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Muscat
Things to Do: Sports and Recreation in Muscat
Travel
off the beaten path in fascinating Oman
Oman: A Rising Tourist Destination
by Claire Bryant
Oman
Featured Hotels
Oman has the most up-and-coming
tourism industry in the Gulf, and more and more people are booking Oman
holidays. It is in a prime location to develop its already budding tourism
industry, and it is in an economic position to do so. With new facilities
and resorts being developed, it is a perfect time to book an Oman luxury
holiday.
Oman is the prime tourist
destination of the Gulf, and Oman luxury holidays are becoming increasingly
popular. With warm weather, sparkling ocean waters and luxury accommodation,
an Oman holiday is sure to be a good one. There are a number of reasons
why Oman's tourism industry is destined to do better than its neighbours.
Expansion of the Tourism
Industry
Up until 1970, Oman was a
region that was closed to the outside world, and Oman holidays were by
no means at the forefront of tourists' minds. But tourists are beginning
to flock to the region, and the tourism industry forms an integral part
of the region's economic plans for the future. |
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Resorts, hotels, and new
travel companies are popping up all over the region, and Oman luxury holidays
are becoming increasingly popular.
Oman's Prime Location
Oman is in a prime location,
with beautiful scenery and many tourist sites, which makes Oman holidays
the most popular for tourism in the Gulf. Its wildlife and ecological features
are exceptional, making it popular amongst holidaymakers and tourists.
It also has a number of cultural and historic sites, making for interesting
activities when on an Oman holiday.
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Oman is Economically
Ready for Tourism Development
Oman is currently in an economically
desirable position because one of its primary exports, hydrocarbon, is
being sold at a high price. This means that the sultanate has begun developing
its economy away from oil and gas production, into newer areas. Sultan
Qaboos Bin Said wants to incorporate the growing tourism industry into
the sultanate's economic plans, and promote Oman luxury holidays.
Because it is the most popular
tourist destination in the Gulf, the tourism industry could well develop
into a central part of Oman's economy.
Perhaps now is a good time
to visit Oman, because its scenery and historical sites are superior, and
it would be good to go on an Oman holiday before the region becomes a major
tourist destination. |
Oman's Political Stability
Makes Tourism Possible
The sultanate has been, and
continues to be, politically stable and safe for tourists. This is perhaps
one of the biggest selling points for Oman holidays, as opposed to holidays
in other regions of the Gulf.
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has
ruled over the sultanate since his accession in 1970. Under his leadership,
Oman has been modernised, united and opened, following the more closed
and divided rule of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman.
This puts Oman at a significant
advantage as far as tourism is concerned, as it is the most stable and
safe region in the Gulf, which largely responsible for the rise in Oman
holiday bookings.
Oman Maintains International
Relationships
Oman has been clever in its
approach to international relations, remaining in relatively neutral ground.
This is excellent in terms of tourism, because people from all over the
world will be willing to go on Oman holidays. Oman manages to maintain
good relations with the west and with Iran, and even has cordial relations
with Israel. It also has a good relationship with the US, unlike many of
its neighbours. All in all, it has maintained good international relationships,
making Oman Luxury holidays a perfect choice. |
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- Oman Featured Hotels
About the Author: Claire
Bryant is an Oman holidays specialist for key2holidays, an online tour
operator specialising in www.key2holidays.co.uk/oman/, as well as holidays
to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, Italy, the Far East, the Maldives,
Mauritius Sri Lanka and the Seychelles, and Dubai. key2holidays has a dedicated
team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help
you to plan and book your ideal holiday. |
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Muscat
Things to Do: Sports and Recreation in Muscat by Lek Boonlert
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- Muscat Featured Hotels
The capital city of Oman
and the country's largest city, the Middle Eastern gem of Muscat attracts
visitors all year round. This part of the world is famous for its intense
natural beauty and the cool, clear water that surrounds Muscat is ideal
for diving and snorkeling in, while visitors can choose to take a boat
trip to see dolphins and whales in their natural habit. Of course, there
are plenty of other things to do in Muscat as well, including dining, shopping
and caving.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Muscat is situated on the
northern coast of Oman and there are plenty of excellent dive sites just
a short drive away. The waters here are simply teeming with a whole host
of colourful marine life and professionally run scuba diving and snorkelling
trips allow visitors the chance to explore the underwater world here safely.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Trips
A popular activity among
those who are traveling with children, whale and dolphin watching trips
are an interesting and exciting way to explore the area around Muscat.
Usually lasting for either half a day or the entire day, these excursions
include lunch and also additional activities such as snorkeling and swimming. |
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Whale and dolphin watching
trips are offered by a number of tour operators and it is a good idea to
shop around to be sure of getting the best deal.
Night Safari
The city of Muscat is surrounded
by the picturesque Wahaiba Desert and taking a night safari here is a great
way to appreciate the area's intense natural beauty while having fun at
the same time. Visitors will be transported into the heart of the Wahaiba
Desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle in order to experience spend an unforgettable
night camping out in the desert. This is a great place to take photographs
and meet new people at the same time.
