Experiences in Oman:

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1 Experiences in Oman: Nature Reserves Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Sanctuary for Natural Sciences: This rises to a height of 2,980 metres and is famous for its wide plateau close to the summit. The journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdar takes about two hours and can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is known for its Mediterranean climate. Temperatures drop during winter to below zero Celsius, with snow falling at times, and rise in summer to 22 degrees Celsius. Due to its location and unique weather, the Green Mountain produces a variety of fruits, such as apricots, plums, figs, grapes, apples and pears, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron. The pomegranate that grows here is classified among the finest of its kind in the world. Spread across the mountain are many Omani villages. Villagers have dug terraces in some parts of the mountain for growing crops. Dhofar Lagoons: Lagoons abound in Dhofar Governorate, and vary in size from a few hectares to more than one hundred hectares. Some of these lagoons have been established as nature reserves. There are eight reserves, namely: Khawr Ruri - is the largest reserve in the Governorate of Dhofar. It is considered the most attractive to tourists as it contains Khawr Ruri port, famously known as Samharam. Nearby, there are important ruins that date back to prehistoric times. The port was often mentioned in Greek, Hellenic and Arabic historical scrolls, being the main port for the export of frankincense in Dhofar. Therefore the khawr (lagoon) has gained special status, as it is not only a nature reserve, but an important heritage reserve as well, and has been included in the World Heritage List. Before that, it was a natural reserve helping to maintain the biological balance, where many fish, birds and plants live. The lagoon is connected to Wadi Darbat. Khawr Al Baleed - This lagoon takes its name from the ancient city which lies on the banks of this lagoon. The lagoon flanks the city on the east and north. In ancient times, this lagoon was connected to the sea and used as a natural port due to its depth in some parts. The region is currently on the World Heritage List and the khawr is protected. The importance of this place lies in its combination of archaeology, history and nature. The archaeological park is considered to be the first of its kind in the Sultanate, serving to protect natural resources, attract tourists to the site and inform people of this important ancient city in the Governorate of Dhofar. Khawr Sawli - located in Wilayat Taqa in the Governorate of Dhofar, is amongst the most important lagoons regarding the number of plant, animal and micro-organisms that live in the lagoon, and is one of three lagoons in the Governorate that were used in ancient times for nautical navigation. Khawr Al Maghsayl - lies at the eastern end of Jabal Al Qamar (Moon Mountain) in the Governorate of Dhofar. The area of this lagoon is about half a square kilometre, its length is about three kilometres and its width 150 metres. The lagoon s importance lies in maintaining important species of indigenous and migratory birds which inhabit the lagoon due to the abundance of food throughout the year. Some birds migrate from Africa, some from Europe and others from India, while others are permanent residents of the lagoon. ** Photography fans or bird watchers can watch these birds any time of the day. Khawr Al Qurm AlSagheerand Al Qurm Al Kabeer - These two lagoons are located near the Hilton Hotel Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar.

2 Khawr Awqad - This lagoon is located in the Dhofar Governorateat the outskirts of the ancient Awqad city. Its area is about 16 hectares (40 acres) and is one of the sites frequented by birds nesting throughout the year, such as the egrets, herons and Abu Mahgl, amongst others. Khawr Ad Dahareez - located at the eastern entrance of Salalah city in the Governorate of Dhofar. Its waters intermingle with Salalah basin waters, especially the wells located on the coastal strip. This lagoon is important to biodiversity as it is heavily frequented by migratory birds. Khawr Taqah - located at the western entrance of Taqah City in Dhofar Governorate. The lagoon occupies about 2 square kilometres. Khawr Taqah is filled with places in which freshwater varieties of plants grow, as well as other plant types that need a high level of salinity. This contributes to the presence of an abundant marine life here, in addition to many types of birds. Ras Al Jins turtle reserve The beaches extending from Ras Al Hadd to Masirah Island in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate are considered a turtle reserve, including the green turtle, which is a rare turtle that returns every year to lay its eggs on the same beach where it was born decades ago. Ras Al Jins is a quiet sanctuary for turtles where they lay their eggs, securing the continued survival of the species and protecting them from extinction. Apart from the turtle breeding season (which extends throughout the year in varying degrees), you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and view the magnificent tracks left by the turtles. A scientific centre has been established containing illustrative displays of the turtles laying their eggs. The reserve is 65 kilometres east of Sur City and can be reached through Al `Ayjah village. The Wadis (Valleys) Wadi Bani Khalid Located 203 kilometres (126 miles) from Muscat. Take the Bidbid Sur Road in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, which forks into a side road leading to wilayat Bani Khalid, then weaves up across the eastern AlHajar Mountains to Bida village deep in the mountains. There you can enjoy the spectacular views of the fertile valley with its spreading trees and abundant water that tumbles down as waterfalls in some areas to form natural pools of water. The road then cuts through the valley to reach Muqal town, well known for its cave. To explore this cave, you ll have to exercise great caution as you may need to crawl or even scramble in some places. Here the gushing waters creates a loud rushing sound and collects in pools, only to dissipate and gather - once again in small lakes which the villagers have used to fill three irrigation canals. Mountains Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain): This rises to a height of 2,980 metres and is famous for its wide plateau close to the summit. The journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdar takes about two hours and can only be undertaken by four-wheel drive. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is known for its Mediterranean climate. Temperatures drop during winter to below zero Celsius, with snow falling at times, and rise in summer to 22 degrees Celsius. Due to its location and unique weather, the Green Mountain produces a variety of fruits, such as apricots, plums, figs, grapes, apples and pears, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron. The pomegranate that grows here

