pro-democracy protests across the Arab world, by promising more jobs and benefits.

Education and Training

Sultan Qaboos received his primary and secondary education at Salalah and Pune, India – where he was a student of Shankar Dayal Sharma, the former President of India. Sent to a private school in England at 16, he later went on to be put through his paces at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

After completing his military training with the British army in Germany, he studied local government and embarked on a global cultural tour. He joined the British Army and was posted to the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), serving in Germany for one year. He also held a staff appointment with the British Army.

He returned to Oman in 1964, and spent most of his time thereafter studying Islamic law and Omani history.

Following his military service, Qaboos studied local government subjects in Englandand, after a world tour, returned home to Salalah where he studied Islam and the history of the Sultanate. Among the highlights of his reign was a state visit to Oman by HM The Queen and Prince Philip in 2010.

Coup

When Sultan Qaboos seized power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1970, Oman was an isolated and impoverished state.

Transforming Oman With Oil Wealth

His policies have proved popular in spite of the lack of a democratic government. Sultan Qaboos instigated the use of oil revenues to develop the country’s infrastructure and modernised the government structure with the establishment of a Consultative Assembly in 1981. He then replaced by the assembly with the Consultative Council – the majlis al-shura – in 1990 and the Council of State in 1997. Throughout Sultan Qaboos’s five-decade rule, he was credited with using Oman’s oil wealth to transform the sparsely populated Gulf nation into a rich country with a vibrant tourism industry and high standards of living.

“Sultan Qaboos will first and foremost be remembered for initiating the ‘Omani Renaissance’, undertaking social, economic, educational and cultural reforms as well as opening Oman up to the world,” Jeffrey Lefebvre, associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut, told Al Jazeera.

“In a conservative society, he also took the lead in promoting women to positions of influence in the government [like] the Omani ambassador to the United States, and ensuring representation in popularly elected legislative councils,” Lefebvre added.

Family

Sultan Qaboos was the only child born to the former Sultan Said bin Taimur and Princess Mazoon al-Mashani. He married his cousin in 1976, but the marriage did not last and the couple soon got divorced. The sultan never remarried or had any children.

Death

Despite Oman’s presence in the media throughout 2018, Sultan Qaboos spent much of the past year out of sight. In early December, he was taken to Belgium for a medical checkup, according to a royal court statement.

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said died on Friday 10 January 2020 after more than four decades as the country’s ruler, though a murky succession process means that the identity of the next sultan may not be known for days.

The US Embassy in the capital of Muscat said: “We have lost one of the world’s great leaders — a visionary responsible for Oman’s prosperity and progress for the last half century,” the embassy’s tweet read. “His steadfast leadership embodied his sincerity, his generosity, his tolerance, and his deep love for his country. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos will be missed not only by the people of Oman, but also by his friends and admirers the world over, including in the United States.”

Successor?

The question of succession will be hotly debated in the next few days, as the house of Al Said moves to find a successor to the sultan, as well as to other top government posts.

With the sultan having no children and brothers, there are no clear successors within the royal family.

“There are many different stories about Omani succession, and no one really knows who will be the next sultan,” said Theodore Karasik, a Dubai-based geopolitical analyst.

“As with Saudi Arabia, the adage of ‘those who know don’t speak, and those who don’t know speak’ applies to Oman. So it is safer to allow the Omani defence council to pay attention to the instructions for succession and not base assessments about successors on rumours.”

According to Oman’s Basic Law, promulgated by Sultan Qaboos in 1996, “a successor must come from the royal family and be chosen by a family council within three days of the sultan’s death”. Under this provision, if the process fails to choose a successor, then a sealed letter written by Sultan Qaboos will be opened in which he lists his preferred successors.

“I have already written down two names, in descending order, and put them in sealed envelopes in two different regions,” Sultan Qaboos told Foreign Affairs magazine in a 1997 interview.

But there are fears, among Omanis and in the broader Gulf region, that a rocky transition process could split the country.

“Oman is a complex mosaic of interests that has been held together by Sultan Qaboos. If there are any internal squabbles over Omani ministries or assets in a post-Qaboos era, then a fractured society may appear. Regional countries may be impacted directly by such a development,” Karasik said.

It is not fear, but minor doubts, that cast some uncertainties regarding Oman’s leadership future, said Omani political commentator Khalid al-Haribi.

“For many Omanis, they grew up knowing only one Sultan and a one-way system of governance. There are some doubts since we don’t have that much information, and experience like other GCC countries, regarding a transition of power,” said Haribi, also a co-founder of Tawasul, Oman’s first independent think tank.

