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Preface This is a beginning of an attempt to compile the information gathered through the publications of Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, and interaction with those who have once visited and the locals who assisted on the way. I enjoyed visiting different parts of Sultanate of Oman, photographed to collect maximum information for virtual tour in down memory lane and instigating others to visit. I wish to share all this information with everybody who is / who will be the tourist of Sultanate of Oman. I travelled with my friends and with my wife. I assure you that Sultanate of Oman has made very good arrangements everywhere for the convenience of the tourists and even the ladies are comfortable. Omanis are very helpful despite language barrier. They have enough time to exchange greetings and enquire about your well being, only then they will come to the subject matter. Greet even a stranger saying, al salaam alaikum (wa rahmat allah wa barakato) [Islamic greeting, meaning: peace & mercy of allah (god) be upon you.]. His response will be, wa alaikum al salaam (wa rahmat Allah wa barakto) [means you too] This will break any barrier. I enjoyed. We enjoyed. I wish you all enjoy visiting Sultanate of Oman. Oman is too large and stuffed with attractions that it is not possible to have all the information in few pages. Intention is to instigate an urge to visit nooks and corners of Oman. Better Plan will fetch you joy and beautiful memories of Sultanate of Oman.

Get Closer
I thank L&T for giving me an opportunity to work in Oman without which this would not have been possible. I thank particularly C. S. Kole, A. K. Singh, JVSM Prasad, Abdulla Mamari, Dharmmender Hans, Dr. Sandesh Chinchkhandi, R. K. Bhat , Kishore Kudale, Atul Thakkar, Bhooshan Choudhary, Mandeep Singh, Pritpal Singh, Pinaki Poddar, Srikanth Reddy, Raghavendra Savadatti, Nilay Parekh from L&T Modular Fabrication Yard, Ashwini Paralkar and Atul Gokhale for helping, advising and encouraging me to prepare this guide. In addition to my own colleted data, I have used information freely available on Internet. I appologise for any mistakes. ---------------Subhash Gokhale--------------23rd July 2013, Oman Renaissance Day Page 2 of 402

Contents
Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Heading Preface Sultanate of Oman Cost of Living in Sohar, Oman Oman-Discovery of Oil The History of Oman Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said Tourist Attractions: GPS Oman Map Muscat Map Batinah, Dhakiliya & Sharqia Map Road Map for Masirah, Ad Duqm & Salalah Salalah Map National Dress Men National Dress Women National Animal: Arabian Oryx A National Tree: The Date Palm - Omans tree of life Traditional Omani Food & Fast Food Muscat Muscat: Ruwi Bait Al Falaj Airport Muscat Airport Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque @ Muscat Jalali Fort Mirani Fort Qasr Al Alam Palace The Zawawi Mosque Mathra Bander Museum of Omani Heritage The National Museum Children's Museum Natural History Museum Bait al Zubair The Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre PDO Planetarium Omani - French Museum The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum Aquarium and Marine Science& Fisheries Centre Animal World: Pet Shop Page 3 of 402 Page No. 2 7 11 13 16 19 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 35 38 47 50 50 56 57 64 65 66 67 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 73

Sr. No. 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 69 71 72

Heading Shiva Temple in Mathra, Muscat Krishna Temple in Ruwi, Muscat Calvary Fellowship Church, Muscat Ride the Sand Dunes in Muscat Qantab Beach Rocks around Muscat: Qantab, Yiti, Bander Khairan Marina Bander Dayqah Dam Sink Hole @ Najam Park Wadi Tiwi & Wadi Shab Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salema Plateu) Sur What's the difference between a turtle and tortoise? Turtle Watching Nizwa Fort Al Hoota Caves Jabel Shams Bahla Fort Jabrin Castle Jabel Akhder The Wahiba Sands Wadi Bani Khalid Al Duqm Barka Fort Ostrich Park Nakhal Fort Hot Water Spring Wukan Rustaq Fort Wadi Al Hoqain Heritage & Culture Camel Racing Know the Camel Bull Fighting Al Sawadi Beach Scuba Diving @ Dimaaniyat Island off Al Sawadi Sohar Anti Gravity Point Page 4 of 402

Page No. 74 74 75 76 79 80 86 88 91 94 96 101 102 102 107 112 117 119 120 121 141 146 151 154 155 160 164 167 173 174 178 179 184 186 190 196 208 212

Sr. No. 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110

Heading Flora & Fauna in Sohar Sanaya Garden in Sohar Friday Market in Sohar Sohar Fort Sohars Corniche Beach Omanis playing with Shells: Hawalis Handicrafts Souq in Sohar Sindabad Garden in Sohar Sallan Garden Sallan Beach in Sohar Rain in Sohar Sohar Port & Sohar Port Industrial Company Harmool Village L&T MFY and L&T Heavy Engineering Complex Vales Iron Ore Palletizing Plant Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC Sohar Aluminium Omans first Sugar Plant at Sohar Port Sohar Airport: Under Construction Oldest Tree in Oman near Liwa Buraimi Al Ain border Shinas Al Qurm Natural Park in Shinas Musundam Khasab Castle Know Dolphins Sinaw & Mahoot Masirah Island Sabkhs: Natural Salt Pans Loggerhead Turtles Hotels & Camping Salalah Fruit Stalls Al Husn Souq & Sultan's Palace Mughasail: Fountain of the Sea Lion of the Rocks Hairpin-Bend Road towards Yemen Page 5 of 402

Page No. 213 239 240 241 243 244 247 248 249 251 253 254 257 258 263 265 267 269 271 272 273 280 282 285 286 296 303 316 317 320 338 348 355 358 360 362 364 367

Sr. No. 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

Heading Sultan Qaboos Mosque Tomb of Nabi Umran Burj A'Nahdah, the Clock-tower Archeological Survey of Oman: Khor Rori Frankincense Tree at Khor Rori, Salalah Al-Baleed Jobs Tomb Wadi Darbat Tawi Attir: Sink Hole Sahnout Springs Warning: Camel on the Road

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Sultanate of Oman

Flag

National Emblem

National Anthem: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani Capital: Muscat (2336N 5833E) Official Langauge: Arabic Demonym: Omani Government: Unitary Islamic State under absolute monarchy Sultan: Qaboos bin Said al Said Deputy Prime Minister: Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said Area: 309,501 sq. km bordering with UAE, Saudi Arabia & Yemen, Madha & Musandum are surrounded by UAE and Gulf of Hormuz Coast: 2092 km Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman Oman lies between Latitudes 16 & 28 and Longitudes 52 & 60 Climate: Hot & Dry in interior and Humid along the coast Annual Rain fall: 100 mm in Muscat and 640 mm in Dhofar region Oman is divided in to 11 Governorates Page 7 of 402

Oman is divided into eleven governorates (muhafazah):

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Ad Dakhiliyah Ad Dhahirah Al Batinah North & Al Batinah South Al Buraimi Al Wusta Ash Sharqiyah North & Ash Sharqiyah South Dhofar Masqat Musandam

Each Governorate is subdivided in to Provinces called Wilayats The administrative division is as follows: Muscat Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Muscat, Muttrah, Al Amerat, Baushar, Seeb and Qurrayat. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Muscat. Musandam Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Khasab, Diba, Bukha and Madha. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Khasab.

