OMAN IS AN INCREDIBLE PLACE
You can’t leave Oman without a little detour to the desert. The Rimal Al Wahiba, a 12.500km² desert, located in the east of Oman, is suited best for such an excursion. Rest your head on the sand and watch the galaxies trying to outshine each other.

THE WADIS
One of Oman‘s greatest natural wonders are the numerous Wadis that can be found across the country. Being a true insiders tip, the Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyah is – in my opinion – the most spectacular one. The harmony of nature‘s most beautiful colors and shapes will make you feel like you are experiencing an alternate reality.

JEBEL AKHDAR
As part of the Western Hajar Mountains, the so called „Green Mountain“ is the perfect getaway for hiking-enthusiasts and mountain-lovers. Abandoned villages, deep canyons and excellent hotels guarantee for a great stay. In April, when the famous roses are in full bloom, you can witness the distillation of rose water and get enchanted by the infatuating scent surrounding you.

KHAREEF SEASON IN SALALAH
It is one of the biggest natural phenomenons of the Arabian Peninsula. From June to September the monsoon „Khareef“ transforms the Dhofar region into a green shangri-la and an experience you will never forget.

SHOOTING STARS IN WAHIBA SANDS
You can’t leave Oman without a little detour to the desert. The Rimal Al Wahiba, a 12.500km² desert, located in the east of Oman, is suited best for such an excursion. Rest your head on the sand and watch the galaxies trying to outshine each other.

FORTS
A visit to one of the numerous forts in Oman is an exciting jouney into the history of the country and should not be missed. The historic sites date back centuries and were built for protection. Some of them are open to visitors (Jabreen Castle, Bahla Fort, etc.) and offer beautiful views over the Arabian Sea and Omani landscapes.

SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE
Muscats big Mosque is not only an architectural masterpiece but also one of the main attractions in the Capital Area. Spacious and beautifully planted, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque stuns its visitors and appears like an oasis amidst the vivid city life.

MISFAH AL ABRIYEEN
Famous as Sultan Qaboos favorite village, the picturesque Misfah Al Abriyeen is the perfect place to experience the traditional Omani life. Walking along the falaj will make you feel like you just got out of a time machine.

DHOW-CRUISE IN MUSANDAM
People call this exclave in the North of Oman the „Norway of Arabia“. A Dhow-trip along the exhilarating fjords should definitely be on your bucket list. Dolphin sightings guaranteed.

MARKETS AND SOUQS
Every Friday morning the former Capitol Nizwa turns into a huge market place. Sheep, goats, bulls and camels are being sold in a traditional manner. If you’re not looking to buy animals, the Mutrah Souq in Muscat is the perfect address for an authentic shopping experience. Here you can haggle with the locals over clothes, handicrafts, jewelery and frankinsence.

THE OMANI PEOPLE
Last but not least, probably the main attraction of the country: its people. The Omanis are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Helpful, hospitable and forthcoming, they will forever hold a special place in your heart.

AN AMAZING FAMILY EXPERIENCE
From the ocean to the desert the Sultanate of Oman is an incredible place of contrasts and beauty but for me, nothing comes close to spending time in the mountains of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar.

CAMPING IN THE MOUNTAINS
From the ocean to the desert the Sultanate of Oman is an incredible place of contrasts and beauty but for me, nothing comes close to spending time in the mountains of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar. At 3,009m high, Jebel Shams is the highest point in the Gulf and offers temperatures that are usually a lot cooler than that of the city making it the perfect place to escape with the family. Whether you prefer the luxury of a cliffside boutique hotel or the simple life of camping in tents and tending to your own campfire the humble mountains have something to please everyone. You might even have the pleasure to meet some of the friendly local mountain goats who are more than happy to accept a snack straight from your hand, a real favorite activity with my son. Escaping the stifling heat and stresses of the city, relaxing on the mountain with your campfire roaring and staring up at the clear night sky is a priceless experience.