Legacy

Since succeeding his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos has opened up the country, embarking on widespread economic reforms and boosting spending on the likes of health, education and welfare. Renowned as a popular moderniser, Sultan Qaboos holds the role of prime minister and heads the foreign, defence and finance ministries, ruling by decree. In addition to his domestic policy achievements, Sultan Qaboos has also been credited with transforming Oman into a regional player capable of bridging diplomatic divides, as seen in its role as mediator in nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in recent years.

Throughout 2012 and 2013, Sultan Qaboos mediated secret talks between US and Iranian officials. These culminated in the interim nuclear deal of November 2013, reached in Geneva between Iran and the so-called “P5+1” powers, which comprises the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany.

“In [mediating the talks], Oman continued to serve its unique and traditional role as a diplomatic bridge between the West and the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] on one side, and the Islamic Republic [of Iran] on the other,” said Giorgio Cafiero, the co-founder of the think tank Gulf State Analytics.

Cafiero told Al Jazeera that Oman’s unique religious identity – the majority of the population are Ibadi Muslims, who are neither Sunni nor Shia – furthers the country’s interest in developing relations with Iran.

“In light of the Saudi Arabian religious establishment’s intolerant views of Ibadi Muslims, most in Oman believe that maintaining political, economic, social, and religious independence from Riyadh is an important foreign policy priority,” he said. “Oman’s government has viewed closer ties with Iran as a means to achieve this objective.”

In December 2012, Omanis were allowed to vote in their first municipal elections when 192 were elected from among 1,475 candidates.

“Because of his swift response in allowing for democratic changes, we did not see a repeat of protests and demands from the people. Omanis were appreciative of the efforts put forth in building state institutions post-2011,” Haribi added.

In an unexpected move, Sultan Qaboos extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018. Marking what was the first visit by an Israeli leader to the sultanate in over two decades, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement the visit in October 2018 followed “lengthy contacts between the two countries”.

His office added that it formed part of a policy of “deepening relations with the states of the region”.

A joint statement said the two sides “discussed ways to advance the Middle East peace process” and “a number of issues of mutual interest to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East”. A day after Netanyahu’s visit, Oman described Israel as a “state” in the Middle East, drawing criticism from Palestinian officials.

It was not long after that an Israeli minister visited Oman to attend an international transport conference, which saw him pitch a railway project that aims to link the Gulf to the Mediterranean via Israel, according to media reports.

Criticism

Sultan Qaboos’s human rights record has been condemned in recent years when scores of activists were convicted of defamation or of using social media networks to insult the sultan. Others have been convicted of, or are facing trial for, taking part in demonstrations calling for political reform. Among the biggest challenges Oman’s next ruler will face is that of weaning the sultanate of its dependency on oil revenues, which account for as much as 75 percent of the government budget.

“The main focus right now is to continue building human capital through education, civil society and the building of state institutions,” said Haribi.

“It’s not panic time yet. While we’re running out of natural resources, we have to wait and see how the coming few years in the post-Sultan Qaboos era will look like for everyday Omanis,” Haribi added.

Diplomacy and Mediation

Under Sultan Qaboos’s leadership, Oman also mediated and oversaw talks between the warring sides of Yemen’s ongoing war. In November 2019, Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels held indirect, behind-the-scenes talks in a bid to end the devastating five-year war in Yemen. The rapprochement could pave the way for more high-profile negotiations in the near future, a Houthi official had said.

When fellow GCC nations broke ties with Qatar in 2017, sparking a diplomatic crisis, Oman opted out and avoided the fray instead of following suit with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt – who imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Qatar.

Resistance to Sultan Qaboos’s reign was not immune during the popular Arab uprisings of 2011 when hundreds began protesting at a roundabout in Oman’s Sohar province demanding salary increases and an end to government corruption. The three-month uprising prompted Sultan Qaboos to reshuffle his government and expand the consultative assembly to ease the unrest.

“The government’s proactive reaction to the people’s demands in 2011 allowed for a much more peaceful uprising in Oman compared to other countries in the Arab world,” said Haribi.

Last Words

“His Majesty had a vision for a modern, prosperous, and peaceful Oman, and he willed that vision into reality. Laura and I are fortunate to have visited him in Muscat last fall. We enjoyed his grand hospitality, and we saw how his able leadership improved education, healthcare, and the arts throughout the beautiful country of Oman.” – Former President George W. Bush said.

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.

Qaboos Bin Said Al Said Biography and Profile

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11 Tips for backpacking in Oman on a budget

Oman, a country with absolutely great outdoors and fascinating people, should be a real paradise for adventurous, budget backpackers but, unfortunately, it is a surprisingly expensive destination. 

