Oman is the Hot New Favourite with Culture Vultures. Here’s Why!

With bustling bazaars, opulent palaces and a slice of rich Bedouin heritage – Oman stands out from the regular Middle-East countries. Get your passport and visa ready as we jot down the reasons why Oman tops the list of the best cultural holiday destinations.

Magnificent Architectures

Home to some of the most beautiful architectural marvels, Oman exhibits a fine balance between art and technology. When visiting Oman, make sure you pay a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque famous for its exotic mosaic patterns, carpets and chandeliers.

#QuickFact: The hand-woven carpet features Persian Tabriz, Kashan and Ishfahan patterns and is the second-largest single-piece carpet in the world.

Spend an evening at the delightful Royal Opera House or feast your eyes on ornate arches, tiling and carvings of Al Alam Palace. Oh! There are also several ancient forts and mosques like Bahla Fort, Jabrin Castle and Nizwa Fort to let you experience the essence of bygone Arabia.

Finger-licking Traditional Food

Oman’s culture is reflective best through authentic Omani food. Make sure to binge on Oman’s national dish “Shuwa”- a slow cooked lamb or goat served with aromatic rice. Oman’s Kahwa (local coffee), meshkak (camel meat kebabs), Majboos or Kabsa (spicy red or white meat cooked with rice), and Mashuai (roasted kingfish and savoury lemon rice) are some of the other dishes you must definitely try.

Scenic Sand Dunes

Dune bashing on a desert safari at Bowsher sand dunes, camel rides at Wahiba Sands, stargazing and camping at a town enveloped in sand dunes – Bidiya and the largest contiguous desert in the world – Al Rub’ Al Khali are some of the signature Arabia extravaganzas you can indulge in here.

Sign up for a true-blue Bedouin experience here to show off your culture-vulture moment in all its glory.

The Folk Connect

Oman has a deep connect with its roots and people can be still seen wearing the traditional Omani outfit which is usually an ankle-length white dress with long sleeves known as “Dishdasha” for men and “Lihaf” for women. The folk connect can also be seen easily in their local dances, where the most popular folk dance is “Razha.” Be on the lookout for these amazing performances.

Local Souks

Your cultural holiday in Oman will be incomplete without connecting with the locals at the Souks or the bazaars, while you shop for handmade bags, traditional clothes, house tools made from animal fur or palm leaves, silver accessories, pottery, wooden and ceramic handicrafts and of course, the famous frankincense Oman is known for. The most popular souks here are Muttrah Souk, Sohar Handicrafts Souk, Al Husn Souk, Nizwa Souk and Bahla Souk among others.

Read More: Oman: The Perfect Destination for a Wholesome Family Vacay

Fascinating Festivals

Just like any other country, Oman is no stranger to festivals. This beautiful Arab country organises annual festivals like the Muscat Festival, Sultan Camel Race Cup and Salalah Tourism Festival. These annual events serve as a platform where travellers can blend with the locals and get to know Oman’s culture and spirit with a new perception.

Beaches, Snorkelling and Sea Turtles

Apart from the breathtakingly gorgeous deserts, Oman is also blessed with pristine beaches and guess what? Oman is also known for one of the best diving sites in the world. Go snorkelling at some of the  most beautiful coral reef sites such as the Daymaniyat Islands, Bandar Jissah or Bandar Khayran.

Also, do not miss witnessing the hatching of sea turtles – a one-of-a-kind sight. Thousands of sea turtles lay eggs in Oman every year and this magical experience can be witnessed at places like Al Sharqiyah, Ad Daymaniyat Islands and the shores of the Dhofar region.

Ready to savour this culture rich holiday destination?

Book Your Flight to Oman

Book Your Flight to Oman