British newspaper describes Oman as one of Middle Easts hidden gems

The newspaper published a report where it pointed out the Sharqiyah Sands, in south of the capital Muscat, is where many people go dune-bashing at the weekend in huge off-road vehicles. “It’s a magical experience, and as night sets in they come back to the camp to sit around the fire staring up at a star-studded sky,” the newspaper stated.

The newspaper pointed out that Muscat is the charming port carved from a natural volcanic bowl facing the Arabian Sea. It’s studded with palaces and souqs gently nestled into the waterfront. The writer of the report expressed his admiration of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and described it as a kaleidoscope of swirling designs and colours which can accommodate 6,500 people. “Just as impressive is the Muttrah Souq whose stalls are filled with frankincense, fresh spices, ancient maritime sextants, pistols and Omani curved daggers, khanjars.”

The newspaper added that the teak dhows that ferry tourists around the port and along Oman’s coastline are still built in the same traditional style as those carrying ‘Sinbad’ on his seven voyages of discovery.

The report noted that it’s far easier to take a short internal flight across the vast desert known as the Empty Quarter if you’re heading to the south of Oman. “Here in Salalah, Al Baleed Beach Resort sits next to the ruins of a city dating back to 2,500 BC. A romantic evening walk along the beach is interrupted as hundreds of crabs scuttle across the sand in the twilight.”