3 is classified among the finest of its kind in the world. Spread across the mountain are many Omani villages. Villagers have dug terraces in some parts of the mountain for growing crops. Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain): This is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula, rising to an altitude of 3,004 metres above sea level, and has a number of versants (slopes) and summits. Every time a tourist reaches a versant, he ll find that it leads him to another, until he reaches the mountain peak. Life on the summit is different from what most people are used to, as the weather is mild in summer and cold in winter. Close to the peak lies a deep chasm called the "An Nakhr Balcony", one of the most beautiful places tourists visit. It is a deep ravine in the heart of the rocks that can be viewed from the top, which directly overlooks the ravine. At the bottom of the ravine rock formations chiselled into different forms by erosion lie at breathtaking depth. Tourist guest houses have been built where the visitor can spend time enjoying the serenity of this scenic mountain. Jabal Shams is so called because it is the first place to greet sunlight at dawn and the last to say farewell at dusk. Beaches Dhofar beaches: Dhofar Governorate is characterised by attractive and rich beaches. There are plenty of lagoons crowded with flamingos, as well as caves with winding entrances. The Governorate s most important beaches are Al Maghsayl, Raysut, Al Hafah, and the shores of Wilayat Taqah, Mirbat and Sha, noted for the purity of their sands and the beauty of their surrounding rocks and scenic nature. There are a number of lagoons, such as Sawli, Al Baleed, Ad Dahareez, Atheeb and Salalah, where you can see large numbers of flamingos. As for lovers of diving and water skiing, they can rest assured that the shores of this governorate are among the best in the Sultanate. You can easily access these shores through well paved roads and other services. Mutrah Corniche: This is near one of the most important ports in Oman, Port Sultan Qaboos in the heart of the capital Muscat. It overlooks beautiful mountainous rocky formations and is one of the most gorgeous sites in the Governorate of Muscat, ideal for picnics, watching the sea and admiring ancient buildings. Ras Al Hadd beach: The beach is about 60 kilometers from Sur City, the capital of the A'Sharqiyah South Governorate. This beach has been home to human activity since the third millennium BC and serves as a safe haven for ships from storms. Fighter planes took shelter in it in during World War II and the marks of the runways still exist today. This beach has been proclaimed a turtle reserve. Turtles come here, especially to Ras Al Jinz beach in Wilayt Ras Al Hadd, to lay an estimated number of from 6,000 to 13,000 eggs. The beach is distinguished by its spectacular bays and rock formations which are havens for large numbers of birds.

