Oman - From the Desert to the coast

Notes

Essentials

Visas
A visa is required for most nationals and in many cases can be swiftly issued on arrival at Muscat’s Seeb International Airport. There is little, if any form filling and the charge is approximately 20 OMR. Please contact us for further details.

Regulations do frequently change though, so we advise that you check the current requirements with your nearest embassy.

Airport Tax
Departure tax is generally included in the cost of your ticket.

Health and Immunisations
For the visitor, Oman is one of the cleanest countries in the region: even small restaurants are inspected regularly. Tap water is drinkable throughout the country and generally no special vaccinations advised. Malaria has almost been eradicated. However, we strongly recommend that you contact your Doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations.

Insurance

• What should my travel insurance policy cover?
• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad
• 24 hour emergency service and assistance
• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property
• lost and stolen possessions cover
• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover
• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover
• personal accident cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions

Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR).

Where currency can be exchanged
The only certain opportunity to change money will be in Muscat, either at the airport, or possibly at your hotel. It is unlikely exchange facilities will be available elsewhere on this tour. However, as most of the services and meals are included, you will have little need for local currency. Further information will be given by your local guide.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
As a general rule we advise against taking travellers’ cheques as they can be difficult and time consuming to change. However it is possible to exchange travellers’ cheques in larger towns and cities. At the time of writing there is a limited network of ATMs found in the main cities only. Our advice is to carry US Dollars or Euros cash for your personal spending and any meals in Muscat, which are not included in the tour cost.

Best time to go
The hottest months are June to August. The summer monsoon just touches the southern coast of Dhofar during these months bringing regular light rain to Salalah and reducing the average daytime highs to 30°C. The most pleasant months to visit Oman are mid October through March when daytime temperatures fall into the lower 30s and below.

Main Language
Oman’s official language is Arabic. However, you can often find someone who speaks at least a few words of English. Nonetheless it is worth trying to pick up whatever Arabic you can.

Main Religion
Predominantly Muslim, including Shi'ite and Sunni.

Food and drink
Oman incorporates the usual Middle Eastern types of food as well as borrowing heavily from Indian influences. Curries and biryanis are widely available, as are more ‘local’ types of food. Shwarmas, falafel are fairly ubiquitous. Traditional Omani food is fairly simple but is livened up by spices and marinades with delicious results. Chicken, fish and mutton are often used, and most meals are accompanied by rice.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

As most meals are included in the price of your tour, you will probably actually spend little once in Oman. As a guide a small coffee or soft drink will cost from $1. A simple lunch or dinner will cost upwards from just a few dollars.

Transport
Our tours in Oman use 4wd vehicles – typically Landcruisers.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy.

Sleeping bag
You do not need to bring a sleeping bag on our trips in Oman - bedding is provided in the tented camp.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must. When out on tour, it is important to have suncream with you, as there will not be any services nearby in which to provide it.

Insect repellent, including a bite spray will be useful to have. As our tour in Oman involves camping, a torch (flashlight) is essential.

If you will be using a camera which needs film, it is recommended that a supply is taken with you, as it is not always available locally. For those with digital cameras, we would advise you to take a spare battery.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines

You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Haggling is a way of life in Africa when making many purchases, especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept, and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this, it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

You will be spending time in environments where there is very little human presence or trace of human disturbance. It is important to ensure that they stay this way. Please make sure that you take any rubbish back to the lodges and camps with you where they can be properly disposed of – this includes cigarette butts as well.

Please do not buy any products made from endangered species – this is not sustainable and hastens the species’ decline.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is common practise in the Middle East. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few dollars will always be gratefully received.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing there are no travel warnings in place for Oman.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Oman:

1 Jan New Year’s Day
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
23 July  Renaissance Day (Marking the start of the reign of Sultan Qaboos)
22 Aug  Ramadan
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
18 Nov National Day
19 Nov Birthday of HM Sultan Qaboos 
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
29 Dec Islamic New Year

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year – in particular all religious holidays follow a lunar calendar and will vary annually. Those above relate to 2009.

Electrical Supply
Electrical supply is 230V/50 Hz and British three pin plugs are widely used.

Recommended Reading

Oman - The Bradt Guide
Diana Darke and Sandra Shields

Warlords of Oman
PS Allfree

Arabian Sands
Wilfred Thesiger

Sultan in Oman
Jan Morris

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 18/08/09

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674

Historical Background

Perched on the edge of Arabia looking out towards to India, Oman has long played an important role in trade between east and west. Part of the ancient frankincense trail, its strategic position meant that it was often conquered by foreign armies and subject to a number of competing influences, resulting in the rich and diverse heritage that can be seen today. Oman is a tantalising mix between the ancient and modern – the Bedouin of the desert together with the modernity of Muscat provide one of its most incongruous snapshots. Oman offers an immersion into the exotic combined with famed Arabian hospitality, where one can traverse vast empty deserts, explore ancient forts and visit isolated villages high up in the mountains, where the past seems very much alive and age old traditions thrive. Its tourism industry is just emerging, so for now be one of the lucky few to savour the treasures of this Arabian jewel.

Prior to the arrival of Islam not a huge amount is known about the Arabian peninsula. Oman is however believed to have been part of the kingdom of Magan, a wealthy state which traded with ancient Sumer further north around 3000BC. Magan prospered for some time, but eventually its influence declined with the rise of Dilmun, a competing regional power. The frankincense trade had established itself by around 100BC, with Oman taking the precious scent further north by way of camel caravans.