Like all Gulf Monarchies, the Government has primarily focused on promoting luxury tourism, which means that budget hotels are practically non-existent and you won’t find any backpacker hostels, not even in Muscat. 

On top of this, the public transportation system in Oman sucks, plus the cities are not walking friendly at all, so, during your journey, you will have to rely on either renting a car or taking a lot of cabs. 

However, spending little money in Oman is very possible.

I actually backpacked in Oman for over a month, traveling from north to south and visiting everything in between, and I swear that I spent less money than in other backpacking destinations, such as Kyrgyzstan or Georgia. 

In this post, I will tell you several tips for backpacking in Oman on a super low budget.

    Index:

11 Tips for successful budget backpacking in Oman How much does it cost backpacking in Oman on a budget? More useful tips

Remember to have proper travel insurance for both Israel and Jordan. For this, I recommend you read: How to find the best travel insurance

  11 Tips for successful budget backpacking in Oman

My 11 best tips:

Public transportation sucks but hitchhiking is very doable

In one entire month, I only took two taxis within Muscat (2.50OR-6.50USD each) and the 12-hour bus from Muscat to Salalah (7OR – 18USD). 

Then, I hitchhiked back to Muscat through the coastal road and visited pretty much any spot in between. 

I calculated it and, in total, I hitchhiked over 1,400km.

Seriously, hitchhiking in Oman is super easy and, during all that time, I think the maximum I waited for a lift was 20-25 minutes, and that was because I was standing on a road with very little traffic on a Friday, so most of the few cars that passed by were families and, if there are women inside and you are a man, they are unlikely to pick you up. 

From trucks driven by Indians to wealthy Omanis driving extravagant 4×4, Western tourists and even Bedouins with their pickups, except for families, everybody in Oman is willing, and happy, to pick up a random foreigner. 

Sometimes you have to hitchhike in roads like this one but trust me, someone will eventually pass by

  And pretty often, Omanis are willing to make big detours, so they can drop you as close as possible

Something you need to know about Omani people is that, on the one hand, they are really nice, kind and hospitable to foreigners and, on the other, many of them don’t work, or just work a few hours a day, so they have a lot of free time.

It happened to me several times – really, several times – that I was going in a completely different direction, yet, the Omani insisted in taking me to my actual destination, even if that involved him driving 60-80 additional kilometers, no kidding. Omanis are awesome. 

I had similar experiences when I was backpacking in Pakistan. 

Read: How to visit Saudi Arabia – Tips & tricks

  If you are hitchhiking, don’t rush and don’t plan much

Omanis are extremely hospitable so, when hitchhiking, expect Omanis to invite you to their house before you continue with your journey. 

Telling them ”no” would not be polite, so always say ”yes”, but this also means that when backpacking in Oman, your plans will be constantly changed, thanks to the Omani hospitality. 

You may experience this all around the country but it particularly happened to me when I was hitchhiking in Central Oman, the least visited part of the country and a land of Bedouins. That inhospitable part of Oman is composed of a road several hundred kilometers long with absolutely nothing but desert and occasional tiny villages inhabited by Bedouins. 

Well, there wasn’t almost a single Bedouin who didn’t want me to hang out at his place after dropping me off, which led to me having a very high heart-rate due to the 20 cups of qahwa (local cardamom coffee) I had to swallow in one single day. 

That delayed my trip significantly but, if you want to enjoy the country to the fullest, go with the flow and don’t rush.

Read: A guide to visit Musandam in Oman

With a family of Bedouins, somewhere in Central Oman

  You will also need to hitchhike within cities, even in villages

From Muscat to Salalah, the different towns and villages in Oman are some of the least-pedestrian-friendly places you may ever encounter. 

They are always so spread out that you will regret not having a car, even in the smallest village. 

Fortunately, Omanis are aware of that, so hitching a ride in a city is as easy as when you are standing on a highway. I hitchhiked in Muscat, Salalah, Sur and all villages in between without any problem, always. 

Looking for a ride in Muscat

  If you are 2 or more people, look for apartment hotels. Otherwise, check Airbnb

As I said before, in Oman there are no hostels and, for a hotel, you will pay a minimum of 25€ for a private room, usually a single one. 

You may find some cheaper deals on Airbnb but it won’t be much cheaper. By the way, if you create an Airbnb account through my link, you will get 35€ of FREE credit on your next booking. 

Otherwise, apartment hotels are a very big deal in Oman and, if you are 2 or more people, they are great value-for-money. 

During my 30-day journey, I did a few Airbnb and stayed in a few random hotels and always paid around 20-25€. However, I have to admit that all the places I stayed in were excellent. 