Caving
Thrill seekers from all
over the globe travel to Muscat to take caving tours, which can be booked
through many of the leading Muscat hotels. There are a large number of
different caves to explore here and Hoti Cave is the most easily accessible
for beginners and features an enchanting underwater lake. Many of the tour
companies in Muscat offer trips to Majlis Al Jinn, which is one of the
largest underground chambers in the entire world, while Jebel Bani Jabir
features impressively deep shafts to explore.
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Shopping
The wide range of shopping
opportunities in Muscat are sure to delight those who like to shop until
they drop. Some of the best bargains here include rugs, books and locally
made handicrafts, which can be found in abundance in traditional markets
such as the world famous Mutrah Souk.
Bartering is very much ingrained
in the culture of Muscat and those who are able to haggle in a firm yet
friendly manner will be able to grab plemty of great deals and discounts.
In addition to large and colourful markets, there are also modern shopping
malls to explore, which are popular hangout spots with the city's teenagers. |
Dining
When it comes to eating
out, there are numerous Oman restaurants to choose from in Muscat, which
offer a wide range of traditional dishes as well as Western favourites.
Omani dishes are famed the world over for their unique spices and no trip
to Muscat would be complete without sampling a few. While gourmet restaurants
can be found inside leading hotels and in touristy districts of the city,
those looking for a cheap and tasty meal will also find plenty of places
to choose from here, especially in markets and shopping centres.
top -
Muscat
Featured Hotels
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About the Author: Lek Boonlert
is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for
all content. |
FEATURED
HOTELS IN MUSCAT, OMAN
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Al
Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat
Al Bustan Palace InterContinental
Muscat is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private
beach and lush green gardens. The business and commercial districts are
close by, as are must-see sights including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque,
Bait Al Zubair Museum and Al Alam Palace. Al Bustan Palace InterContinental
Muscat is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private
beach and lush green gardens. The business and commercial districts are
close by, as are must-see sights including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque,
Bait Al Zubair Museum and Al Alam Palace. To explore the essence of Muscat,
a visit to the Muttrah Souk (market) is a must. |
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Al
Madinah Holiday Muscat
Hotel Al Madinah Holiday,
situated in Muscat, benefits from a gym, tennis courts and outdoor swimming
pool with a sun lounger terrace. It also offers free parking. The hotel
has a bar with live entertainment and a café offering coffee specialities.
All of the rooms at Hotel Al Madinah are air-conditioned and feature a
minibar.
The key attractions of Muscat, including Al-Riyam Park, the Muscat Gate
Museum and the Mutrah Souq are a short distance away from Hotel Al Madinah. |
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Grand
Hyatt Muscat
Grand Hyatt Muscat is a
5 star hotel situated on a pristine stretch of beach in the capital of
the Sultanate of Oman and is a striking illustration of Arabian architecture.
Located in the heart of the diplomatic district of the city in Shatti Al
Qurm, majestic surroundings and traditional Omani hospitality combine for
a truly unforgettable stay. Guests can choose from a variety of award winning
restaurants, bars and lounges including Grand Hyatt Muscat’s signature
restaurant, Tuscany Italian restaurant, the Rooftop Grill House and Muscat’s
premier night club Copacabana. |
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InterContinental
Muscat
InterContinental Muscat
is a 35-acre oasis in the heart of the city’s premier residential, government
and diplomatic quarter. Our prime location means the business and commercial
districts are close by, as are must-see sights like the Sultan Qaboos Grand
Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and Amouage Perfume Factory. Shoppers will
want to visit the Muttrah Souk - the essence of Muscat—located just 15
minutes from the hotel. Our 6 restaurants offer everything from pastries
on the go to romantic dinners at poolside. French-Polynesian, Italian,
Mexican and British are among the cuisines offered for a culinary tour
de force. |
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FEATURED
HOTELS IN SOHAR, OMAN
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Crowne
Plaza Sohar
Situated in lush, manicured
gardens - Crowne Plaza Sohar. Subtle Arabic motifs punctuate our soaring,
4-storey atrium as it rises in marble to a light-filled dome. Enjoy the
poolside bar and sun deck. Saunas and steam rooms await in our luxury spa,
or you can loosen your tie and challenge friends in our bowling alley.
Situated in Oman's key commercial hub, Crowne Plaza Sohar is 9km from Sohar's
Special Economic Zone in the Port of Sohar. Speak to our friendly Concierge
about arranging a limousine pick-up from Muscat International Airport or
Dubai International Airport, both about 2 hours' drive away. Or take a
trip to Nizwa, Oman's ancient former capital and home of date-growing. |
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Sohar
Beach by Swiss-Belhotel
Located on the lush Batinah
coast in Sohar, the ancient capital of the Omani Sultanate.Constructed
in the style of a traditional Omani fort, our imposing exterior of buttresses
and towers belie the elegant interior of marble, stained glass windows
and beautiful decor. Our restaurants and bars serve a variety of Omani,
Indian and Continental cuisines with a special menu for kids. Experience
something unique as you dine with our live Arabic music and belly dancing
to entertain you. For those who seek pleasure, our beachside location
ensures tranquilit while still remaining accessible to nearby attractions
and nightlife. |
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