Forts and
Palaces
Various forts built by different
iinvaders, such as the Portuguese, the Persians and
several Arab groups, are being or have been restored.
Visiting these will give you an idea of the magnificence
of the past. The most astonishing palace is Al Alam, the
Sultan's Palace in Old Muscat, flanked by the old
Portuguese forts, called Jalali and Mirani. Although
built just a few years ago, the Palace reflects ancient
Arabic artistry.
Mosques
Numerous
newly built mosques shape the skyline of the city.
Although non-Muslims may not enter them, the exteriors
with gold-plated roofs and embellished wooden doors
impress visitors nonetheless, and provide shining
examples of typical Arab architecture.
Souks
If you want to
really experience the Arab way of trade, you have to go
shopping in some of these bazaars. If you are planning
to buy rugs or antiques, get a local guide to show you
the best places and assist you in bargaining on the
price.
Leisure
You may be surprised
at the range of leisure activities this country has to
offer. From all kinds of water sports to mountain
climbing, from wadi-bashing in four-wheel-drives to
camping in the desert, you are sure to find something
you like to do.
Various tour operators arrange trips
to the deserts, the wadis, the Interior and its Empty
Quarter, Musandam, Salalah, the Dhofar Region and Oman's
east coast.
Geology
Visiting Oman,
you will be amazed by the variety of landscape this
country encompasses. Dazzling wadis (dry riverbeds with
occasional pools of water), sandy and rocky deserts and
mountains, as well as the coastline, are just waiting to
be explored by you. As the country has not been affected
by mass tourism, you will find it the perfect place to
have a fun and relaxing holiday.
Dress Code
Being
proud of their heritage, and taking the climate into
account, you will find that most Omanis wear their
traditional attire. Men wear a 'dishdasha', an
ankle-length, white cotton garment, and a woollen turban
or kemha, an embroidered cap. Underneath their black
abaya, a long robe made of the finest materials, Omani
women wear colourful dress, rich in embroidery and
appliqué.
Non-Omanis are free to wear the clothes
to which they are accustomed. However, as a courtesy to
tradition and also for your own comfort, it is advisable
to cover your shoulders and knees in
public.
Photography
Photos may be
taken almost anywhere, but please ask for permission
before taking pictures of people. Photography of
military sites is prohibited.
Social Meetings
When invited
to an Omani home, it is advisable to take small presents
for the children with you, rather than a gift for the
host or hostess. Such a geture will be much appreciated
and cannot be misunderstood.
Driving
Driving is
permitted for holders of an international driver's
licence. Rules, regulations and traffic signs are the
same as in the western countries. Although the British
have influenced this country, traffic drives on the
right.
Language
Arabic, Swahili,
Hindi and English are widely spoken in the capital area.
In the countryside Arabic and Swahili prevail.
Attractions
Muscat City
Al Alam Palace
The ruler
of Oman, His Highness Sultan Qaboos, owns many beautiful
palaces all over Oman. Located on Qasr Al Alam Street,
Al Alam is the main palace, an imposing structure built
in the Arab style, in gold and blue with massive pillars
and intricate mosaic work. Close by is the impressive
Ministry of Finance building with its golden door.
About 18 kilometres from the hotel, 10 to 15 minutes
by car.
Forts Mirani and
Jalali
Fort Jalali, and opposite, the
recently restored Fort Mirani, were built in the 16th
century by the Portuguese. Restored in 1981, they still
occupy a strategic position and are used by the
army.
About 18 kilometres from the hotel, 10 to 15
minutes by car.
Muttrah
and Muttrah Corniche
Known as 'The City of
Merchants', Muttrah is the city of life, movement and
souks; it is also the port of Muscat, a profusion of
trading traditions and an interesting blend of the Oman
of today and the past.
About18 kilometres from the
hotel, 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Sidab and Qantab
Further
down the road from Al Alam Palace is the scenic fishing
harbour of Sidab where fishing traditions have been
passed down the generations. Leaving Sidab, travel up a
steep hill to one of the most spectacular approaches to
Muscat, with an enchanting view of the city. Past the
Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, or the Boat Club, is Qantab
Beach and the Diving Centre, with beautiful bays and
exquisite stretches of sandy beaches.
About 18
kilometres from the hotel, 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Recreational Facilities
The Ghallah Wentworth Golf
Club
Affiliated with the English Golf
Union, the Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club is open to
visitors throughout the year. Bookings are made in
advance and equipment can be rented from the club house.
Players are requested to use the correct footwear, ie
flat-soled sports shoes. Standard golf shoes with spikes
are not allowed, to avoid damage to the course. The
course is played using an Astroturf mat and conventional
tee pegs; players may use their own or rent them from
the Club. The course is in Ghala, about seven kilometres
from the hotel, and is best reached by
car.
Ice-Skating
Rink
The ice-skating rink is open daily
from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm for ice skating, except on
Tuesday, when ice hockey is played from 4:00 pm to 10:00
pm. Skates may be hired at the rink.
The ice-skating
rink is in Al Khuwair, four kilometres from the
hotel.
Oman Automobile
Club
This Motor Sports Club provides a
wide range of sporting activities, including go-karting,
motor biking, dirt biking and motor cross. Other sports
are also available, such as softball, football,
basketball, table tennis, cricket, skateboarding and
roller skating. This club is located about 12 kilometres
from the hotel, and takes about 8 to 10 minutes by
car.
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