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Al Buraimi Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Al Buraimi, Mahdha and Al Sinaina. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Al Buraimi. Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Nizwa, Bahla, Manah, Al Hamra, Adam, Izki, Samayil and Bid Bid. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Nizwa. Al Batinah North Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khabourah and Al Suwaiq. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Sohar. Al Batinah South Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Al Rostaq, Al Awabi, Nakhl, Wadi al Maawil, Barka and Musannah. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Rostaq. Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Sur, Al Kamil Wal Wafi, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Masirah. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Sur. Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Ibra, Al Mudhaibi, Bidiya, Al Kabil, Wadi Bani Khalid and Dima Wattayeen. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Ibra. Al Dhahira Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Ibri, Yankul and Dhank. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Ibri. Al Wosta Governorate. The affiliated wilayats are Haima, Mahout, Al Duqm and Al Jazir. The centre of the governorate is the Wilayat of Haima.

Ports: Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Dukum International Airport: Muscat Domestic Airports: Muscat, Salalah, Khasab, Sohar (under construction)

Population: 2,773,479 inclusive of 30% Expatriates Expats are from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, Jordon, Morocco, Sri Lanka, etc Omani Labour Force: 27% 50% Population concentrated in Muscat & Al Batinah Region Density: 9.2 persons / sq. km 7.5 persons / Omani Households 35% below 15 Years age 1.1 Male/Female Literacy: 88% Computer Usage: 53% Internet Usage: 33% Currency: Omani Rial 1 OMR = 2.6 USD GDP: $71,888 billion, Growth Rate: 5% GDP Per Capita: $23,315 GDP Contribution: Page 9 of 402

Oil& Gas: 40% (exports 850,000 bpd of which 167,000 bpd from Sohar Port) Services: 34.7% Manufacturing: 10% Construction: 6.7% Transport Storage & Communication: 6% Electricity & Water Supplies: 1% Mining & Quarrying: 0.3% Agriculture & Fishing: 1.3%

Electricity generated using fossil fuels

Very limited natural water resources: 32 Ground Water Dams, 67 Surface Storage Dams and 43 Ground Water Recharge Dams are constructed Water Sources: Spring Water from Mountain regions, Desalinated Water

Irrigated Land: 580 sq. km Agricultural Products: Dates, Lime, Bananas, Alfalfa, Vegetables, etc

Natural Resources: Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Asbestos, Marble, Limestone, Frankincense, etc Oil was first discovered in western desert near Fahud in 1964 Exports: Petroleum (60%), Natural Gas (8%), Fisheries, Metals, etc Crude Oil Production: 88,900 Barrels / day Natural Gas Production: 2.75 Billion Cu. Ft / day Total Exports: $4400 million

Oman is not a member of OPEC

Industries: Mainly Petroleum industries, Cement, Copper, Aluminum, Glass, etc

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Cost of Living in Sohar, Oman

Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar Cappuccino (regular) Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) Water (0.33 liter bottle) OMR 2.000 8.000 1.840 1.500 0.100 0.10 0

Markets
Milk (regular), 1 liter Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) Rice (1kg) Eggs (12) Local Cheese (1kg) Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) Apples (1kg) Oranges (1kg) Tomato (1kg) Potato (1kg) Lettuce (1 head) Water (1.5 liter bottle) Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 0.400 0.600 0.300 1.600 2.500 2.500 0.700 0.550 0.350 0.390 0.450 0.150 0.250 0.200 to 0.500 5.000 0.114 0.120 0.146

Transportation
Taxi (Local) Taxi (Sohar to Muscat: Sharing) Petrol - Regular(1 liter) Petrol Super (1 Liter) Diesel (1 liter)

Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 15.000 0.040 23.000

Sports And Leisure

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 7.000 to 15.000 2.000

Clothing And Shoes

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 1 Pair of Nike Shoes 1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes Page 11 of 402 20.000 20.000 35.000

Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Electricity Tariffs Residential Slab in kWh Tariff in Bz/kWh 1 to 3000 10 3001 to 5000 15 5001 to 7000 20 7001 to 10000 25 Over 10000 30 Agriculture & Fisheries Slab in kWh Tariff in Bz/kWh 1 to 7000 10 Over 7000 20 Industrial Period of Year Tariff in Bz/kWh September to April 12 May to August 24 100.000 75.000 250.000 200.000

Tourism Slab in kWh Tariff in Bz/kWh 1 to 3000 10 3001 to 5000 15 Over 5000 20

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Oman-Discovery of Oil

At the end of World War I, the Arab states of the gulf were weak, with faltering economies and with local rulers who maintained their autonomy only with British assistance. The rulers controlled mainly the small port cities and some of the hinterland. The sultan in Oman claimed a somewhat larger area, but resistance to his rule made it difficult for him to exert his authority much beyond Muscat. The discovery of oil in the region changed all this. Oil was first discovered in Iran, and by 1911 a British concern, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), was producing oil in Iran. The British found oil in Iraq after World War I. In 1932 Standard Oil Company of California (Socal) discovered oil in commercial quantities in Bahrain. Socal then obtained a concession in Saudi Arabia in 1933 and discovered oil in commercial quantities in 1938. A flurry of oil exploration activity occurred in the gulf in the 1930s with the United States and Britain competing with one another for oil concessions. One reason for the increased activity was that in 1932 the new Iranian government of Reza Shah Pahlavi revoked APOC's concession. Although the shah and the British later agreed on new terms, the threat of losing Iranian oil convinced the British in particular that they must find other sources. The small states of the Persian Gulf were a natural place to look. Geological conditions were similar to those in Iran, and, because of treaties signed between 1820 and 1920, the British had substantial influence and could restrict foreign access. Oil exploration did not mean immediate wealth for Arab rulers of the area. Although the oil companies struck large deposits of oil in Bahrain almost immediately, it took longer in other Page 13 of 402

countries to locate finds of commercial size. Oman, for instance, was unable to export oil until 1967. World War II delayed development of whatever fields had been discovered in the 1930s; so it was not until the 1950s that countries still technically dependent on Britain for their security began to earn large incomes. The oil fields in Kuwait were developed the fastest, and by 1953 that nation had become the largest oil producer in the gulf. Considerably smaller fields in Qatar came on-stream in commercial quantities in the 1950s, and Abu Dhabi began to export offshore oil in 1962. Dubai began to profit from offshore oil deposits in the late 1960s.