TURTLE WATCHING
The turtle nesting sites of Oman are world famous as people travel from far and wide to witness the turtles hatching under the moonlight, we are so privileged to have this right here on our doorstep. From the kids to the adults, this is an incredible experience and not one that anyone would forget in a hurry. Teaching our kids about nature, the ocean and how to preserve them is an incredibly important lesson that we can teach and being able to show them first hand the lives that we need to protect is a great learning tool.

KAYAKING AT RAS AL HAMRA
The heat and humidity during the summer months can send families heading for the malls and AC’s in their droves but a wonderful sport to take part in al year long is kayaking. Accessible for the majority of the family it involves the great outdoors, a new sport to help keep you fit and also has the opportunity for a great family bonding experience – What’s not to love?! One of my favorite spots to kayak in Oman is around the waters of Ras Al Hamra, Muscat, with beautiful clear waters and plenty of fish this is a spot that never disappoints in Oman. I began kayaking in Oman just a few months ago and now I am hooked, especially because I can put a lifejacket on my son and take him out on the water with me to enjoy a sport together.

BOAT TRIP TO DAMANIYAT ISLANDS
The beauty of the Damaniyat Islands is something that catches my breath every single time I visit. Clear azzure waters, schools of tropical fish in the coral reefs, you might even be lucky enough to see a leopard shark or large ray swim by. Arranging a picnic, hopping on a boat and heading to ‘the islands’ is something that always makes me feel incredibly lucky to live in Oman that such treats in life come so easy. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, lounging in the sunshine – Who doesn’t love a boat trip? And as the Damaniyat’s are located relatively close to the city it’s a boat trip that the whole family can undertake to enjoy a day on the water.

A DAY IN THE DUNES
It wouldn’t feel like Arabia without some golden sand dunes and the iconic camels and the vast Wahiba Sands area can deliver this in abundance. Remember to pack your bucket and spade as the kids have enough of the golden grains to keep them building sandcastles all day long. For the older family members they can get their thrills from dune bashing, camel rides and sand boarding.

OMAN’S PROUD HERITAGE AND HISTORY
Oman’s culture is deeply rooted in its 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 handmade crafts, jewellery, and even livestock at souqs around the country. This same blend of the old and new is reflected in Oman’s architecture, such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.

SEEK OUT OLD AND NEW
MUSEUMS
Oman has a number of museums, primarily in the capital area, that is focused on promoting culture, science, and heritage.

HERITAGE & CRAFTS
Oman has always placed great importance on the preservation of its heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Handed down through generations, craftwork is still practiced according to old traditions and with a modern twist by Omani artisans across the Sultanate.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Oman currently has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which deserve to be visited first-hand.

SOUQS & SHOPPING
From aromatic Frankincense to traditional clothing and silver works, Oman’s souqs provide an atmospheric shopping experience that is uniquely Omani. Most larger settlements in Oman have their own souq, the most famous being Muttrah Souq, situated on the Old Muscat waterfront and selling everything from clothes, to silver, spices, Frankincense and more.

DINING
Whether it is tasty street food or fine dining, visitors to Oman will find a wide range of options to suit all tastes. From contemporary restaurants serving all types of international cuisine in hotels, resorts, malls and commercial areas, to the casual shawarma eateries and coffee shops, the possibilities are endless.

FORTS & OTHER ATTRACTIONS
In centuries past, Oman’s forts held enemy forces at bay. Today, these historic structures welcome guests with impressive facades that continue to stand proud and have become a living testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the period.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Oman is a country that remains true to its roots, striking a successful balance between traditional and modern arts and entertainment. This unique blend helps cater to the entertainment needs of visitors whilst still preserving the country’s alluring Arabian charm.

A MAGNIFICENT ECOLOGY
Oman takes great pride in its magnificent ecology and diverse flora and fauna, actively protecting it through the establishment of nature reserves such as the Daymaniyat Islands near Muscat, the turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz, the Land of Frankincense in Dhofar or the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Al Wusta.

Special attention is given to threatened or endangered species, as the oceans surrounding Oman are home to a range of fish species as well as dolphins and migrating whales; together with intricate corals and unique species of seaweeds that support the marine ecosystem.