From around the 6th century BC onwards, Oman came to be dominated by foreign powers. The Achaemenids were the first, succeeded by the Parthians and then the Sassanids, who established garrisons in Oman, exposed the local population to Persian culture, and introduced irrigation techniques still used today. The 7th century AD saw the arrival of Islam. From its small beginnings in present day Saudi Arabia, Islam quickly gained large numbers of converts, willing or otherwise, and within a few short years most of the Arabian peninsula, including Oman, had abandoned the traditional pagan practices that had been prevalent, and embraced the new, monotheistic religion. Oman adopted a particular form of Islam known as Ibadism, which became prevalent by the 8th century and remains the majority religion in the country today.

Oman continued to come under foreign rule, even after the adoption of Islam. In the 10th century it was ruled by the Qarmatians, a warlike group to the north in present day Bahrain who were known for terrorising pilgrims on their way Mecca and rebelling against the Abbasid caliphate. Following them Oman was dominated by Persia, and then by the Seljuk Turks. Nevertheless it began to prosper, with its control of strategic routes between India and the Far East and the rest of the Arabian peninsula. Although foreign powers were often in control, of Oman’s coastline, the interior usually remained untamed and home to independent groups who gave little allegiance to anyone. At this time Nizwa was the capital of the country, but its influence didn’t always stretch far into the desert. In the 12th century the Nabhani dynasty arose, wrested control of Oman from the Seljuks, and proclaimed the independence of the country.

Oman’s location and its growing prosperity were too tempting for the regional powers at the time. Although it remained independent until the 16th century, the Portuguese, who by now had made their way around the coast of Africa in an attempt to break the stranglehold on the lucrative spice trade, came upon the country and promptly invaded in 1507. Building forts on the coast to consolidate their presence, they claimed Oman as a colony and remained there for the best part of one hundred and fifty years, like previous overlords maintaining control of the coast but failing to definitively secure the interior. Growing rich from the trade in spices, by now highly desirable in European markets, the Portuguese were finally ousted by the up and coming Yarubid dynasty in 1650. The Yarubids were to prove a formidable power and expanded their domains quickly, capturing Portuguese colonies on the East African coast and becoming involved in the highly profitable slave trade. Under them, Oman grew to be a very wealthy nation, but in 1719 the ascendance to power of Said ibn Sultan provoked a civil war between the two major tribes of the country, plunging it into temporary anarchy. Taking advantage of this, the Persians briefly invaded and held the coast for a few years, only to be booted out by a popular revolt led by Ahmad ibn Said al Said, the founder of the Al Said dynasty which still rules the nation today.

Ruling Oman was never an easy task though – all too often the royal court was riddled with intrigue, jealousy and murder while the tribes of the interior continually posed a threat and often refused to recognise the authority of the sultan. Many thought that he was excessively liberal, electing their own imam and installing him as their sole legitimate ruler.

Nevertheless Oman continued to prosper, largely helped by the slave trade. It controlled the island of Zanzibar, which was used effectively as an enormous holding cell for slaves brought from the African interior before they were shipped off elsewhere. In 1840, the sultan of the time moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and many Omanis followed. The small island became an important centre of regional politics and for some time claimed sovereignty over parts of the African mainland, until European powers started to eye them with increasing jealousy and eventually claimed them for themselves. The move to Zanzibar however meant that the imams of the unruly desert tribes became more and more powerful, and autonomous from central rule.

Britain and Oman forged closer ties in the 19th century, with Britain pressuring, and then forcing Oman to abandon the slave trade. The loss of the trade led to a significant decline in its fortunes, although for some years afterwards the trade continued, slaves hidden in more isolated parts of the island. The death of Sultan Said ibn Sultan in 1856 led to a split as Muscat and Zanzibar became ruled separately by two of his sons, provoking discord among the interior tribes. Oman was becoming weaker and weaker and was easy prey for the British, who established Zanzibar as a protectorate in 1890. Oman itself was never actually colonized by the British, although successive treaties throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries meant that Great Britain had a firm presence there with accompanying levels of influence.

Oman continued to be plagued with internal strife and in the early 20th century many tribes revolted, demanding that they be ruled only by their religious leader, the Imam of Oman. In 1920 the Treaty of Seeb was signed, granting limited autonomy for the tribes while recognising the sovereignty of the sultan elsewhere. This flared up again however in 1954, when the sultan attempted to extend his influence into the interior. Oman called on British forces to help which they duly did, putting down the rebellion although this took five years. In the 1960’s Dhofar separatists aided by Marxists from South Yemen began a guerrilla war against the sultan’s forces, seeking not only the indep0endence of Dhofar province but the overthrow of the traditional government. Oman’s sultan Said bin Taymur was ousted by his son Qaboos, who set about re-equipping the army and again sought British help. By the mid ‘70s the guerillas were pretty much finished and Qaboos set about organising a massive programme of reform for the country. On taking power in 1970, there were just three schools in the whole country, but with the help of funds from newly discovered oil, Qaboos has made miraculous strides in bringing Oman out of its medieval past and creating a vibrant and dynamic nation.

The beauty of Oman is that its history is tangible – there are still many parts of the country where its past is so close that you can literally reach out and touch it. Remnants of its varied past exist in the form of the beautifully restored fort at Nizwa, in the still functioning dhow yards, in the traditional villages perched high in the mountains. Oman is scenically spectacular – its deserts are among the most beautiful in the world, with vast seas of sand dominating the horizon scattered with the odd group of Bedouins converged around a rare oasis. The hospitality of its people – a custom born from the harsh necessities of desert life – is legendary and a true highlight of any trip to this exotic and enchanting nation. The world is just starting to wake up to the possibilities that this hidden jewel of Arabia has to offer, and we are pleased to offer this desert treasure to curious travellers keen to explore the rich heritage of Arabia.