Until the 1970s, foreign companies owned and managed the gulf oil industry. In most cases, European- and United States-based concerns formed subsidiaries to work in specific countries, and these subsidiaries paid fees to the local rulers, first for the right to explore for oil and later for the right to export the oil. When the first arrangements were made, local rulers had a weak bargaining position because they had few other sources of income and were eager to get revenues from the oil companies as fast as possible. Moreover, in 1930 no one knew the size of gulf oil reserves. As production increased and the extent of oil deposits became known, indigenous rulers improved their terms. In the 1950s, rulers routinely demanded an equal share of oil company profits in addition to a royalty fee. By the 1970s, most of the gulf countries, which by then were independent of British control, bought major shares in the subsidiary companies that worked within their borders. By the early 1990s, many of these subsidiaries had become completely state-owned concerns. They continued to employ Western experts at the highest decision making levels, but the local government had ultimate responsibility and profits. The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is the voice of the industry in the region. Established as a non-profit organization in March 2006, it is the first trade association in the Gulf and the largest and most respected industry body representing the downstream sector in the Middle East.

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Invoice of the First Crude Oil Export from Oman to U.K.by PDO Page 15 of 402

The History of Oman

Little is known about Oman's pre-Islamic past but it is clear from recent archeological discoveries and research that early civilizations existed at least 5000 years ago. Sumerian tablets refer to a country named "Magan" as a source of copper. It seems certain that they referred to Oman. Evidence from excavations near Sohar shows that the copper mining and smelting industry was well developed by the year 2000BC. Frankincense from Dhofar, which was so important in the social religious life of ancient people, also provides evidence of the existence of an early trading community. It is also clear that there were farming and fishing settlements from the earliest times. The ancestors of present day Omanis are believed to have arrived in two waves of migration over a number of years, the first from Yemen and the second from northern Arabia at a time when various parts of the country were occupied by the Persians. The call of the Prophet Mohammed to the Omanis to become Muslims altered the course of their history. It was in about 630 AD that Amr Ibn al-As arrived in Oman bearing a letter from the Prophet to Abd and Jaifar, the two sons of al-Julanda, who ruled Oman jointly. Having embraced Islam, they were instrumental in defeating the Persians. The early Imamate in Oman arose out of a vision to create the true and ideal Muslim state. The first Ibadhi Imam, Julanda bin Mas'ud, was elected in 751 AD but he died in battle and it was not until 801 AD after a period of turmoil that Warith bin Kaab was elected. There then followed a period of peace, stability and prosperity lasting more than three hundred years. Maritime trade flourished and Sohar became the greatest sea port in the Islamic world. As they traveled and traded, the Omanis spread the message of Islam, as well as Arab culture and language, reaching as far east as China. Portuguese Occupation: In the early 16th century after the Portuguese under Vasco de Gama had discovered the sea route round the Cape of Good Hope to India, they occupied Muscat for a century and a half in order to dominate the trade which had until then been an Arab Monopoly. The Portuguese were expelled from Muscat in 1650 by Sultan bin Saif alYarubi. The Ya'aruba Dynasty: Since the expulsion of the Portuguese no other foreign power has ever occupied Oman, apart from a brief period when the Persians made a partial occupation. The Ya'aruba Imams introduced a period of renaissance in Omani fortunes both at home and abroad, uniting the country and bringing prosperity. It was under the Ya'aruba dynasty that many of the imposing castles and beautiful buildings that have been restored recently, such as the fort at Nizwa and the Palace at Jabrin, were built.

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Civil War: Unfortunately, on the death in 118 of the Imam, Sultan bin Saif II, civil war broke out over the election of his successor. Persian troops occupied Muttrah and Muscat but failed to take Sohar which was defended by Ahmad bin Said, who continued to fight the Persians and drive them from Oman after the civil war had ended. The Al bu Said Dynasty In 1744 Ahmad bin Said, who was a man of outstanding personality and courage, was elected Imam. He faced a number of difficulties in reconciling the rival factions after the civil war, but he managed to build up the Omani navy into a power to be reckoned with, personally leading expeditions against pirates and driving the Persians out of Basra. When he died in 1783, his son Said was elected Imam but he was not popular, being replaced by his son Hamad, who had been de facto ruler in Muscat while his father remained in Rostaq. Hamad died suddenly in 1792 and his uncle, Sayyid Sultan bins Ahmed, assumed power until his death in 1804. He had exercised such tight control over Oman and trade in the Gulf that European powers dealt with him as the effective ruler of the country. Sayyid Sultan was succeeded by his son, Sayyid Said bin Sultan, who consolidated his father's achievements at home and abroad during his reign from 1804-1856. It was in this period that Oman reached its zenith as a regional power with possessions on both sides of the Gulf and in East Africa. Sayyid Said concentrated on developing his country's economy and commerce. He made Zanzibar his second capital and concluded agreements with the European powers, as well as sending a special envoy to the United States, making Oman the first Arab state to establish diplomatic relations with that country. Thereafter, however, there followed a period of decline and, at the time of the First World War, Oman's share of international commercial activities was very limited. Indeed, Oman remained largely isolated from the rest of the world until, in 1970; His Majesty Sultan Qaboos came to power. His Majesty's reign was the beginning of a bright new era that renewed Oman's historic glories and opened a new chapter of development, prosperity and social and economic progress. Family tree of Sultan Qaboos The ruling Al-Busaid dynasty descends from Sayyid Mubarak al-Saidi al-Azdy, of the Banu Hiba, a clan belonging to the Hiwani tribe of Yemen. His great great-grandson, Sayyid Ahmad bin Said, was elected as Imam in 1744, after the extinction of the Ya'rubi dynasty. His son, Sayyid Said bins Ahmad, seized temporal power in 1775. Elected as Imam on his father's death in 1783, Said was himself excluded from temporal power by his own sons in 1786. He died in 1811 (or 1803), the last elected Imam of Oman. The dynasty reached its zenith during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan (1806-1856), when Oman became the centre of a vast sea-borne empire along the coasts and islands of eastern Africa and the Persian Gulf. Sultan Qaboos married his cousin Kamila. His marriage ended in divorce and he did not have any children.

