Holidays to Oman are filled with possibilities. This beautiful coastal nation is known for its stunning architecture, blissful beaches and an endless expanse of crystal-blue ocean.
Enjoy adventures on the dunes of Wahiba, explore traditional souks, or experience the varied delights of Salalah or Muscat.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the golden sands of Oman’s best beaches, which are dotted along the eastern coast.
If you’re searching for natural wonder, Oman has plenty to offer. The secluded tropics near Salalah are home to dramatic waterfalls – such as Ayn Athum, which draws people from far and wide.
Plan your ultimate holiday in Oman with Etihad and experience the best of this incredible country.
Whether you’re searching for urban adventure, rich heritage or family day trips to the desert, you'll find it all in Oman.
Muscat’s old city feels like another world compared to the commercial district’s modern sheen.
Framed by mountains and the ocean, this cluster of white buildings is a vision of old Arabia. It finds its centre in Muttrah, which is home to the largest and most famous souk in Oman.
Mingle with the locals as you wander through stacks of exotic spices, authentic Bedu jewellery and handicrafts.
Haggling is all part of the fun, so test your skills against the local merchants to find the best deals.
Oman is the perfect place for once-in-a-lifetime adventure holidays thanks to the mesmeric Wahiba Sands.
Lying a couple of hours outside the capital city Muscat, this powerful and mysterious landscape stretches far across the horizon with giant sand dunes reaching high into the sky. It’s worth making a trip to the sands as part of your Oman holiday.
Explore this unique area on camelback, quad bike or head out on a dune bashing adventure in a 4x4.
See Oman’s star attraction with a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.
A distinctive feature on the capital's skyline, this stunning stunning example of Islamic architecture is an important part of the country’s spiritual life.
Inside, prepare to be dazzled by the ornate design of the main prayer room, where you'll also find one of the world’s largest hand-crafted Persian carpets. Completed in 2001, this is the country's only mosque to permit non-Muslim visitors. It features a gilded crystal chandelier that contains 600,000 crystal pieces and is among the largest of its kind in the world.
Oman is a great place for beach holidays thanks to it stunning coastline.
Stroll along the white sands and gaze across the captivating waters as waves gently lap the shore.
Places such as the Ad Daymaniyat Islands near Muscat boast some of the most idyllic and secluded beaches in Oman, while the Dhofar region surrounding Salalah also boasts picturesque stretches of sand.
Al Mughsail beach is one of the best, thanks to its expansive sands and dramatic caves.
Along with its beaches that fringe Arabian Sea waters filled with sea life, Salah is transformed by the Khareef – the annual monsoon that creates lush, green surroundings and natural waterfalls.
The Salalah Tourism Festival arrives in style each July, with clothes stalls, funfairs and restaurants springing up.
Head to the Frankincense Land Museum to learn about Salalah’s maritime history and the role the city played in the world’s spice trade.
For a luxurious and romantic Oman holiday, book a stay at the beachside villages of Qantab or Qurum, just outside of Muscat.
Honeymooning doesn’t come better than at these upmarket coastal resorts.
Qantab is popular for fishing and snorkelling – you may be lucky enough to glimpse a dolphin in the sunset.
Qurum boasts the Qurum Natural Park nature reserve, plus cosy restaurants and premium boating clubs.
Take the whole family to Oman for a relaxing holiday in one of the many child-friendly resorts scattered along the coast.
Many hotels run supervised kids’ clubs, as well as offering adventure days out.
If your little ones love canoeing, snorkelling, banana boat riding and dolphin spotting, they’re sure to be entertained for hours.
Choose a family hotel with organised activities, so the kids can have fun while you enjoy a relaxing dose of sunshine. The Salalah Rotana Resort makes for a perfect base.
A city break in Oman is a rich experience. Stay in central Muscat to wander between the souks and breathe in frankincense from the markets.
You’ll also discover a selection of luxury hotels and boutique holiday apartments, with the Holiday Inn Muscal Al Seeb a popular choice.
Ruwi is the city's business district and its excellent transport links to all the major tourist sites make it a great base for Omani holiday adventures.
With warm winter temperatures and very hot summers, it’s important to consider sun protection in Oman. It’s advisable to bring loose clothing, sunscreen and a sun hat.
Arabic is the national language of Oman, although you'll also hear some Swahili, Hindi and Urdu. Many Omanis speak excellent English, especially in hotels and tourist areas.
The Omani rial is the currency in Oman. There are plenty of ATMs, even in small towns, and debit cards and credit cards are widely accepted.
Oman uses one plug type – Type G – which is the three-pin British-style plug. You may need an adaptor depending on your country of origin.
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The site of ancient civilisations, the first recorded references to Oman date back to the Bronze Age.
The country’s strategically important location helped it build a powerful empire from the 17th century onwards, with Muscat one of the Indian Ocean’s key trading ports.
Today, you can get an insight into the country’s fascinating history at a number of sites in and around Muscat. Bait Al Zubair in the old part of the city houses ancient weapons, clothing and household items, while outside you can tour a replica Omani village and souk.
The city is also home to the National Museum, which showcases Oman’s rich heritage. The centuries-old Al-Mirani Fort is worth exploring, while others at Nizwa and nearby Bahla are perfect for a day trip from Muscat.
A proud country, Oman celebrates a number of national holidays during the year. National Day on 18 November marks the anniversary of the country’s independence from Portuguese rule in 1650.
The following day is also a public holiday as it celebrates the birthday of former ruler Qaboos bin Said al Said.
The sultan, who came to power in 1970, transformed Oman’s fortunes during his 50-year reign. Using revenue from the country’s oil industry, he modernised the nation and its infrastructure.
His legacy lives on through Renaissance Day, held each 23 July, which celebrates the first day of his reign.
Omani cuisine has a delicious blend of Arabian, Persian, Indian, Asian, Eastern Mediterranean and African culinary influences.
Expect lots of rich, creamy curries bursting with flavour, as well as seafood dishes made with freshly caught fish, especially in ports and fishing towns.
Shawarma kebab is another national staple, packed with succulent cuts of chicken and lamb, while fresh fruit and dates make the perfect after-dinner treat.
The main meal is eaten during the middle of the day. Evening dinner time tends to be a light affair followed by cups of rich, dark Arabian coffee.
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