Read: What to do in Saudi Arabia in 2 weeks

This Bengali man was extremely amazed by me traveling with such a big backpack and didn’t believe it had a tripod, a sleeping bag, a tent, a mattress, besides all my clothes

  Alternatively, Couchsurfing is great

Some of my greatest Couchsurfing experiences ever have been Oman. 

In Oman, Couchsurfing is a big deal and you can find active profiles in pretty much any city and, if you send requests well in advance, you may also find couches in smaller towns and villages. 

I did Couchsurfing in Muscat, Salalah, Sadeh, Sur, Bidiyah and Nizwa.

Moreover, since Omanis are really hospitable and treat all guests as honorable guests, if they accept you, most of the time they will be completely free, as they really want you to have the best experience, so they will show you around and, if you are staying with a family, the mother will cook some delicious local food. 

My best experience was with Musab, a kind-hearted Omani from Sadeh. I visited him during a national holiday, so we spent 4 days together with his friends visiting all around Dhofar province. From driving to the Yemeni border to visit his friend’s camel farm and loads of traditional food, every day, we had so much fun and today, I am glad to say that I have a brother in Sadeh. 

Thank you, Musab!

Read: How to visit Dubai on a backpacking budget

Somewhere in Dhofar province, with Musab and his friends

  Sign up for Couchsurfing events and join their weekend escapes

Muscat is where the big Couchsurfing community is and, every weekend, they organize different outdoor activities, which usually involve going to the desert or camping at the many wadis (valleys). 

Those events are a great way to meet open-minded Omanis and explore Oman on a budget. 

  Bring a tent and take advantage of the outdoors

Oman is a huge country only inhabited by 4.6 million people, which means that most of the country remains pretty wild. 

From great wadis to loads of natural pools, outstanding mountains and 1,700km of coastline, Oman is known for its great outdoors activities and, since the country doesn’t really have a proper, nice nightlife, plus Omanis aren’t party people either, going camping on the weekend is a big thing here, and a great way to cut costs when backpacking around Oman. 

Places like Jabel Akhdar, Jebel Shams and most wadis are easily reached by hitchhiking, no problem. 

So yeah, do bring a tent. 

Read: How to visit Dubai in 1 week

Somewhere in Jebel Shams

  Camping in the middle of a city is also good

I have to admit that I was not always able to find a Couchsurfing host, so when I didn’t feel like paying for an expensive hotel, I didn’t mind pitching my tent in one of the comfy palm gardens that abound in most cities. 

Technically, I heard that camping in Omani cities is not allowed but nobody ever cared about my tent and trust me that I camped in quite a few places, including in the palm garden next to Nizwa Fort. 

Read: Everything you need to know to visit Iran

The palm plantation next to Nizwa Fort

  Always eat in Indian or Bengali-run restaurants

Controversially, in Oman, you can eat for cheaply, like very cheaply actually.

Nearly two-thirds of the population in Oman are from the Indian Sub-Continent (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh), so restaurants serving food from their respective countries are plentiful and, actually, in villages they tend to be the only option. 

From daal to chicken curries, for just a few dollars, you can easily fill your belly with Indian food. 

Moreover, restaurants serving purely Omani food, which usually consists of rice with chicken, meat or fish, are also inexpensive, usually 1-3USD more expensive than Indian food. 

On the other hand, in Muscat and other big cities, the restaurants serving international food will charge you like a restaurant in Dubai or Western Europe. 

Grilled meat plus a huge amount of rice. This massive Omani meal cost around 7-8USD and it could feed 3 people

  If you are planning to backpack in Oman on a budget, don’t come in summer unless you want to die

Oman is one of the hottest countries on Earth, with summer temperatures averaging 45ºC , and the bad news is that summers last forever. 

From May to October, day temperatures are nearly unbearable, so if you are planning to hitchhike, camping in cities and stuff like that, you should avoid backpacking around Oman during these dates. 

Even when I came in mid-November, some days were disgustingly hot, especially in Salalah and Central Oman. 

Read: What to do in Iran in 1 month

  Conclusion – How much does it cost backpacking around Oman on a budget?

Like I said in the introduction, in Oman I spent less money than backpacking in Kyrgyzstan for example. How can that be?

Well, in Kyrgyzstan, accommodation is cheap, like 10USD per night, and you can go by public transportation everywhere. However, despite being cheap, I still had to pay for it and, in Oman, since I was always hitchhiking and mostly camping or Couchsurfing, I didn’t have to pay for any of those things. 

