1. Start Your Arabian Adventure In Muscat
While its northwestern neighbours on the Arabian Peninsula are fixated with all things bigger, taller and glitzier, Oman has remained gracefully low‑key—this was immediately apparent when we arrived in the capital Muscat, where the city skyline boasts no glittering skyscrapers, only whitewashed low-rise buildings. There are the occasional grand flourishes: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque once held the title of the world’s largest hand-woven carpet in its main prayer hall, but Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has since taken the reign. Oman doesn’t define itself in superlatives, but would rather let its beauty speak for itself.
Since coming into power in 1970, the long‑reigning monarch, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, has transformed an impoverished backwater into a modern state, while preserving much of its cultural heritage. And unlike its neighbours who have a predilection for ostentation, Oman’s natural landscapes take centrestage—as we discovered during our specially curated seven‑day journey across the sultanate with luxury tour expert Scott Dunn.
Oman is gearing up for a shift towards a post‑oil economy, and tourism is one of the critical sectors in its diversified revenue streams. The opening of the new Muscat International Airport in March bolsters this strategy, and visitor numbers are projected to increase by 40 per cent in 2019.
Like every Omani adventure, ours began in the capital. First stop: the aforementioned Grand Mosque, a fine example of traditional Islamic architecture, built in 2001, with its sandstone structure defined by a golden dome and five minarets. One of the world’s largest crystal chandeliers hangs from its ceiling, and the interiors of the country’s largest mosque, which can accommodate 20,000 worshippers, feature stunning stained-glass windows, elaborate mosaic murals and intricate wood carvings, all depicting Omani motifs. As grandiose mosques go, we liked that this one is classic and pared-down considering it’s still an actual place of worship.
Another architectural marvel you have to see is the Royal Opera House Muscat, built in 2011 by the order of the sultan who wanted to share his love for the arts with his subjects. With a design that reflects the style of modern Omani palaces, Middle East’s first opera house is the stage for operas, ballets and orchestras.
(Related: Get To Know The Rascal, A Private Yacht For Off-The-Grid Adventures)