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In spite of Portuguese and African influences, the Sultanate of Oman remains a predominantly Islamic nation. From the breathtaking nature and wildlife of the Wahiba Sands, Muscat, the capital of Oman which is the brightest jewel of any vacation to dazzling green scenery in Salalah—halal holidays in Oman are extremely popular.
Read more to find out what’s in store for your vacation in Oman and why it is the perfect destination to visit.
Brief Historical Overview
Located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, Oman is one of the safest country to visit. As the oldest independent state in the Arab World, Oman has embraced modernization and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage – making it the perfect travel destination for those seeking an authentic Arabian experience.
The Sultanate of Oman is a country of breath-taking natural beauty, interwoven with a kaleidoscope of history and legends. It is the only country in the world composed mostly of oceanic crust and rocks that originate from the Earth’s mantle. Evidence of continental drift can be witnessed in many of the unusual rock formations and topography around Oman, including the coastline around Muscat.
Halal Friendly Resorts to Stay at Oman
If you’re looking for the ultimate five-star experience during your stay, Grand Millennium Muscat is the place to be at. Conveniently located near the airport and the central hub of Muscat, this palatial hotel was the first among five-star hotels in Oman.
Another favorite is the luxurious Shangri-La Al Husn which overlooks the brilliant blue Arabian sea. The hotel provides halal food, alcohol-free rooms and separate prayer rooms on request. This wonderful paradise is built like an ancient Oman fort and to step inside, you have to enter a tunnel built into the mountains!
For a spectacular view of the mountain, stay at Al Bustan Palace in Oman. The renovated hotel still retains an old world charm and offers private beaches and lush gardens.
Attractions in Oman for Muslim Travelers
1. Cities
Muscat is home to some truly fascinating tourist attractions in Oman, the city is home to the world-renowned Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque where visiting during the day is the name of the game. Muscat also has a harbor that overlooks the famous Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, where you can see the two forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani which guards the palace.
The second must-visit place in Oman is Nizwa, an ancient city that boasts of its picturesque setting and a wide range of attractions. Surrounded by the gorgeous banana plantations and date palms, Nizwa could be a perfect destination for a grand holiday in Oman. In fact, it is the second-largest tourist destination in Oman and has earned the nickname, “The Pearl of Islam.”
2. Cultural Sites
Oman is dotted with these striking attractions, the most famous being Nizwa Fort, Jalali and Mirani Fort in Old Muscat, Nakhal Fort in Al Batinah and the UNESCO listed Bahla Fort. The Sultanate is also home to a number of old and abandoned settlements, such as Manah Village or Samharam in Dhofar and more. Especially impressive are Oman’s ancient aflaj irrigation systems, like the UNESCO listed Falaj Daris that continue to provide water for many fields.
Halal Food in Oman
Traditional Omani food can be found at a number of hotels and restaurants and is a combination of Arabian, Indian and African influences which has created a unique cuisine. Al Loomie at the Al Bustan Hotel in Muscat and Bait Al Luban in Muttrah are just some of the restaurants known to serve Omani food with a modern twist.
Shopping in Oman
Modern shopping is a favourite pastime in Oman, with large shopping centres developed across the Sultanate, including Muscat City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall and Oman Avenues Mall.
In A’Sharqiyah, the Ibra Women’s Market is held every Wednesday and provides an opportunity for women to come to town and trade in essentials, from textiles to jewellery and more.