Inland, protected areas cover vast areas serving as important breeding grounds for endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, Nubian Ibex or rare Arabian Leopard. The Sultanate is also a bird watcher’s paradise, witnessing the migration of over 130 species of birds each year.

Nature reserves and habitats in the Sultanate cover an area of almost 30,000 square kilometers and also encompass reserves dedicated to plant life; the most famous being Oman’s frankincense trees.

MOUNTAINS
Mountains take up a large part of Oman’s landscape, varying greatly in appearance vegetation. Often times they feature stunning wadis, cut into the mountains through time and crossable only by 4×4.

WILDLIFE WATCHING
If you have ever witnessed endangered Green Turtle babies hatch and try to make their way to the water, you will know what a special experience it is. Oman remains dedicated to enabling these kind of wildlife encounters while protecting the animals.

GEOLOGY
Looking back on a geological history spanning across millions of years, Oman is one of the few places that carries its unique geological heritage on the open. Attractions such as Jebel Shams, or the Ophiolite rocks surrounding Muttrah Corniche, were once at the bottom of the ocean.

DESERTS
The interior of Oman is the gateway to one of the largest sand deserts in the world – the famous Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali. Covering a large area of the Arabian Peninsula, this unique ecosystem is covered by sand dunes up to 250 metres in heights in certain areas, and salty planes in others.

BEACHES
With over 3,000 km of pristine coastline, Oman has some seriously beautiful beaches to call its own. Whether it is the rugged coastline of Ras Al Madrakah, the white sands of Fins Beach or the endless expanse of Masirah Island beaches, visitors are welcome to enjoy beach walks, picnics and wild camping.

WADIS
Wadis are dry riverbeds or small valleys. Some have stunning water pools, fed by natural springs, and a backdrop of rugged mountains. Others are framed by date and fruit plantations that to this day are tended by locals using traditional falaj or waterways.

CAVES
Oman has a large number of natural caves, varying in size and accessibility. Nevertheless, they are popular tourist destinations, sporting impressive formations such stalactites and stalagmites.

Kitab State Geological Reserve

Kitab Nature Reserve is located in Kitab region on the spurs of the Zarafshan range. This is one of the most unique natural monuments. Here, you can touch the history of the ancient world, track the stages of life formation on our planet. The remains of ancient life forms can be seen in the cuts of the local rocks.

Trails and viewing platforms are equipped here for the tourists. In the rocks you can find the oldest corals and other marine remains formed about 470 million years ago. It is amazing that about 140 million years ago a warm sea basin was located here.

The main attraction of the reserve is the opportunity to look closely at the history of the formation of mountains and the preserved ancient life forms in them. The paleontological and the biological museums, the hotel, the hostel and cottages are located here.

Unimaginable beauty of the Urgut district

Look what the spring has bloomed in Urgut, in the unique area of the Samarkand region! The birds are chirping everywhere, and the air is filled with the freshness and fragrance of spring flowers. April painted the local nature in bright and juicy colors. The majestic mountains of Zarafshan seem to stand guard over this beautiful landscape.

One of the main attractions of this area is the ancient Chor-minor garden. On the territory of the garden about fifty thousand-year-old plane trees grow. Many of them reach 16 meters in diameter. Each tree is like a messenger from the past. Their wonderful trunks and curved rhizomes create a unique appearance of the garden.

Zarafshan reserve

Located along the right bank of the Zarafshan River, in the southeast of the Samarkand region, the Zarafshan Reserve has a large territory – more than 2 thousand hectares of land. The tugai forests and the rare Zarafshan pheasant on its territory are strictly protected by the government of the country.

Although the entire area of the reserve is tugai forests, in addition to tugai, fruit trees, willow, poplar, comb, sea buckthorn, reed, licorice, broom, goof and much more can be found here.More than 24 species of mammals make up the local fauna, including fox, badger, jackal, toll hare, porcupine and various rodents.

ADVENTURE IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY JOURNEY
From exploring one of the largest cave chambers in the world, Majlis Al Jinn, to snorkelling the colourful coral reefs of Daymaniyat Islands or camping under the stars in the A’Sharqiyah Sands; adventure is at the heart of every journey through Oman.