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Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said

Qaboos bin Said Al Said, born on 18 November 1940 in Salalah in Dhofar, is the Sultan of Oman and its Dependencies. He is the only son of Sultan Said bin Taimur and princess Mazoon alMashani. He rose to power after overthrowing his father, Said bin Taimur, in a palace coup in 1970. He is the 14th-generation descendant of the founder of the Al Bu Sa'idi dynasty. Early life After 1958 Said ibn Taimur established his residence at Al Hisn near Salalah, in Dhofar, where he remained permanently except for periodic visits to London. By retiring to the south from Muscat, Said ibn Taimur was not only more secure from assassination but was also no longer obligated to meet frequently with tribal shaykhs and distribute subsidies and thereby avoided depleting the treasury. He married Dhofari wives, one of whom bore him his only heir, Qabus ibn Said, and two daughters. Above all, Said ibn Taimur created his personal fiefdom and sought to arrest modernization by enforcing antiquated laws, public executions, and slavery of people of African descent. The isolation and xenophobia that he forced on the country and on Dhofar in particular left Oman grossly underdeveloped, despite increasing oil export revenues in the late 1960s. Qabus ibn Said spent his early years isolated within the royal palace. He received his primary and secondary education at Salalah and Pune [Maharashtra, India]. Late ex-President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma was his teacher and mentor. He was sent to a private educational establishment in England at age sixteen. At the instigation of his father's British advisers, Qabus ibn Said was permitted to go to Britain in 1958 for his education. He spent two years at a small private school, where he acquired mastery of the English language. In 1960 he was enrolled in the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, and, after graduating from a two-year course of study, Page 19 of 402

served for several months with British units stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). He also held a staff appointment with the British Army. After his military service, Sultan Qaboos studied local government subjects in England and, after a world tour, After a world tour and studies in London, he returned to Salalah, Oman in December 1964, where he studied Islam and the history of his country. Sultan Qaboos ibn Said is a Muslim of the Ibadi school of jurisprudence, which has traditionally ruled Oman. A religious liberal, he has financed the construction or maintenance of a number of mosques, notably the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, as well as the holy places of other religions His father, however, refused to entrust him with a responsible role in the government or military and instead sequestered him, virtual house-arrest in the Royal Palace of Salalah. For six years prior to Said bin-Taymur's overthrow, Qaboos experienced.. Qabus ibn Said's more cosmopolitan and progressive views were incompatible with his father's conservatism and isolationism, which Qabus ibn Said considered detrimental to the country's development. With the tacit endorsement of the British, who saw thirty-year-old Qabus ibn Said as an agreeable alternative, Qabus ibn Said and a number of alienated political elite supporting Qaboos clashed with forces loyal to Said binTaymur and overthrew him in a palace coup d'tat on July 23, 1970. Said ibn Taimur withdrew to London, where he died in 1972. Qaboos acceded to the throne on 23 July 1970 with the aim of ending the country's isolation and using its oil revenue for modernization and development, moving to Muscat. There he declared that the country would no longer be known as Muscat and Oman, but would change its name to "the Sultanate of Oman" in order to better reflect its political unity.

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.In 1976 Qaboos ibn Said married his cousin, Kamila, ne Sayyidah Nawwal bint Tariq (born 1951), daughter of HH Sayyid Tariq ibn Taymur. However, the marriage soon ended in divorce and he has never remarried or had any children. Qaboos bin Said is an avid fan and promoter of classical music. His 120-member orchestra has a high reputation in the Middle East. The orchestra consists entirely of young Omanis who, since 1986, audition as children and grow up as members of the symphonic ensemble. They play locally and travel abroad with the sultan. Argentine composer Lalo Schifrin was commissioned to compose a work entitled Symphonic Impressions of Oman and the Sultan is particularly enthusiastic about the pipe organ. The Sultan's birthday, 18 November, is celebrated as Oman's national holiday. The first day of his reign, 23 July, is celebrated as Renaissance Day. Rise to powe The first pressing problem that Qaboos bin Said faced as Sultan was an armed communist insurgency from South Yemen, the Dhofar Rebellion (19651975). The Sultanate eventually defeated the incursion with help from Iran, Jordanian troops sent from his friend King Hussein of Jordan, British Special Forces, and the Royal Air Force. Succession Unlike the heads of other Gulf Arab states, Qaboos bin Said has not publicly named an heir. Article 6 of the constitution actually provides that the Ruling Family Council chooses the successor after the throne becomes vacant, and that the Sultan's preference, to be expressed in an official letter (which Qaboos says has already been sealed and delivered to the defence minister), is only resorted to in the event of lack of familial consensus.

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Qaboos bin Said has no children and has three sisters; there are other male members of the Omani Royal Family including several paternal uncles and their families. Using primogeniture the successor to Qaboos would appear to be the children of his late uncle, His Royal Highness Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, the former, first and only Prime Minister in Oman's history.