4 Caves Al Hoota caves It lies in the southern part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain), specifically near Wilayat Al Hamra in Ad A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. It is about two hours drive away from Muscat and half an hour from Nizwa. AlHoota Cave was discovered by local residents hundreds of years ago, and its name derives from the village where it is located. The cave extends for 5 kilometres underground, but it may only be accessed for a distance of 860 metres, ending at Cave Lake. Perhaps the visitor to this cave, passing through the surrounding area on his way there, will find proof of the claim that "caves are the underground equivalent of the landscapes we see above ground, like valleys, streams and springs." This cave has two holes through which water cascading from the mountain top enters via the (ALHoota) hole, and exits through the other (AlFalaah) hole after passing through the connected cave passageways. AlHoota Cave Lake it is located at the end of a footpath. It is 20 metres deep, but there are many parts whose depth surpasses that. It is rumoured that it extends up to Tanuf Valley in wilayat Nizwa. The lake contains several species of blind fish: some are without eyes but have long bristles to sense their food, while others have very small eyes. Also living in the lake is a rare type of blind fish, coloured a translucent pink so that you can see the skeleton of these small fish. Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole Tawi Ateer Sinkhole, known as the Bird Well gained international fame after its discovery in 1997 by a team of Slovenian explorers in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University as one of the largest solvent sinkholes in the world. This adds to the Sultanate's rich biodiversity, its geographical and historical richness, and its historical and archaeological sites, as well as its remains of early civilization, all of which endorse the Governorate of Dhofar as a tourist destination, and boost the various opportunities for those interested in discovery, along with nature and adventure lovers. The capacity of the Teeq Sinkhole is about 975 thousand cubic metres. Its diameter is between 130 to 150 metres and its depth is 211 metres. Water flowing down the valleys has resulted in the formation of the sinkhole, with its magnificent waterfalls along the intersection with Teeq Sinkhole. Teeq Cave is near the top of the sinkhole. Its capacity is about 170 thousand cubic metres, and has no less than six entrances, the largest of which is the Western entrance and wall which can be seen from the top of Teeq sinkhole. You can reach that entrance along narrow paths located off the main trail. From those paths you can enjoy panoramic views of the sinkhole and its waterfalls. Activities in Oman Scuba diving - Oman is one of the most popular diving destinations in the region. It has an exceptionally diverse marine life and a number of marine cliffs, small islands, bays and caves, as well as a diverse and unique marine life and coral reefs. The best months for diving in Oman are the period from April to July, but diving can be enjoyed at all times. The most prominent diving areas around the capital Muscat are: Al Khayran, Al Fahil Island, Dimaniyat Islands, Al Makbara Bay (Old Muscat), in addition to Al Jissah Beach. Each of the above mentioned locations contains not less than 11 different diving sites, each with a diverse environment. Featured Destinations for Diving: Al Fahal Island

5 Isole Al Hillaniyat Spiaggia di As Sawadi Bandar Khayran Reserve Riserva naturale delle isole Ad Dimaniyat Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve Plages du gouvernorat de Dhofar Dhofar Beaches Plage d'ad Duqm Duqm Beach Desert Camping - Many people like to take a break away from the hustle and bustle of city life with its pampered lifestyle and go camping to break the routine of their lives. The diverse environment of Oman allows many options when it comes to camping. Camping is enjoyed on Shatti Qantab in Muscat Governorate, Shatti Ras Al Hadd in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate, on mountain tops in Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) or Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, camping in the desert, both in Badiya sands in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate, or in The Empty Quarter in Dhofar. This is not to mention the magnificence of camping in Dimaniyat Islands in Al Batinah South Governorate, or camping in one of the secluded beaches that spread in Musandam Governorate. Oman is sure to provide versatile options for fans of this outdoor activity. In addition to the camps created for tourists in each of these areas, visitors are allowed to pitch their own tents in each of these places, as well as in many others. Featured Destinations for Camping Isole Al Hillaniyat Khawr Al Maghsayl Bandar Khayran Reserve Barr Al Hikman (Penisola di Al Hikman) Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula) Riserva naturale delle isole Ad Dimaniyat Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve Plages du gouvernorat de Dhofar Dhofar Beaches Plage d'ad Duqm Camel Racing - This is a popular sport where camels compete at speeds of up to 64 kilometres per hour on tracks specially built for this kind of race. Races take place regularly. Camels, the "ships of the desert," have played a vital role in the region over thousands of years. Camels have impacted all aspects of daily desert life. Besides being a means of travel, food and shelter, camels are also used for entertaining, celebrating and competing in festivals and special events. The sport is greatly similar to horse racing. Camel racing is an authentic Arab sport, famous especially among the Arabian Peninsula Arabs. Camel racing has evolved into an official and professional race that includes race tracks, specialised farms for raising camels and running intensive training programmes, as well as using new technologies. Featured Destinations for Camel Racing A'Sharqiyah Sands Caving - Oman abounds with caves of different sizes, topography and ruggedness, some of which can be accessed with a group of amateurs, like Muqal Cave in Wadi Bani Khalid in A'Sharqiyah North Governorate, while others need considerable effort, training, experience and specialised equipment, such as Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau) in Muscat Governorate. Featured Destinations for Cave Exploring Abu Habban Cave

6 AlHoota Cave Al Kittan Cave Jernan Cave Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau) Muqal Cave Al Marnif Cave Grotte di Al Marnif Salalah City Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole Kitesurfing / kiteboarding - is an adventure surface water sport that has been described as combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport. Kitesurfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, have developed fast as kitesurfing destination. Daily wind above 20 knots, 28 degrees air, all kind of spots within a short drive shallow lagoon (8 sq-km) and waves. Featured Destinations for Kitesurfing Spiaggia di As Sawadi Dhofar Beaches Duqm Beach Masirah Island Isola di Masirah Ras Al Hadd Beach Al-Sawadi Beach Le spiagge delle regione di Al Wusta Shores of Al Wusta Region Whale Watching - Whales visit the shores of the Sultanate at irregular intervals, particularly in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate. The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species. Turtle Watching - Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate. At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag themselves out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities. Dolphin Watching - Dolphin shoals visit the shores of Oman in large numbers. Muscat and Musandam are famous for dolphin watching, although this pastime is also widespread in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate. The types of dolphins that visit Oman are: Indian Ocean Dolphins, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins,

