Article Written By: LonelyPen
Modern OmanFor those looking for a holiday with a difference, travel to the jewel of the Middle East and discover everything that Oman has to offer.Modern OmanIn the last thirty years, The Sultanate of Oman (or Oman as it is more regularly known) has been transformed into a modern destination for the discerning traveller. Sultan Qaboos bin Said took over from the previous Sultan in 1970 and his forward-looking perspective, as well as his love for everything European, has gently changed Oman into an modern destination that can t be missed.With multi-cultural inhabitants hailing from a vast array of countries around the world, practising a number of different religions, Oman has an extremely tolerant outlook. They even have female cabinet ministers and ambassadors. Oman's tolerant, cosmopolitan society is unique in the Middle East and, with serious crime being extremely rare, it is truly a place you can relax and enjoy.The citiesMuscat, the capital city of Oman, is perhaps the most modern and well-known locations in Oman. The port hosts many visitors arriving on luxury cruise ships every day. This metropolitan city also boasts numerous museums as well as a modern opera house and plenty of contemporary hotels. Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and a breathtaking destination. It enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year and many are drawn to its beautiful beaches and mountainsYou can find plenty to keep you entertained in the cities including trendy piano bars and a range of restaurants serving contemporary as well as Omani cuisineShoppingShopping in the capital really shows you the combination of old and new that comprises today's Oman. For those looking for a taste of the traditional, Frankincense, spices, dates and antiques jostle for the limelight in the Omani souks. For those looking for more modern shopping, Oman is quickly catching up with its neighbour Dubai with several large luxury shopping malls with plenty of designer stores to choose from. The Muttriche souk in the Corniche area of Oman is the best place to purchase jewellery and you can order bespoke pieces of unique quality to take home with youBeaches and water sportsIn Oman there are hundreds of virtually untouched beaches where you can indulge in swimming, sailing and surfing in the crystal clear waters. In fact, Oman is arguably one of the best locations in the world for snorkelling with dramatic underwater landscapes to discover. You can enjoy white sands without fighting your way through any crowds. For those animal lovers, Ras al-Jinz in north-eastern Oman has an unmissable turtle reserveSafe and friendlyWhilst embracing the new, Oman s are also humble and very proud of their heritage. They are friendly to tourists and, with English being adopted as the country s second language, getting around is easy with most signs translated. You are likely to be greeted by the locals with a friendly "ahlan wa salan", which means 'hello and welcome'. As well as the modern hotels, you can find large child-friendly resorts or indulge in some camel trekking, camping Bedouin-style. It won't be long before the Middle East's best kept secret is out!
This Article Has Been Published on Thu, 3 Feb 2011 and Read 426 Times