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Tourist Attractions: GPS

The Sultanate is rich in tourist attractions, with several natural and scenic destinations scattered in every corner of the country. Each governorate in the Sultanate comprises different landmarks with its own traditional and cultural aspects that attract both citizens and visitors alike. The Sultanates natural wonders that reflect the geographical diversity of deserts, mountains and wadis among many others, make for a real attraction more than anything else. GPS of various places of interest for tourists:
Qurum Natural Park, Muscat Latitude : 2337'7.91"N Longitude : 5829'25.13"E Wadi Darbat Latitude : 17 5'19.78"N Longitude : 5426'8.21"E Wadi Al-Hoqain Latitude : 2332'44.38"N Longitude : 5720'27.26"E Wadi Bani Auf Latitude : 2318'56.85"N Longitude : 5728'55.41"E Wadi Fida Latitude : 2330'23.95"N Longitude : 5630'50.32"E Wadi Dhiqah Latitude : 23 5'20.98"N Longitude : 5851'55.41"E Wadi Bani Khalid Latitude : 2237'2.15"N Longitude : 59 5'36.83"E Wadi Shab Latitude : 2250'13.72"N Longitude : 5914'34.71"E Wadi Tiwi Latitude : 2248'30.28"N Longitude : 5914'54.49"E Naseem Garden Latitude : 2341'42.00"N Longitude : 58 2'50.00"E Yiti Latitude : 2330'23.11"N Longitude : 5839'47.85"E Qantab Beach Latitude : 2333'7.00"N Longitude : 5838'38.00"E Ras Al Hadd Latitude : 2230'28.89"N Longitude : 5945'51.57"E Al Sawadi Beach Resort Latitude : 2346'33.06"N Longitude : 5746'58.79"E Chedi Hotel Latitude : 2336'9.00"N Longitude : 5823'54.00"E Intercontinental Hotel Latitude: 2336'58.00"N Longitude: 5827'55.00"E Grand Hyatt Hotel Latitude : 2336'32.00"N Longitude : 5826'40.00"E Al Bustan Palace Hotel Latitude : 2334'2.00"N Longitude : 5836'56.00"E Shangri La Latitude: 2333'2.00"N Longitude: 5839'38.00"E Crowne Plaza Hotel Latitude: 2337'42.98"N Longitude: 5828'55.32"E Golden Tulip Hotel Latitude : 2335'5.00"N Longitude : 5818'14.00"E Shangri La Latitude : 2333'2.00"N Longitude : 5839'38.00"E Oman Exhibition Center Latitude : 2335'5.00"N Longitude : 5818'20.00"E ROP - D.G.-Civil Status Latitude : 2334'56.00"N Longitude : 5817'8.00"E ROP - D.G.-Traffic Latitude : 2335'9.00"N Longitude : 5818'35.00"E ROP Licensing and Driving Test Area Latitude : 2336'5.00"N Longitude : 5829'17.00"E Al-Jalali Castle Latitude : Latitude: 2337'0.00"N Longitude : 5835'52.00"E

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Al-Mirani Castle Latitude: 2337'1.60"N Longitude: 5835'36.40"E Nakhal Castle Latitude: 2323'41.00"N Longitude: 5749'43.00"E

Rustaq Castle Latitude: 2323'30.00"N Longitude: 5725'35.00"E Sohar Castle Latitude: 2421'44.00"N Longitude: 5644'58.00"E

Nizwa Castle Latitude: 2256'0.00"N Longitude: 5731'49.00"E Bahla Castle Latitude: 2257'52.00"N Longitude: 5718'2.00

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National Dress - Men

The national dress for Omani men is a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves called the dishdasha. The colour most frequently worn is white, although a variety of other colours such as black, blue, brown and lilac can also be seen. Its main adornment is a tassel (furakha) sewn into the neckline, which can be impregnated with perfume. Underneath the dishdasha, a plain piece of cloth covering the body is worn from the waist down. Omani men may wear a variety of head dresses. The muzzar is a square of finely woven woolen or cotton fabric, wrapped and folded into a turban. Underneath this, the kummar, an intricately embroidered cap, is sometimes worn. The shal, a long strip of cloth acting as a holder for the khanjar (a silver, hand-crafted knife or dagger) may be made from the same material as the muzzar. Alternatively, the holder may be fashioned in the form of a belt made from leather and silver, which is called a sapta. On formal occasions, the dishdasha may be covered by a black or beige cloak, called a bisht. The embroidery edging the cloak is often in silver or gold thread and it is intricate in detail. Some men carry the assa, a stick, which can have practical uses or is simply used as an accessory during formal events. Omani men, on the whole, wear sandals on their feet. The Khanjar The curved dagger, the khanjar is a distinguishing feature of the Omani personality as well as an important symbol of male elegance. It is traditionally worn at the waist. The shape of the khanjar is always the same and is characterized by the curve of the blade and by the near right- angle bend of the sheath. Sheaths may vary from simple covers to ornate silver or gold-decorated pieces of great beauty and delicacy. In the past the silver khanjars were made by melting down Marie Theresa silver coins. Different types of khan jars are named after the regions in which they are made and vary according to size, shape, type of metal and the overlay. The top of the handle of the most usual khanjar is flat but the "Saidi" type, which takes its name from the Ruling Family, has an ornate cross-shaped top. However, all possess certain common features and have the same components: The hilt may be made of costly rhinoceros horn or substitutes such as sandalwood and marble. The blade determines the value of the khanjar according to its strength and quality.

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 The sadr, or upper part of the sheath, is decorated with silver engraving, The sheath , the most striking part of the khanjar, is worked with silver threads. Khanjars are supported on belts of locally made webbing, sometimes interwoven with silver thread or belts of leather covered by finely woven silver wire with handsome silver buckles, and a knife with an ornate handle of silver thread is often stuck into a simple leather pouch behind the sheath. Khanjars are worn on formal occasions and at feasts and holidays, and almost all Omani men boast one. Once worn in self-defence, the khanjar is today both a fashion accessory and a prestige item much in demand.

Harbia / Yeolah: Mens Folk Dance

National Dress - Women

The rules of sexual modesty in Islamic culture require a woman to be modestly covered at all times, especially when traveling farther from the home. At all times, the Omani woman wears a long dress to her knees along with ankle-length pants and a leeso, or scarf, covering her hair and neck. Once outside the home, a woman is required to wear the burqa to cover her face in the presence of other males, along with the wiqaya, or head scarf, and the abba, an all-enveloping cloak revealing only her hands and feet. The cotton burqa is symbolic of the expectations of the ideal woman and act as a mark of respect to represent her modesty and honor as well as her status. The burqa, first worn by a young girl after her seven-day honeymoon, is on whenever she is in the presence of strangers or outside the home, covering most or her face from view. The highest and lowest classes of Omanis do not wear the burqathe highest being the children and relatives of the Sultan and the lowest being the poorest women in the town. This makes the burqa a symbol of rank as well.

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Omani women have very colorful costumes which vary from region to region. The main components of a woman's outfit comprise of a dress which is worn over trousers (sirwal) and the headdress, called the lihaf. There are numerous traditional styles of Omani costume seen in Muscat. However, there are three main types which show vibrant colors, embroidery and decorations. One style of costume is rather flowing and resembles that worn by the women of the Interior, while another is decorated with distinctive silver bands. The embroidery on these dresses can take around two months to complete.