7 Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins. Featured Destinations for Whale Watching Isole Al Hillaniyat Barr Al Hikman (Penisola di Al Hikman) Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula) Plages du gouvernorat de Dhofar Dhofar Beaches Plage d'ad Duqm Duqm Beach Masirah Island Isola di Masirah Salalah City Bird watching - Oman witnesses huge swarms of migratory birds during their seasonal journey between their nesting habitats and the places where they spend winters, especially those birds migrating from Europe and East Asia. Many birds, especially water fowl, migrate from faraway regions like northern Siberia, and travel about five thousand kilometres. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman s different regions. Al Hikman Peninsula, Masirah Island, Al Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoons, the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal places for bird observation. Many of these species live in Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam. Featured Destinations for Birds Watching Spiaggia di As Sawadi Khawr Al Maghsayl Khawr Awqad Khawr Al Baleed Barr Al Hikman (Penisola di Al Hikman) Barr Al Hikman (Al Hikman Peninsula) Khawr Ad Dahareez Riserva naturale delle isole Ad Dimaniyat Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve Plages du gouvernorat de Dhofar Shopping Omani markets are characterised by their diversity. Old markets are full of handicrafts such as silver, gold, textiles and masterpieces produced by traditional industries like dagger-making, side by side with modern shopping centres that contain everything the visitor is looking for at the best prices. Shops and precincts open from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon, and from four in afternoon until ten at night for precincts and eleven at night for most retail stores, seven days a week, except Fridays, when they open after four o'clock in the afternoon. For the traditional markets in Oman, the morning hours are the best time for shopping. Featured Destinations for Shopping Al Hafah Souq Al Husn Souq Bahla Souq Sohar Handicrafts Souq Ibri Souq Mutrah Souq Nizwa City Nizwa Souq Old Muscat Ar Rustaq Souq

8 Culture in Oman Traditional Villages - Traditional Omani villages embodied the life of the Omanis in the past, in all its simplicity and harshness, and reflect the extent of its adaptation to the surrounding environment, demonstrating how to use natural resources to fulfil basic needs. Forts Existing forts in Oman offer diverse glimpses of a powerful, wealthy Arabian culture living in turbulent times at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Largely clustered in the northern one-third of the country, these often-enormous. The dizzying heights of many Omani forts and the complexity and weight of fortifications is a clear reminder that here were not nomadic herders, but some of the finest architects and engineers of their times and ours. Each fort in Oman has distinctive engineering and architectural features that make it a physical challenge and an education to visit today. Be prepared for plenty of climbing up and down steps in your exploration of these enormous structures. Castles - Existing castles in Oman offer diverse glimpses of a powerful, wealthy Arabian culture living in turbulent times at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Largely clustered in the northern one-third of the country, these often-enormous. The dizzying heights of many Omani castles and the complexity and weight of fortifications is a clear reminder that here were not nomadic herders, but some of the finest architects and engineers of their times and ours. Each castle has distinctive engineering and architectural features that make it a physical challenge and an education to visit today. Be prepared for plenty of climbing up and down steps in your exploration of these enormous structures. Souks (Traditional Markets) Al Hafah Souq - lies 3 kilometres from the city of Salalah in Dhofar Governorate. It is surrounded by lofty coconut trees and is the perfect place to buy the best kinds of gum and incense, not only in Dhofar, but also in the Sultanate. Al Hafah Souq is replete with a variety of products, including traditional textiles and clothing, gold and silver jewellery as well as many other traditional artefacts. Al Husn Souq - is characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner. Nizwa Souq - This souq lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of year s home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts. World heritage sites - are sites that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee includes in UNESCO World Heritage Programme. These sites may be natural, such as forests and mountain ranges, or man-made. The programme was launched through the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted by UNESCO General Conference that convened on 16 November, This programme aims at classifying, labeling and protecting the sites that are particularly important for the humanity, whether they are cultural or natural. The Five Falajs (Falaj Daris, Falaj Al Khatmayn, Falaj Al Malaki, Falaj Al Muyassar, Falaj Al Jaylah), Bahla Fort, Bat Tombs and Settlement, Frankincense Route