Thanks to its diverse landscapes, ranging from Rocky Mountains with green terrace fields to bustling souks selling camels on the edge of the desert or watching baby turtles hatch on the beach, the Sultanate welcomes all travellers seeking adventures of a lifetime.

CAVING
Home to the second largest cave chamber in the world (Majlis Al Jinn on the Salmah Plateau) and numerous others, the Sultanate has plenty of caves to explore.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING
Cycling and mountain biking has risen in popularity in the Sultanate, with both amateur and professional cyclists appreciating the country for its stunning diverse landscapes and the new challenge that riding in Oman presents.

CAMPING
From the white pebble sand beaches of Fins and Sur, to rocky outcrops above the clouds on Jebel Samham in Dhofar, Oman has hundreds of stunning camping locations for visitors to choose from.

PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is a newer addition to Oman’s rapidly growing adventure tourism scene, adding to an already impressive suite of outdoor pursuits in the country. Several tour companies offer beginner, intermediate, and pilot courses for anyone interested.

OFF-ROADING
Many of Oman’s stunning attractions are off the beaten track and require a 4WD vehicle. Whether dune bashing in the desert or exploring a wadi, off-roading is one of the best ways to truly experience some of Oman’s most exciting areas.

HIKING
Hiking routes can be found throughout the country; from short, accessible routes on the outskirts of cities and villages, to longer treks in more remote areas. Oman has something for every hiker, including some combining elements of canyoning and climbing.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Taking off as a new leisure activity in the early 2000s, Stand Up Paddle Boarding has gained momentum in Sultanate, quickly earning itself a reputation as a great SUP location thanks to its over 3,000km long coastline.

KITE SURFING
A fantastic combination of surfing and paragliding makes for an incredibly challenging, yet exhilarating sport enjoyed by many in Oman. In fact, the Sultanate is known around the world as an up-and-coming kitesurfing destination.

CLIMBING
From rock climbing to abseiling, Oman offers plenty of stunning spots for more experienced mountaineers. It is recommended to always keep an eye on the weather, wadis and roads can quickly flood in case of rain.

WATER SPORTS
Oman looks back on a proud maritime history, renowned for Dhow building and trading across the seas. As such, Omanis are known to have a special connection with the sea, settling where there are natural harbours and great fishing grounds.

CAMEL RIDING
Historically, camels were used by local Bedouins for transporting goods and people through the desert and around the country. Today, owning camels has become more a sign of prestige, with many Omanis breeding them for racing and beauty contests.

GOLF
Golf has a history in the Sultanate dating back to 1970s. With world-class golf clubs in Muscat – the Al Mouj Golf Club, Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Ghala Valley Golf Club, and the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club – perfect golfing weather is usually experienced between September and May, and during the evenings in Summer.

COME AND EXPERIENCE OMAN
Oman is a country of contrasts, from the fjords and rugged mountains in the north to the sandy deserts heading south.

MUSCAT
THE MODERN CAPITAL OF OMAN
Muscat is the modern capital of Oman and offers visitors a stunning combination of old and new. From the architectural masterpiece that is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, to its rugged mountain backdrop and breath-taking beaches, this city never fails to entertain and inspire.

There is an abundance of choice for visitors, from world-class shows at the Royal Opera House Muscat, to fine dining at one of the many restaurants scattered across the capital or shopping for traditional souvenirs at Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest in Arabia.

Museums, such as the Children’s Museum, Natural History Museum, National Museum or Bait Al Zubair welcome those who wish to delve deeper into the Sultanate’s rich natural and cultural history. For art lovers, there are a number of galleries showcasing modern Omani art.

As for activities, the capital region has almost endless possibilities. Whether it is snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Islands, trekking from Old Muscat to Muttrah, a guided city tour or a day trip to a nearby wadi, Muscat welcomes all to experience its unique charm.

AL BURAIMI
RICH IN OMAN HISTORY
Located in the north-west of Oman and bordering A’Dhahirah, Al Buraimi is a semi-desert plain which descends from the southern slopes of the western Al Hajar Mountains. Ruins in the area, such as those found at the villages of Sharm and Madhbah, highlight the existence of ancient trade routes.

