Oman – Arabian Lux – Premium Services throughout the Arabian Peninsula

Oman Overview

The Sultanate of Oman is a country of breath-taking natural beauty, interwoven with a kaleidoscope of history and legends. As the oldest independent state in the Arab World, Oman has embraced modernisation and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage – making it the perfect travel destination for those seeking an authentic Arabian experience.

The Sultanate of Oman is the only country in the world composed mostly of oceanic crust and rocks that originate from the Earth’s mantle. Evidence of continental drift can be witnessed in many of the unusual rock formations and topography around Oman, including the coastline around Muscat.

Oman’s culture is deeply rooted in the Sultanate’s proud heritage and history of seafaring, trading and exploration. Today, long-standing traditions blend seamlessly with modern day living, with the latest fashion and electronics brands sold alongside traditional hand-made crafts, jewellery, and even goats and cattle at souqs around the country.

Omanis are very welcoming of visitors from other countries, a fact that is reflected in the generous hospitality extended to guests.

Hotels

Accommodation options in Oman are numerous and there is somewhere to stay to suit every traveller’s preference across the country ranging from luxurious resorts to eco-tents on the beach.

Unlike its UAE neighbors, Oman’s five stay offering is quite small, numbering less than 10 in the capital Muscat. Like all our destinations, at Arabian Lux, we have excellent and close relationships with hotels enabling us to offer special benefits and recognition for our guests.

Let us help you discover the best of Oman by building a wonderful tailor-made itinerary saying in the best hotels on the beach, mountain and desert. Oman is a multi-sensory destination that few have had the privilege to discover.

Experiences

Apart from its stunning scenery, pristine beach and splendid culture, Oman is a paradise for those wanting to experience local traditions, high octane adventure and beautiful seascapes.

Adventure

Water Sports
Caving
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Paragliding
Camping
Hiking
Off-Roading
Climbing
Stand up paddle boarding
Camel riding
Golf
Kite surfing
Snorkelling
Sailing
Scuba diving

Nature & Wildlife

Wildlife Watching
Geology
Mountains
Wadis
Caves
Beaches
Desert

Culture

Forts & Castles
Museums
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Arts & Entertainment
Opera
Dining
Heritage & Crafts
Souks & Shopping

Gourmet

Food in Oman

Many travelers gravitate to Oman for its expansive coastline, dramatic cliffs and desert safaris—but the sultanate’s distinct cuisine is reason enough the country on your bucket list

The beauty of Omani cuisine lies in the range of flavors. Any single dish could be packed with 12 to 20 spices—from dried lemons to garlic, saffron, cardamom, and cumin—thanks to the country’s role as a strategic entrepôt on the trade route between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

While the cuisine cross-pollinates with international influences, Omani food remains distinct from its neighbours—and varies widely from one region of the country to the next. A warm welcome in Oman begins with two things: kahwa (cardamom-infused coffee) and dates. The sweet dates counteract the strong coffee, which tends to be bitter. With more than 250 types of the fibrous fruit in Oman, every kahwa experience may be a little bit different.

There’s one food in particular that marks a celebration: shuwa. Considered Oman’s national dish, this slow-roasted lamb recipe typically takes several days to prepare. After marinating for 24 hours, the lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground pit for at least a day. Served with rice topped with honey and ghee, the rich dish is an experience—a mix of smoky flavours, tender meat, and a crisp spice-kissed crust.

Culture

Culture & Museums

In Muscat, attractions like The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, Bait Al Baranda and Bait Al Zubair offer a glimpse into the country’s past with well-preserved artefacts from daily life and works of art. Bait Al Safah is located in Al Hamra, in one of Oman’s best-preserved old towns, and is a living museum. Visitors can experience locals demonstrating traditional ways of making Omani coffee, bread making and more.

The Museum of Frankincense Land in Salalah borders the ruins of Al Baleed Archaeological Park and is dedicated to the trading history of this ancient port. Visitors will find information on how trade with Frankincense and maritime strength ensured the region flourished in the 12th century.

Oman is dotted with forts, the most famous being Nizwa Fort, Jalali and Mirani Fort in Old Muscat, Nakhal Fort in Al Batinah and the UNESCO listed Bahla Fort.

The Sultanate is also home to a number of old and abandoned settlements, such as Manah Village or Samharam in Dhofar and more. Especially impressive are Oman’s ancient aflaj irrigation systems, like the UNESCO listed Falaj Daris that continue to provide water for many fields.