Oman budget travel – Typical costs

One-month visa – 20OR (52USD)

Welcome package SIM + Data – 3OR (7.80USD) but then you pay 3OR for 1GB

Budget Hotel – 10-12OR (26-31USD)

A plate of daal – 500bias (1.30USD)

A biryani – 1.5OR (3.90USD)

A big bottle of water – 200 bias (50¢)

A beer – 4OR (10USD) – Only available in hotels, avoid it

Short taxi rides within Muscat – 2.50OR (6.50USD)

Bus from Muscat to Salalah – 7OR (18USD)

If you are a serious budget backpacker, so you will basically Couchsurf and hitchhike, besides the cost of the visa and the SIM Card, you will only have to pay for food and, for that, you can easily survive on 15USD a day

Half Omani Rial, the most curious note

  More useful tips for backpacking in Oman and around the region

Here you can find all my articles and guides to Oman

Traveling to Saudi Arabia? Here you can find all my articles and guides to Saudi Arabia

Are you traveling to Dubai and have little money? Read how to travel in Dubai on a budget

Iran is so close to Oman, are you going there? Remember to check then my tips for visiting Iran

And here all my content to the Middle East

    source http://cheaprtravels.com/11-tips-for-backpacking-in-oman-on-a-budget/

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Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said dies at 79

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said died on Friday after more than four decades as the country’s ruler, though a murky succession process means that the identity of the next sultan may not be known for days.

The late sultan was born on November 18, 1940, in Salalah, the capital of Oman’s southern province of Dhofar.

Qaboos is a direct descendant of the founder of the Al Bu Said dynasty, which created the sultanate in the 1600s after expelling the Portuguese from Muscat, now Oman’s capital.

Sultan Qaboos was educated in India and at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

After completing his military training with the British army in Germany, he studied local government and embarked on a global cultural tour. He returned to Oman in 1964, and spent most of his time thereafter studying Islamic law and Omani history.

When Sultan Qaboos seized power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1970, Oman was an isolated and impoverished state.

Throughout Sultan Qaboos’s five-decade rule, he was credited with using Oman’s oil wealth to transform the sparsely populated Gulf nation into a rich country with a vibrant tourism industry and high standards of living.

“Sultan Qaboos will first and foremost be remembered for initiating the ‘Omani Renaissance’, undertaking social, economic, educational and cultural reforms as well as opening Oman up to the world,” Jeffrey Lefebvre, associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut, told Al Jazeera.

Sultan Qaboos, seen here in London with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, ruled Oman since 1970 following a bloodless coup against his father [File: Bob Dear/AP]

“In a conservative society, he also took the lead in promoting women to positions of influence in the government [like] the Omani ambassador to the United States, and ensuring representation in popularly elected legislative councils,” Lefebvre added.   

Successor?

The question of succession will be hotly debated in the next few days, as the house of Al Said moves to find a successor to the sultan, as well as to other top government posts.

When Sultan Qaboos came to power, he not only named himself the country’s ruler but also appointed himself as prime minister, defence minister, finance minister, foreign affairs minister and commander of the armed forces. 

Sultan Qaboos was the only child born to the former Sultan Said bin Taimur and Princess Mazoon al-Mashani. He married his cousin in 1976, but the marriage did not last and the couple soon got divorced. The sultan never remarried or had any children.

Oman is a complex mosaic of interests that has been held together by Sultan Qaboos. If there are any internal squabbles over Omani ministries or assets in a post-Qaboos era, then a fractured society may appear.

Theodore Karasik, geopolitical analyst

With the sultan having no children and brothers, there are no clear successors within the royal family.

“There are many different stories about Omani succession, and no one really knows who will be the next sultan,” said Theodore Karasik, a Dubai-based geopolitical analyst.

“As with Saudi Arabia, the adage of ‘those who know don’t speak, and those who don’t know speak’ applies to Oman. So it is safer to allow the Omani defence council to pay attention to the instructions for succession and not base assessments about successors on rumours.”

According to Oman’s Basic Law, promulgated by Sultan Qaboos in 1996, “a successor must come from the royal family and be chosen by a family council within three days of the sultan’s death”.

Under this provision, if the process fails to choose a successor, then a sealed letter written by Sultan Qaboos will be opened in which he lists his preferred successors.

“I have already written down two names, in descending order, and put them in sealed envelopes in two different regions,” Sultan Qaboos told Foreign Affairs magazine in a 1997 interview.

But there are fears, among Omanis and in the broader Gulf region, that a rocky transition process could split the country.

Sultan Qaboos with the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during his visit to Tehran in 2013 [File: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA]

“Oman is a complex mosaic of interests that has been held together by Sultan Qaboos. If there are any internal squabbles over Omani ministries or assets in a post-Qaboos era, then a fractured society may appear. Regional countries may be impacted directly by such a development,” Karasik said.