From the ‘Fossil Valley’ of Jebel Huwayah to the many castles within the interior villages and countryside and the golden sands of the Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter), Al Buraimi offers plenty of opportunities for those with a taste of adventure.

The town of Al Buraimi also serves as the traditional border to Al Ain (UAE), about 370km from Muscat.

AL BATINAH NORTH
DOTTED WITH HISTORIC SIGHTS AND BREATH-TAKING SCENERY
Al Batinah North governorate is an expansive coastal area that hosts a fertile agricultural plain that extends along the coast and extends over its lands agricultural fields and population centers. In this governorate are distributed many castles, forts, fences and ancient villages, the most famous of which is Sohar Fort and the forts in Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khabourah and As Suwayq. Al Batinah North Governorate has a very vital geographical location extending along the southern coast of the Sea of ​​Oman.

Sohar, Oman’s capital city in ancient times, is located in this region and rumoured to be the hometown of the legendary Sindbad the Sailor. Today, the city is one of the largest in the Sultanate, housing one of the region’s largest ports and many of the country’s main industries.

AL BATINAH SOUTH
South Al Batinah Governorate extends between the Sea of ​​Oman in the east and the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains in the west, and by virtue of its location, economic potential and population density, it has played an influential role throughout Omani history

Dotted with historic sights and breath-taking scenery, South Al Batinah is considered the green belt of Oman with most of the country’s fresh produce harvested on plantations in the area.

South Al Batinah Governorate is a home to many beautiful wadis and villages, such as Wadi Mistal and Wakan Village, and attractions such as Nakhal Fort and the hot springs of Ain Al Thowara. It includes six districts: Al Rustaq, Al Awabi, Nakhal, Wadi Al Maawil, Barka and Al Musanaah.

A’DHAHIRAH
RICH IN ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY
Once situated in prime position on the ancient trade routes, A’Dhahirah in Oman’s west is traditionally the bridge between Oman’s stunning mountain ranges and the neighbouring UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Archaeology and history play a major role in this region, which extends all the way from the Al Hajar Mountains to the Empty Quarter known as Rub Al Khali.

The city of Ibri can be reached within a few hours from Muscat, and is home to the impressive Ibri Fort, with its ancient mosque and many different gates. The small village of Bat, east of Ibri, is home to a remarkable array of beehive tombs from the Bronze Age, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

AL WUSTA
SANDY BEACHES STRETCHING FOR MILES
Flanked on the east by the Arabian Sea, on the west by the Rub Al Khali – The Empty Quarter – and by Oman’s most southern governorate – Dhofar – to the south, Al Wusta covers a large area in the middle of the Sultanate.

The governorate possesses a long curving coasting and is home to vast sandy beaches stretching for miles. Settlements in this region are generally smaller but this region is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. Bird watching enthusiasts can spot over 130 different species, including migratory birds from as far away as Europe. The Barr Al Hikman peninsula is especially known for visiting flocks of flamingos.

Further inland, the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was established to protect the Arabian Oryx, a native breed of antelope that lives in the desert areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Other species that can be found at the sanctuary include Nubian ibex, Arabian wolves and Arabian gazelle.

The Rock Gardens of Duqm and the salt plains of Mahout are just some of the geological areas of interest in Al Wusta. This and a score of untouched beaches make a visit to this region a special experience.

A’DAKHILIYAH
HOME TO SOME OF OMAN’S GREATEST ATTRACTIONS
A’Dakhiliyah, meaning ‘The Interior’, is a land-locked governorate comprised of a portion of the Al Hajar Mountain range and eight separate districts: Adam, Al Hamra, Bahla, Bidbid, Izki, Manah, Nizwa and Samail.

Some of Oman’s greatest attractions are in this region, including the Sultanate’s highest mountain – Jebel Shams – and Jebel Al Akhdar, a mountainous plateau that is known for its green terrace fields brimming with roses, pomegranates and other fruit.

