Oman Through A Lens

A Trip to Oman

Operations Executive Daniel Mills enjoys a long weekend in Oman

A Trip to Oman

My love for the Middle East has substantially grown since my recent visit to Oman. Before arriving in the capital city of Muscat I had envisaged a rapidly expanding tourist destination similar to Dubai; to my surprise what I actually found was a country taking its time to develop and therefore not overrun by tourists or building projects. It was immediately obvious that this country takes pride in its rich history and culture and as a consequence has retained a strong identity.

Muscat is a fascinating city, flanked by two medieval forts, and surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches, and mountain ridges that break it into smaller townships. Many buildings in this unusual capital still date from the 16th century when it was occupied by the Portuguese. The highlight of my stay in Muscat was a visit to the stunning Grand Mosque. Never had I been to such an opulent building, which is said to house the world’s largest carpet, made from Persian Silk. It is also one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims and it was certainly a great privilege to be allowed access to this overwhelming place of worship.

Oman offers the perfect combination of historical and cultural places of interest and stunning beach resorts in which to spend some time relaxing. My stay was at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. The resort comprises three hotels: Al Waha (The Oasis), an ideal place for families, Al Bandar (The Town), in the heart of the resort, and Al Husn (The Castle), an exclusive six-star property. There is certainly something for everyone here and the attention to detail is exemplary. Its location on the private Al Jissah bay and proximity to Muscat make this an ideal base from which to explore this enthralling country.