It is not fear, but minor doubts, that cast some uncertainties regarding Oman’s leadership future, said Omani political commentator Khalid al-Haribi.

“For many Omanis, they grew up knowing only one Sultan and a one-way system of governance. There are some doubts since we don’t have that much information, and experience like other GCC countries, regarding a transition of power,” said Haribi, also a co-founder of Tawasul, Oman’s first independent think tank.

In addition to his domestic policy achievements, Sultan Qaboos has also been credited with transforming Oman into a regional player capable of bridging diplomatic divides, as seen in its role as mediator in nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in recent years.

Throughout 2012 and 2013, Sultan Qaboos mediated secret talks between US and Iranian officials. These culminated in the interim nuclear deal of November 2013, reached in Geneva between Iran and the so-called “P5+1” powers, which comprises the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany.

“In [mediating the talks], Oman continued to serve its unique and traditional role as a diplomatic bridge between the West and the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] on one side, and the Islamic Republic [of Iran] on the other,” said Giorgio Cafiero, the co-founder of the think tank Gulf State Analytics.

Cafiero told Al Jazeera that Oman’s unique religious identity – the majority of the population are Ibadi Muslims, who are neither Sunni nor Shia – furthers the country’s interest in developing relations with Iran.

“In light of the Saudi Arabian religious establishment’s intolerant views of Ibadi Muslims, most in Oman believe that maintaining political, economic, social, and religious independence from Riyadh is an important foreign policy priority,” he said. “Oman’s government has viewed closer ties with Iran as a means to achieve this objective.”

Mediation

Under Sultan Qaboos’s leadership, Oman also mediated and oversaw talks between the warring sides of Yemen’s ongoing war. In November 2019, Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels held indirect, behind-the-scenes talks in a bid to end the devastating five-year war in Yemen.

Sultan Qaboos hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in a rare visit to the Omani capital in 2018 [File: Hamid al-Qasmi/EPA]

The rapprochement could pave the way for more high-profile negotiations in the near future, a Houthi official had said.

When fellow GCC nations broke ties with Qatar in 2017, sparking a diplomatic crisis, Oman opted out and avoided the fray instead of following suit with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt – who imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Qatar.

Resistance to Sultan Qaboos’s reign was not immune during the popular Arab uprisings of 2011 when hundreds began protesting at a roundabout in Oman’s Sohar province demanding salary increases and an end to government corruption.

The three-month uprising prompted Sultan Qaboos to reshuffle his government and expand the consultative assembly to ease the unrest.

“The government’s proactive reaction to the people’s demands in 2011 allowed for a much more peaceful uprising in Oman compared to other countries in the Arab world,” said Haribi.

In December 2012, Omanis were allowed to vote in their first municipal elections when 192 were elected from among 1,475 candidates.

“Because of his swift response in allowing for democratic changes, we did not see a repeat of protests and demands from the people. Omanis were appreciative of the efforts put forth in building state institutions post-2011,” Haribi added.

In an unexpected move, Sultan Qaboos extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018. Marking what was the first visit by an Israeli leader to the sultanate in over two decades, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement the visit in October 2018 followed “lengthy contacts between the two countries”.

His office added that it formed part of a policy of “deepening relations with the states of the region”.

A joint statement said the two sides “discussed ways to advance the Middle East peace process” and “a number of issues of mutual interest to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East”.

A day after Netanyahu’s visit, Oman described Israel as a “state” in the Middle East, drawing criticism from Palestinian officials.

Is dialogue still possible to end Gulf dispute? – Inside Story

It was not long after that an Israeli minister visited Oman to attend an international transport conference, which saw him pitch a railway project that aims to link the Gulf to the Mediterranean via Israel, according to media reports.

Rights record

However, Sultan Qaboos’s human rights record has been condemned in recent years when scores of activists were convicted of defamation or of using social media networks to insult the sultan.

Others have been convicted of, or are facing trial for, taking part in demonstrations calling for political reform.

Among the biggest challenges Oman’s next ruler will face is that of weaning the sultanate of its dependency on oil revenues, which account for as much as 75 percent of the government budget.

“The main focus right now is to continue building human capital through education, civil society and the building of state institutions,” said Haribi.

“It’s not panic time yet. While we’re running out of natural resources, we have to wait and see how the coming few years in the post-Sultan Qaboos era will look like for everyday Omanis,” Haribi added. 

Despite Oman’s presence in the media throughout 2018, Sultan Qaboos spent much of the past year out of sight.

In early December, he was taken to Belgium for a medical checkup, according to a royal court statement.

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The post Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said dies at 79 appeared first on Gadgets To Make Life Easier.

