A short guide about Oman
Oman lies along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, the seamen of Oman colonised the coast of East Africa as far Zanzibar. Since the discovery of massive oil deposits, Oman has seen spectacular economic growth and modernisation. The country has kept faithful to its Islamic traditions, but even so, Oman has managed to create a relative open society. In 1970 Oman was barely out of the Middle Ages, now a mere 30 years later, there are schools, shopping centres and women can drive, or even be elected to the Majlis as-Shura.
In the ancient world the Gulf peoples established trade connections with India; in the middle ages they went as far as China; and in the modern era they became involved with the European powers that sailed into the Indian Ocean and around Southeast Asia. In the Twentieth Century the discovery of massive oil deposits in the Gulf region made the area once again a crossroads for the modern world.
In Oman, high mountain ranges running parallel to the coast effectively cut off the Interior from the rest of the country. The highest peak, Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain), is just over 3,000 meters, and is a favourite destination of locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. It's also a good place to go to escape the stifling heat of the summer.
Khasab, also known as the ‘Norway of the Middle East’, features rugged mountains and a coast that juts into the Strait of Hormuz with a spectacular fjord like look. Separated from the rest of Oman by part of the United Arab Emirates, it is the northernmost part of the Sultanate. This tourist destination provides diving for the challenged and depending on the time of year dolphins can be seen swimming nearby. Mountain safaris are popular as are the Dhow cruises of the nearby Fjords.
Tourabout has a range of packages to discover the real Arabia as you explore Oman. With its dramatic mountain scenery, pure white beaches, ancient ruins and the warmth of traditional eastern hospitality you’ll soon feel part of the life that has remained unchanged for centuries.