The jewellery worn by Omani women is fashioned mainly from gold, although the traditional metal was silver. Art work is very intricate and elaborates patterns and symbols, even Quranic calligraphy, is engraved into the metal. Traditional footwear was a type of platform shoe made from wood called the qurhaf. However, most women now wear sandals or Western-style fashion shoes. Omani women have used natural cosmetics and beauty preparations for centuries and are available at souqs all over the Sultanate. Kohl, a dark powder used as eyeliner made mainly from frankincense or the roots of the arvea jevanica, is still used to enhance the eyes and is applied with a small stick made from silver (marwat) or wood. As a 'moisturizer' women grind the seeds of the prunes mauled together with the yellow pigment of the carthamus tincturius flower. Indigo is also used as a 'skin wash'. The indigo is pounded into a powder and rubbed into the skin, to then be rinsed off with the crushed leaves of the becium dhofarense. This beauty treatment leaves the skin smooth and faintly tinged with blue which enhances the natural skin tone and is

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complemented by the colors contained within the vibrant dresses and scarves. Indigo is also applied to the face in decorative patterns for festivals and celebrations, such as weddings. Hair is conditioned with oil extracted from the shoo seeds which is said to make the hair shine and delay the signs of graying. A popular shampoo is made from sidr and ipomoea nil leaves. Many women in Oman paint their hands and feet with henna, particularly before special occasions such as Eid holidays or weddings. Henna comes from the plant of the same name and is extracted by pounding the leaves into a powder which is then mixed with water to form a thick paste. The paste is applied in patterns on the hands and feet, which, when dried, leaves a temporary orange/brown design which fades after around three weeks.

National Animal: Arabian Oryx

The Arabian Oryx or White Oryx is a medium-sized antelope with a distinct shoulder bump, long, straight horns, and a tufted tail. It is the smallest member of Oryx genus, native to desert and steppe areas of the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian Oryx was extinct in the wild by the early 1970s, but was saved in zoos and private preserves and reintroduced into the wild starting in 1980. In 1986, the Arabian Oryx was classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and in 2011 it was the first animal to revert to vulnerable status after previously being listed as extinct in the wild. In 2011, populations were estimated at over 1000 individuals in the wild, and 6000 7000 individuals in captivity worldwide. A Qatari Oryx named "Orry" was chosen as the official games mascot for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, and is shown on tail wings of planes belonging to Middle Eastern airline Qatar Airways. An Arabian Oryx stands about 1 m high at the shoulder. Weighs around 90 kg.

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Its coat is an almost luminous white, the undersides and legs are brown, and black stripes occur where the head meet the neck, on the forehead, on the nose and going from the horn down across the eye to the mouth. Both sexes have long, straight or slightly curved, ringed horns which are 50 to 75 cm long. Its natural habitat is a harsh climate and barren terrain with little water. It can detect rainfall and will move towards it, which it sometimes has to cover distances of over 150 km in search of new grazing, a herd in Oman can range over 3,000 km2. It can survive without water for long periods of time by drinking dew and fog water that has formed on the plants upon which it feeds. The Oryx spends the heat of the day in the shade of trees during the hot season, only going out to graze and browse when it is cool. In winter it grazes in the daytime and shelters from cold winds at night. Arabian Oryx rest during the heat of the day and meaning they have huge ranges; Herds are of mixed sex and usually contain between two and 15 animals, though herds of up to 100 have been reported. The adult male Oryx is usually territorial and rarely travels with the herds, that on average comprise 5 animals, usually females and their calves. Males will fight to defend females and territories from other males and this may result in injury or death. Arabian Oryx are generally not aggressive toward one another, which allow herds to exist peacefully for some time. Other than humans, wolves are the Arabian Oryx's only predator. In captivity and good conditions in the wild, Oryx have a life span of up to 20 years. The female Oryx may give birth to its first calf, weighing 3-5 kgs, in the 22nd month of her life and thereafter she can give birth every year, as the gestation period is 8.5 months. They may live to 20 years. In periods of drought, though, their life expectancy may be significantly reduced by malnutrition and dehydration. Other causes of death include fights between males, snakebites, disease, and drowning during floods. The last herd of Arabian Oryx in central Oman, was wiped out in 1972 as a result of indiscriminate hunting. Fortunately, in 1962 an international wildlife organization had already rescued three animals in southern Arabia and joined by 8 animals donated from private collections of the region these few animals ensured the survival of the species until such time as circumstances would allow the Oryx to be reintroduced into its natural range. This time came when in 1976 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued directives for the reintroduction of the Oryx. And so it was that in March 1980 a herd of Oryx arrived in the Sultanate from Phoenix Zoo in the USA, to be released after 2 years of acclimatization into the wild in the Jiddat Al Harasis, where the last Oryx had been killed and where the local people pledged to protect the Oryx. The reintroduction was a success and by 1996 the wild population numbered over 450, all

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but 19 of which were born in the desert. In 1994 the area was declared the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Oman's first protected area, and later that year UNESCO listed the Sanctuary on its World Natural and Cultural Heritage Register. Unfortunately the wild herds were severely reduced between 1996 and 1999 when poachers took Oryx for live sale outside of the Sultanate. However, the poaching was stopped and new measures have been introduced locally and within the region to prevent further illegal capture and trade. These measures include the formation of a regional Committee for the Conservation of the Oryx - the first meeting of which was held in Muscat in 2000. Projects for environmental tourism with revenues reaching the local people and environmental education are underway in the Sanctuary and a new visitor centre has been built at the desert headquarters of the re-introduction project.

National Tree: The Date Palm - Omans tree of life

The consumption of only fifteen dates satisfies the daily requirements for essential vitamins, minerals and other trace elements for an adult person. Stored in clay vessels dates keep for several years. They constituted the most important part of the diet of those Omanis who were travelling in inhospitable regions, in deserts and on the oceans. Thanks to dates and dried lemons Omani seamen were protected from the scourge of western sailors, scurvy, which was endemic due to vitamin deficiency. Following an age-old tradition many Omanis still plant the shoot of a date palm to commemorate the birth of a son. The childs personal tree grows alongside him, providing many of lifes necessities. The lifespan of a date palm is about that of a man and having a

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personal tree is a guarantee against starvation. It serves as a form of traditional life insurance.