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Diane Ramsey has a wealthy husband, a beautiful home, two lovely children - and a blackmailer. She turns to Hartford PI Zach Barnes for help, but the damning photographs keep showing up in her mail. All she can tell Barnes is, "That isn't me." Barnes follows a 25-year-old trail of abuse and deceit to the secrets Diane doesn't even know she keeps, and the monster who still pulls her strings.and will kill to keep it that way. The tour takes its name from Tony's EP, which was released on July 16. As previously teased, it reflects more of the sound that Tony found through his live show performances during season two of the hit NBC series. It has that same level of energy, with catchy first single "Never Gonna Let You Go" being the earworm of the summer, and "Never In A Million" serving as a nice anthem for anyone who's ever been in a bad relationship. These are songs that will put a smile on your face without a doubt. Having GPS steering in Oman is not essential and presents avoidable cost. All areas approximately Muscat are straightforward to obtain approximately and a simple paper map will keep you some money. So, if you be set to to stay more than one week in Muscat, you will save a nice amount of money that you can use for shopping. In addition, all routes to Nizwa, Jabrin, Tenuf, Rusayl, Haima, Muscat, Thumrait or Salalah are in good condition and well sign- posted. I know of three or four small book stores in this area that have gone under in the last few years, and it's tragic. As library and school budgets keep getting slashed, people need other places to go, and neighborhood book stores might be like the no-longer popular idea of the local elementary school. http://www.vietfuntravel.com.vn/tour-du-lich-sapa-2-ngay.html can know what the people in their area want to read and supply it. THE HAND ON THE WALL. Tom Fischer was convicted with 20 other men, alleged members of the Molly Maquires, and condemned to die for the 1878 murder of Anthracite mine boss, Morgan Powell. Another convicted member of the group told the sheriff Fischer was innocent, the governor was even told, but Fischer was executed anyway. But before that happened, he placed his hand on the wall of his cell of the Jim Thorpe Jail and said, "My mark will stay here as long as the jail remains." And it still is there at the Old Jail Museum in Jim Thorpe, despite repeated paintings and plasterings. The story circles on the two good friends, one who is very popular and the other who is always misunderstood. The other one develops a drastic hunger for popularity while the other chooses to remain true to self and to others. This unlikely friendship and attitude differences will eventually turn to a full twist in the future. Wicked the musical will offer you the other side story of the Wizard of Oz, long before Dorothy came in. When people think of Mayan ruins, they think of Chichen Itza. The ruins at this location are some of the best preserved and most important in the ancient Maya history. Because of its location, Chichen Itza is also one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. You should make it a point to visit the area when traveling to Cancun. You can talk to your hotel staff about tours, or you can take a bus to Chichen Itza from the bus station in Cancun. The four-wheeled scooter is the most affordable of all types of medical scooters. All the pieces are detachable; hence, the scooter is easily transportable. However, the parts are slightly heavier than the ones of the three-wheeled scooter. The weight capacity for this scooter is between 200 and 400 IBS. Some four-wheelers can be used both indoors and outdoors. The top speed for the four wheel variety is not more than five miles per hour.

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Breaking Travel News investigates: A new era for Oman Air | Focus

A new day is about to dawn for Oman Air.

On March 20th a new terminal will open at Muscat International Airport, transforming operations for the carrier and offering a dramatic boost to the domestic tourism sector.

The opening of the new $1.8 billion facility will be akin to the overnight opening of a new airport.

The existing terminal will cease operations at midnight, with the carrier resuming its work the next day in the new state-of-the art complex on the other side of the airfield.

Featuring nearly one hundred check-in counters, ten baggage belts, 40 gates, and 29 aircraft stands with jet-bridges, as well as a new control tower, it will increase capacity significantly at what has, until now, been an outdated facility.

Oman Air flights currently touching down in Muscat are forced to settled in remote parking spots, leaving passengers with bus transfers to the terminal taking upward of 20 minutes.

No more.

The new 580,000sqm terminal will be able to welcome 12 million passengers annually, with plans to extend the airport itself to accommodate as many as 50 million passengers in the coming years.

Away from the terminals, the existing runways at Muscat International have also both been extended to four kilometres in length, allowing them to accommodate everything up to the Airbus A380.

Oman Air will use the infrastructure upgrade as an opportunity to further grow its transit traffic – which currently accounts for around 60 per cent of passengers.

The airline currently operates direct flights from Muscat to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madina, and Kuwait, in the Gulf region, as well as Cairo, Amman, Tehran, Mashhad, Najaf, Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam within the wider Middle East and Africa regions.

In addition, Oman Air flies to eleven destinations in India – including Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Delhi, Lucknow, Bangalore, Kozhikode and Jaipur.

