|
In
630, Oman embraced Islam just 8 years after it was
revealed to the world by the prophet Muhammed. Over
the next several hundred years, Oman expanded its
commercial holdings extending all the way to
Zanzibar.
Since
the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
in 1970, Oman has thrived, adopting the best
features of modern technology while keeping its own
heritage and unique culture very much alive.
Modern Oman is divided into eight administrative
regions: 3 governorates namely Muscat, Dhofar
and Musandam and 5 regions namely Batinah, Dhahira,
Dakhliyah, Sharqiyah and Al Wustah. Each of these is
further subdivided into districts (Wilayat).
The
hottest months in Oman are June through August. The
summer monsoon just touches the southern coast of
Dhofar bringing light rain during these months (the Khareef). The most pleasant months to visit Oman are
mid of October through March when daytime
temperatures fall in to the lower 30's and below.
A
legacy that has been passed on from generation to
generation; the art, the culture, the folklore and
the artistry has to be seen. But there is much more
in the heart of Oman to explore: the sense of
respect for time, for people, and for nature.
For
its size, Oman boasts an unprecedented number of
UNESCO-classified World Heritage Sites including Al-Blaid;
site of the ancient city of Zafar, Bat—with its
tombs dating back 3,000 years, Bahla Fort and R'as
Al-Hadd, home to the rare Green Sea Turtle.
Oman's heritage features a prominent sea-faring
tradition, as one would expect from a country with
1,700 Km of coastline.
Muscat is the capital of Oman; a cosmopolitan, but
relaxed city, free from the hustle and bustle found
in many of Arabia's other capital cities. Today
under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
Bin Said, Muscat has become a modern city, but has
never lost its pride in its heritage and culture.
The
capital area is a prime example of intelligent and
aesthetic development, blending the ancient and
modern times.
Muscat has a number of beautiful beaches, public
gardens and parks. Muscat rose to importance with
the Portuguese occupation of the Persian Gulf, and
is noted for the extent of Portuguese ruins about
it.
Two
lofty forts, of which the most easterly is called
Jalali and the western Merani, occupy the summits of
hills on either side the cove overlooking the town;
and beyond them on the seaward side are two smaller
defensive works called Sirat. All these are ruinous
low sandy isthmus connects the rock and fortress of
Jalali with the mainland.
Muscat has many places of interest, especially
museums and fort showing history of Muscat. But the
current development has changed the city into an
interesting combination of old and modern with a
beautiful scenery of mountain and beaches.
Some
useful websites:
Sultan Qaboos University
http://www.squ.edu.om
Visa requirements
http://www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_passport_visas.asp
Royal
Oman Police
http://www.rop.gov.om
Oman as a tourist destination
http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot
http://www.destinationoman.com/
http://www.oman.org/tourism.htm
Ministry of
Information
http://www.omanet.om/flash.html
Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.gov.om/
Andy Carvin's Muscat Photo Gallery
http://www.edwebproject.org/oman-dubai/muscat.html
Photo galleries and videos from Muscat
http://www.ianandwendy.com/OtherTrips/UAE-Oman/Oman/
Useful information about Oman
http://www.apexstuff.com/common/omanessentials.asp
|