The date palm is the most enduring symbol of the Sultanate's rich heritage, alongside the trusty camel, the vitalizing falaj and other long-cherished aspects of traditional Omani life. It has been the main wealth of people in past generations, the fruit serving as a source of daily nourishment, with the branches and the tree trunk proving valuable in the creation of a great many things that have been an integral part of the Omani home and household. Even today, date palm cultivation continues to be the mainstay of the vast majority of farmers in the Sultanate. Not only is it a source of income, but the pursuit of a tradition bequeathed by one generation to the next. The palm thus enjoys a near hallowed place in every farmer's consciousness. A good harvest would not only represent the fruit of his labour, but that of his father and possibly his grandfather before him as well, who planted the tree in the first place and nurtured it carefully in his lifetime. For many farmers therefore, the death of a tree, or the threat of blight, can likely trigger near so much grief as a family tragedy. The date palm season usually starts around January, when farmers go about the task of facilitating the fertilization of the female palm tree. From earliest times, fertilization has been aided by cutting off the male flower cluster just before the stamens ripen and suspending it among the flowers of the female tree. Elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula, mechanical blowers are used to deposit a coat of pollen on the female flowers. It is an arduous process given the fact that only one male tree

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may be found in a whole garden of palm trees. Moreover, the farmer has to make sure there are enough stamens to go around for the whole fertilization process to be satisfactory enough to ensure a bountiful yield. At this time, he also trims each tree of dried branches. Three months later, the farmer is up the tree again, to make sure the blossoming date clusters descend properly and rest on the tree's lowest ring of green branches. This would not only facilitate their healthy growth into mature dates, but would also allow the farmer easy access to the clusters at harvest. The harvest is usually undertaken in two stages. The first stage locally termed as Ratab involves the picking of only those dates that are partially ripe on the tree. These dates mainly of the Ash Patash and Al Nagal varieties are among the first to hit the market, but are not as sweet as the ones that are to follow. As the harvest season progresses, dates of the Al Khunaizi variety described as the most sugary in taste and the Al Khalas billed as the most delicious also enter the market, followed closely by Al Mebselli and Al Khasab varieties. However, some quantities of dates, especially of the coveted Al Khalas and Al Khunaizi varieties are left on the tree to naturally ripen, thus allowing the fruit to acquire its full taste and flavor. These are harvested en masse during the second stage of the harvest popularly called Al Tamer. The Al Tamer harvest generally represents dates of guaranteed taste, flavor and quality. The annual yield of a single tree may reach 270 kg, with each cluster of dates weighing up to 12 kg. The fleshy part of the fruit contains about 58 per cent sugar and 2 per cent each of fat, protein, and minerals. Leaf stalks are used for basketry and wickerwork, leaves are woven into bags and mats, and fiber from both is made into cordage.

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Traditional Omani Food & Fast Food

The cuisine of Oman is generally very simple, with the aid of many spices and marinades to complete a dish, which usually consists of chicken, fish, and mutton. Unlike that of many other Asian nations, Omani cuisine is not spicy, and varies regionally. By using various marinades and impregnating meat with spices, the result is a mouth-watering concoction which stimulates the taste buds. Everyday meals generally have components such as rice, a wide variety of soup, salad, curry, and fresh vegetables. For dessert, many Omani people have a kind of sweet, known as Omani halwa. This is usually served before the consumption of kahwa. Kahwa is an Omani coffee which is very popular and remains a symbol of hospitality. Other popular drinks include tea. A favourite drink is laban, salty buttermilk. Yoghurt drinks, flavoured with cardamom and pistachio nuts are also very popular. Although spices, herbs, onion, garlic and lime are liberally used in traditional Omani cuisine, unlike similar Asian food, it is not hot. Omani cuisine is also distinct from the indigenous foods of other Gulf States and even varies within the Sultanate's different regions. The differences between some of the dishes prepared in Salalah, in the south, and those prepared in Muscat, in the north, are so market that it is difficult to find anything common between them. Rice is used widely and is served in a variety of ways, from steamed to elaborate concoctions bursting with meat and vegetables. Breads rage from the plain to those flavoured with dates, sesame, thyme and garlic. For desert, Omani halwa, or sweatmeat, is a traditional favourite.

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Special dishes are prepared for festive occasions. The Islamic world celebrates two main religious festivals - Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated following the Holy Month of Ramadan when people complete their obligatory fasting for 30 days. Eid Al Adha is celebrated on completing the Haj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca, commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham. Dishes prepared during Ramadan are very seldom cooked on other occasions. Food cooked on important occasions, such as Eid, is of an infinite variety. Omanis across the country serve an array of dishes. In Dhofar and Wusta, the festivities start with ruz al mudhroub, a dish made of cooked rice and served with fried fish, and maqdeed, special dried meat. In Muscat, Al Batinah, Dahira and Sharqiya regions, muqalab, a dish of tripe and pluck cooked with crushed or ground spices (cinnamon, cardamom, clove, black pepper, ginger, garlic and nutmeg), dominates the menu. Other dishes served during Eid festivities include arsia, a dish of lamb meat cooked with rice, and mishkak, skewered meat grilled on charcoal. Lunch on the first day of Eid is usually harees, which is made from wheat mixed with meat. Lunch on the second day is mishkak, while on the third and last day, shuwa forms the whole day's meal. However, it is during Ramadan that one can experience Omani food at its best and two of the most popular traditional dishes served at Iftar, the breaking of the fast include sakhana, a thick, sweet soup made of wheat, date, molasses and milk and fatta, a meat and vegetable dish, mixed with khubz rakhal, thin Omani bread, made out of unleavened dough. Shuwa is a typically Omani delicacy prepared only on very special occasions. Whole villages participate in the cooking of the dish which consists of a whole cow or goat roasted for up to two days in a special oven prepared in a pit dug in the ground. The method of preparing shuwa is elaborate. The meat is marinated with red pepper, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cardamom, garlic and vinegar and then wrapped in sacks made of dry banana or palm leaves. These sacks are then thrown into the smoldering oven, which is covered with a lid and sealed so that no smoke escapes. In some villages, the meat is cooked for 24 hours while in others it is believed that meat tastes better after 48 hours.

Various Fruits from the world over as well as varieties of Milk Products are consumed in large quantities and are available in all the shops throught out the year.

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Khawa

One delight that remains a symbol of Omani hospitality throughout the country is the ubiquitous dates, served with Khawa, or Omani coffee. To be invited into someone's home will mean coffee (kahwa). Khawa is prepared from freshly roasted ground coffee mixed with cardamom powder and dates or halwa, a sticky sweet gelatinous substance which is made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and spices. It can be flavoured with many different ingredients, such as nuts, rosewater or even chocolate. Lokhemat is another accompaniment to coffee, which are balls of flour and yeast flavoured with cardamom and deep fried until golden then served with a sweet lime and cardamom syrup. The sweetness of this dish often counteracts the bitterness of the kahwa.