The Al Hoota Caves, a recently-restored vast cave system estimated to be over two million years old and rich with stalactites and stalagmites, and many ancient castles and forts which have also been beautifully restored and are now open to the public are also of interest, especially UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Bahla Fort and the renowned Nizwa Fort and Souq.

A’SHARQIYAH NORTH
THE GEOGRAPHICAL JEWEL OF THE SULTANATE
Consisting of the governorates of North and South Ash Sharqiyah, this part of Oman is widely considered the geographical jewel of the Sultanate. It is here that stunning coastlines give way to the unique ecosystem that is Sharqiyah Sands, making this region a paradise for adventurers and explorers.

North A’Sharqiyah Governorate overlooks the internal side of the Hajar Mountains, to the north it is connected to Muscat Governorate, to the west is Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and to the east and south is South A’Sharqiyah Governorate. It includes six districts: Ibra, Al-Mudaybi, Bidiyyah, Al Qabil, Wadi Bani Khalid and Dama Wa Al-Taeyeen.

The Sharqiyah Sands allows visitors to experience the desert first hand, with dunes reaching as far as the horizon and the area teeming with wildlife. Local Bedouins continue to breed livestock, including camels and Arabian horses, and visitors get the chance to see camel racing and other competitions throughout the year.

A’SHARQIYAH SOUTH
THE GEOGRAPHICAL JEWEL OF THE SULTANATE
Consisting of the governorates of North and South Ash Sharqiyah, this part of Oman is widely considered the geographical jewel of the Sultanate. It is here that stunning coastlines give way to the unique ecosystem that is Sharqiyah Sands, making this region a paradise for adventurers and explorers.

The South A’Sharqiyah Governorate is the north-eastern facade of the Sultanate of Oman. It overlooks the Arabian Sea from the east and is connected to the Sharqiyah sands from the south and Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate from the west. South A’Sharqiyah governorate includes five districts: Sur, Al-Kamel Wa Al-Wafi, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, Jalan Bani Bu Ali and Masirah Island.

The white sand and pebble beach found between Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi are great for water enthusiasts. The city of Sur, famed for its ship building, makes for fantastic camping and fishing locations. It should also come as no surprise that this area offers an amazing range of activities for nature and sea lovers; from turtle watching at Ras Al Hadd, to kite surfing on Masirah Island or visiting the traditional Dhow yard of Sur, where Arabia’s ancient style of boat continue to be crafted by hand.

MUSANDAM
EXPERIENCE DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES
The exclave of Musandam is Oman’s northernmost governorate, separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE and home to some of the Sultanate’s most dramatic landscape. Here, 2000m high mountains meet the sea with stunning fjords and crystal-clear waters making this area one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world.

The city of Khasab makes a great base from which to explore the Musandam Peninsula, where you can enjoy the scenery from on the water, starting with a cruise on a traditional Dhow to spot pods of dolphin resting and feeding and continuing with a trip to the surrounding mountains and fjords by 4WD vehicle or mountain bike if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

The village of Kumzar is accessible only by boat and requires an invitation from a local. Alternatively, boat trips to Telegraph Island or Khawr Najd make for an unforgettable one or two-day excursion.

DHOFAR
BREATH-TAKING BEACHES
Although Dhofar lies over 1,000 kilometres from the capital city of Muscat, planning a trip is easy with daily flights between Muscat and Salalah and direct connections from other Arab Gulf states. Those with some spare time may also opt to drive the coastal road to Salalah, traversing through Al Wusta and seeing some of Oman’s most remote yet breath-taking beaches.

Oman’s southernmost region is host to many unique attractions including Prophet Ayoub’s Grave nestled deep in the mountains, the blowholes of Mughsayl and the Land of Frankincense – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deep sea diving and snorkelling off the coast of the Hallaniyat Islands are just some of the more adventurous activities available through local tour operators.

In the summer months, when most of the Arabian Peninsula experiences soaring temperatures, Dhofar ushers in the monsoon season, bringing with it lush greenery, cooling rains and pleasant temperatures. Locally known as Khareef, this special season starts from late June to early September and coincides with the Salalah Tourism Festival, which is held every year.