Attractions of Oman

To help inspire or plan your trip to Oman, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Oman which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Muscat
The old walled city of Muscat is one of the most attractive of the region. It is set on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped ring of mountains that have restricted its growth. Its most striking feature is the huge Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East and capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Completed in 2001, it took seven years and 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone to complete and contains the world's largest single piece of carpet, made over four years by 600 weavers. The mosque is intricately decorated with black and white marble, tiles and stained glass. On the waterfront lie the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali, the ornate Al Alam Palace and the colourful Mutrah souk, reputedly one of the best in the region with Omani daggers, silverware and spices like frankincense and myrrh for sale. The Bait al Zubair museum has an excellent display on Omani history and culture.

Muscat

The old walled city of Muscat is one of the most attractive of the region. It is set on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped ring of mountains that have restricted its growth. Its most striking feature is the huge Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East and capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Completed in 2001, it took seven years and 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone to complete and contains the world's largest single piece of carpet, made over four years by 600 weavers. The mosque is intricately decorated with black and white marble, tiles and stained glass. On the waterfront lie the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali, the ornate Al Alam Palace and the colourful Mutrah souk, reputedly one of the best in the region with Omani daggers, silverware and spices like frankincense and myrrh for sale. The Bait al Zubair museum has an excellent display on Omani history and culture.

Sur
Sur was once a major trading point with India and East Africa. Famous for building traditional dhow boats, this activity continues today and yard can be visited to see how the craftsmen build these vessels. The town itself is quite historic, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and old houses with elaborately carved doors.

Wahiba Sands
The Wahiba Sands are a vast sea of sand covering some 15,000 km² south of Muscat, stretching inland from the coast. The ever changing sand dunes change in shape and colour with some being up to 100 metres high. A drive over the dunes is an exhilarating but bumpy experience while a camel ride is another activity to explore the sands and capture the spirit of the region. Wahiba is home to the Bedu nomadic tribesmen as well as a surprising array of wildlife including Arabian and Sand gazelles, wolf, wild cat, white-tailed mongoose, dragonflies and the dew drinking beetle.

Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands are a vast sea of sand covering some 15,000 km² south of Muscat, stretching inland from the coast. The ever changing sand dunes change in shape and colour with some being up to 100 metres high. A drive over the dunes is an exhilarating but bumpy experience while a camel ride is another activity to explore the sands and capture the spirit of the region. Wahiba is home to the Bedu nomadic tribesmen as well as a surprising array of wildlife including Arabian and Sand gazelles, wolf, wild cat, white-tailed mongoose, dragonflies and the dew drinking beetle.

Nizwa
Nizwa was capital of Oman between 751 and 1154 AD and is still considered the cultural capital. The 17th century Nizwa Fortress, built to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggles between the Sultan and radical Imans has recently been renovated. Its walls are 40 metres high, towering over the city and holding 400 gun placements. Nizwa is also famous for its bustling souk and its traditional goat market.

Nizwa

Nizwa was capital of Oman between 751 and 1154 AD and is still considered the cultural capital. The 17th century Nizwa Fortress, built to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggles between the Sultan and radical Imans has recently been renovated. Its walls are 40 metres high, towering over the city and holding 400 gun placements. Nizwa is also famous for its bustling souk and its traditional goat market.

Ancient Forts of Oman
There are numerous examples of centuries old forts in the region around Nizwa in Oman. Perhaps the best example is Bahla Fort, built in the oasis of Bahla by the Banu Nabhan tribe between the 12th and 15th centuries. At the foot of the fort lies the Friday Mosque. The 17th century Jibreen castle protected an inner palace. Nakhl fortress is situated in the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountains. The 13th century Rustaq Fort is the tallest in the country. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bahla Fort

Ancient Forts of Oman

There are numerous examples of centuries old forts in the region around Nizwa in Oman. Perhaps the best example is Bahla Fort, built in the oasis of Bahla by the Banu Nabhan tribe between the 12th and 15th centuries. At the foot of the fort lies the Friday Mosque. The 17th century Jibreen castle protected an inner palace. Nakhl fortress is situated in the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountains. The 13th century Rustaq Fort is the tallest in the country.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bahla Fort

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
The aflaj irrigation systems have been in use in Oman since AD 500 and are used to channel water from underground sources for domestic and agricultural use. A key feature of this system is the equitable sharing of scarce resources and ensuring sustainability with communal responsibility for maintenance of the system. Numerous watchtowers have also been built to protect the water systems. Aflaj are particularly prevalent in the oases of the Jebel Akhdar, or Green Mountain, range. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

The aflaj irrigation systems have been in use in Oman since AD 500 and are used to channel water from underground sources for domestic and agricultural use. A key feature of this system is the equitable sharing of scarce resources and ensuring sustainability with communal responsibility for maintenance of the system. Numerous watchtowers have also been built to protect the water systems. Aflaj are particularly prevalent in the oases of the Jebel Akhdar, or Green Mountain, range.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Wadi An Nakhar
Close to Oman's highest mountain, Jebel Shams at 3,009 metres, lies Wadi An Nakhar, Oman's very own Grand Canyon. Standing on the edge gives you a spectacular view of a sheer 1,000 metres drop into the wadi below.

Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
The archaeological site at Bat in northern Oman forms the most complete collection of settlements and necropolises from the 3rd millennium B.C. in the world and includes the tower at Al-Khutm 2km west of Bat and 21 beehive tombs at Al-Ayn, 22km east to the east. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

The archaeological site at Bat in northern Oman forms the most complete collection of settlements and necropolises from the 3rd millennium B.C. in the world and includes the tower at Al-Khutm 2km west of Bat and 21 beehive tombs at Al-Ayn, 22km east to the east.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

Land of Frankincense
Frankincense was one of the most important items of trade in antiquity and a group of archaeological sites in southern Oman are testament to this trade which flourished in this region. These include the frankincense trees that are still found in Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Land of Frankincense

Land of Frankincense

Frankincense was one of the most important items of trade in antiquity and a group of archaeological sites in southern Oman are testament to this trade which flourished in this region. These include the frankincense trees that are still found in Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Land of Frankincense