Also in Asia, the carrier serves Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan; Kathmandu in Nepal; and Colombo in Sri Lanka, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, and launched Guangzhou in China in December 2016.

Its European network features London, Milan, Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich, while the most recent additions are Nairobi in Kenya and Manchester in the UK.

With hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai, home to Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, respectively, close by, it might be imagined Oman Air would struggle to build a transit hub.

However, political strife within the GCC has jeopardised connections across the region, leaving a relatively neutral Oman a chance to build its position in the aviation sector. 

In future, Oman Air seeks to grow its role in connecting Europe and Asia – building its profile in the east to rival its current position in the west and Indian subcontinent.

Currently Oman Air’s fleet consists of six Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 22 Boeing 737-800, and four Embraer 175s.

By 2023 the carrier hopes to operate around 70 planes.

Key among them will be the new Boeing 737 MAX, the first of which was delivered earlier this month.

Acting Oman Air chief executive Abdulaziz Al-Raisi, explains: “This is a very exciting day for us as we take delivery of the first of our 30 Boeing MAX aircraft on order. 

“By the end of 2018 we will receive a total of five aircraft into our fleet.

“They will serve both domestic and short to medium international sectors.”

Oman Air is expected to launch three new routes this year, to Casablanca in Morocco in June, followed by Istanbul in July, and Russian capital Moscow in October.

The carrier is also assessing the possibilities of re-launching Beirut, Maldives, and Singapore in the coming months.

In June, Oman Air will also receive the first of three further 787-9 Dreamliners the carrier has on order, two of which will have a new first-class product.

The new planes, from both Boeing and Airbus, will facilitate the growing international network.

Since taking over as acting chief executive in October last year, Al-Raisi has focused on bringing down operational costs without shrinking the service offering or slowing network growth.

This has been necessary as the carrier continues to bleed red ink.

In its most recent financial report Oman Air revealed it passenger numbers increase to 7.7 million annually, but losses widened by 50 per cent to RO130 million (£240 million).

With the government seeking to gradually withdraw support from the carrier, even as it expands, the success of the new terminal is vital for the future of Oman Air.

The airline is, however, set to benefit from a renewed focus on tourism from the national government.

At present the sector remains relatively small, especially compared to booming markets in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, but that could be about to change.

In early 2016 Oman unveiled a new National Tourism Strategy, which includes an aim to double the number of international tourist arrivals to the country by 2020.

This would take the figure to around five million international guests annually, the majority of whom would arrive with Oman Air.

The initiative calls for the development of 14 tourism clusters, which are hoped to attract more tourists and encourage longer visits.

Sites that have been earmarked for development include areas of natural interest in the country’s mountains and deserts, as well as existing tourist spots, such as the Musandam Peninsula in the north; the Frankincense trail in Salalah; and old cultural areas throughout the capital, Muscat.

Early steps have been taken, with the opening of several new world class resorts. 

However, there are only still a handful of five-star properties in the country, with more work to be done in order to grow the sector.

The ultimate goal is to transform Oman from a seasonal, high-end destination to one that appeals to a variety of travellers throughout the year.

Regional tourism has also proved a boon for Oman.

During the summer months, the tail end of the Indian monsoon brings rains known as the ‘Khareef’.

Transforming the mountains around Salalah into a verdant landscape, the season is a significant draw for travellers, who come to escape the stifling heat elsewhere in the region.

The total number of visitors over the period, which in 2016 took place between June-September, reached around 653,000, with guests from the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia and India make up the majority of travellers.

Oman Air, which has been accused of sacrificing domestic routes in order to serve international passengers, may however be challenged in this market by Salam Air.

The low-cost carrier, which launched last year, is seeking to expand its operations at Salalah to being in regional guests to the growing destination.

As of July 2016, Oman increased the length of its multiple-entry tourist visas for certain foreign nationals in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

Citizens of 38 countries now have the option of purchasing multiple-entry visas that are valid for three months, up from the previous allowance of 21 days.

Meanwhile, visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Philippines can apply for an extended tourist visa if they have an Omani sponsor.

The hope is that this relaxation of visa requirements will encourage longer stays, and visits to multiple regions and attractions, and simultaneously boost the fortunes of government-owned Oman Air.

With the new terminal set to debut, a supportive owner in the Omani government, and the latest planes set to arrive, the future could well be bright for this growing regional champion.

More Information

Oman Air is the flagship carrier of the Sultanate of Oman.

It is considered the World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class by the World Travel Awards.

Founded in 1993, the airline has since witnessed strong growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East, supporting the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors.

Find out more on the official website.

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