Not to be compared - Oman

Oman is growing in popularity as a tourist destination thanks to the travel press and investment by the tourist board. Whilst not as flashy as its neighbour the UAE, in terms of hotels, man-made islands and theme parks, it is certainly developing in its own right, is culturally more interesting and has a lot to offer the conference and incentive market.

Gulf Air has their stylish new fleet which offer non-stop direct services from London Heathrow at very competitive rates. Departing London in the evening, you arrive early into Muscat airport and can be at the hotel around the pool by 10am!
It is a very easy, comfortable flight with good service, delicious food and good in-flight entertainment. The Business Class and First Class offerings match, and in some cases exceed, those of other international carriers.

At the airport, visas, which are inexpensive, can be obtained from the exchange bureau, although for groups, we would arrange these in advance and distribute in-flight. The airport is located just outside of Muscat, about 20 minutes from the main city hotels and tourist centre.

Several hotels are represented in Muscat, including the famous Al Bustan Palace, the Grand Hyatt and the Crowne Plaza. They all offer meeting facilities, excellent restaurants catering for all tastes and large bedrooms with sea views. However, there is much excitement regarding the new Shangri-la resort scheduled to open this year, featuring a 4-star, 5-star and 6-star hotel. Located 45 minutes from the airport, the resort is set between the mountains and sea with its own private beaches away from any other developments. It is a spectacular setting and benefits include great snorkelling and diving, an Omani Heritage Village available for events and evening functions, a state-of-the-art spa and extensive meeting facilities including an amphitheatre.

In Muscat a morning city tour is a great way to see Muttrah (the old souq and fish market), the Sheik’s Palace, the Corniche and Omani museum (small but very informative). The largest mosque in the world is also worth a visit, seating up to 20,000 people – it is an incredible place (of course, ladies must respect the Muslim laws of dress when visiting the mosque). Whilst there are some enormous shopping malls on the outskirts of the city, these feature Western shops and cost the same as the UK.

Other tours include sunset dhow cruises and boat trips to witness the hundreds of dolphins which occupy this dramatic coastline. The desert, which is home to the local Bedouins, and the Wadis beckon those with a more adventurous streak, whilst the old capital of Oman, Nizwa, is like stepping back centuries. There is a famous cattle market in Nizwa on Fridays, where Omani’s from as far as Salalah (1000km South) come to trade cattle, goats and the odd camel. Fortresses abound in this area and have been beautifully preserved by the Omani Heritage Trust. It is even possible to travel down to Sur for an overnight stay to witness the turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

Other than the summer months (June – August) when temperatures soar above 40ºC, the climate is perfect around 25ºC with slightly cooler evenings. The infrastructure is efficient and modern, the city clean and safe and the food fresh and delicious. Omani’s are hospitable people who welcome tourists and are keen to share their country’s heritage and traditions with them.

Don’t compare Muscat with Dubai they are two fundamentally different cities and if you wish to experience some real Middle-eastern tradition, then Oman is the place for your groups.