Dates

Researchers in the Food Science and Nutrition Department of Sultan Qaboos University have embarked on in vitro studies including cell lines to find out the effect of Omani date palm fruit against Alzheimers disease (AD). Based on their initial findings, the researchers claim that Oman date varieties have the ability to reduce the progression of Alzheimers disease due to the presence of

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polyphenols and the result of their study could give a novel lead in developing new therapeutic drugs that might be helpful in the treatment and/or prevention against AD. AD is the most common type of dementia which is characterised by loss of memory and leads to affecting daily activities. The damage in brain cells is believed to be caused by the accumulation of the protein beta Amyloid outside nerve cells which leads to cell death and reduces the connection between brain cells. Although there are currently no proven ways to delay the onset or slow the progression of AD, evidences suggest that diet can influence the risk of developing AD and alter amyloid beta protein (A) levels. It follows that if the fibrillogenic nature of A could be circumvented by agents or nutrients, disease prevention or amelioration could possibly be translated into reality. The key step, then, involves identifying these agents that promote solubility or arrest fibrillogenesis of toxic A. Six Omani date palm fruit (Fardh, Kasab, Khalas, Khuniazi, Handal and Kush Habib) varieties Dates can increase the viability of the cells, mitochondrial protection and prevents cell death.

Omani Halwa

Omani Halwa (sweet) is famous at home and abroad as a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality. It is usually served in Omani homes before drinking Arabic coffee. The main ingredients which go into the making of halwa are: starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water from the Jebel al Akdhar. The ingredients are mixed, in proportions and quantities known only to the skilled halwamaker, and cooked in a mirjnl (large cooking pot used especially for halwa) for a time of not less than 2 hours. The cooking can be done over a gas or electric stove, but the preferred method is over a wood fire made up of snmr wood, known for its durability, smoke and odor free properties.

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After cooking, the halwa can be preserved for more than four months without losing its quality, and without the need for refrigeration or preserving agents. Halwa is usually served in a dist, a large earthenware bowl, which can vary in size and composition according to demand or type of occasion. The list can also be made of metal or plastic. Halwa is invariably served at times of joy or sorrow and, on religious occasions and festivals. It graces the tables of every Omani home.

Tahini
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds that are soaked in water and then crushed to separate the bran from the kernels. The crushed seeds are soaked in salt water, causing the bran to sink. The floating kernels are skimmed off the surface, toasted, and ground to produce an oily paste. Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus. Tahini-based sauces are common in Middle Eastern restaurants as a side dish or as a garnish, usually including lemon juice, salt and garlic, and thinned with water. Tahini sauce is also a popular topping for meat and vegetables in Middle Eastern cuisine. Tahini is an excellent source of copper, manganese and the amino acid methionine. Tahini is a source of the healthy fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. Tahini made from raw sesame seeds is lower in fat than tahini made from roasted seeds. Tahini's relatively high levels of calcium and protein make it a useful addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as to raw food diets when eaten in its unroasted form.

Hummus

Hummus is a staple of Omani diet, which is a mixture of foods from neighboring regions. In Oman Hummus is served very plain usually, with just a little oil on top and a few whole chickpeas for garnishment. It is a smooth blend of Chickpeas, lemon, tahini, garlic, salt to taste.
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Khuboos / Khubus / Pita

Khuboos is a slightly leavened wheat bread, flat, either round or oval, and variable in size. Its history extends far into antiquity, since flatbreads in general, whether leavened or not, are among the most ancient breads. Khuboos is used to scoop sauces or dips such as hummus and taramosalata, and to wrap kebabs, gyros or falafel in the manner of sandwiches. Most Khuboos are baked at high temperatures ( 232 C), causing the flattened rounds of dough to puff up dramatically. When removed from the oven, the layers of baked dough remain separated inside the deflated pita, which allows the bread to be opened into pockets, creating a space for use in various dishes.

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Chicken Shawarma

Shawarma Arab meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit (commonly a vertical spit in restaurants), and may be grilled for as long as a day. Shavings are cut off the block of meat for serving, and the remainder of the block of meat is kept heated on the rotating spit. Although it can be served in shavings on a plate (generally with accompaniments), shawarma also refers to a sandwich or wrap made with shawarma meat. Shawarma is eaten with pita, tomato, and cucumber. Toppings include tahini, hummus, pickled turnips and amba. It is now a fast-food staple worldwide.

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Shawarma is made by alternately stacking strips of fat and pieces of seasoned meat (beef, lamb or marinated chicken) on a stick. An onion, a tomato, or a halved lemon is sometimes placed at the top of the stack for additional flavoring. The meat is roasted slowly on all sides as the spit rotates in front of, or over, a flame for hours (see rotisserie). Traditionally, a wood fire was used; currently, a gas flame is common. While specialty restaurants might offer two or more meat selections, some establishments have just one skewer. While cooking, the meat is shaved off the stack with a large knife, an electric knife or a small circular saw, dropping to a circular tray below to be retrieved. Shawarma is eaten as a fast food, made up into a sandwich wrap with pita bread or rolled up in an Armenian Lavash flatbread together with vegetables and dressing. A variety of vegetables come with the shawarma which include: cucumber, onion, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, parsley, pickled turnips, pickled gherkins, pickles, and cabbage. Dressings include: tahini, Amba sauce (pickled mango with Chilbeh), hummus, or flavored with vinegar and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Chicken shawarma is served with garlic mayonnaise, toum (garlic sauce), pomegranate concentrate, or skhug (a hot chili sauce). Once the shawarma is made, it might be dipped in the fat dripping from the skewer and then briefly seared against the flame.

Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Falafel is a traditional Arab food, usually served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as lafa; "falafel" also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way. The falafel balls are topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a meze. Generally accepted to have first been made in Egypt, falafel has become a dish eaten throughout the Middle East. The Copts of Egypt claim to have first made the dish as a

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replacement for meat during Lent. The fritters are now found around the world as a replacement for meat and as a form of street food.

Chicken Majboos

Chicken Majboos is an Arabian rice dish similar to Kerala Biriyani. Some people also call it as Arabic chicken Biriyani. This is a popular dish in northern Kerala. It is prepared as Fish Majboos as well.

Harees

Harees, is a whipped wheat dish which is traditionally eaten during Ramadan. Lamb / Chicken, mixed with whole wheat soaked for whole night, sugar, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, ghee, salt, roasted cumin seeds, and cooked for until it softens for 3 hours. It is whipped until it forms a homogenous, slightly elastic mass with pastelike consistency. Seasoned ghee is poured over harees and served with plenty of sugar and cinnamon.

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Muscat
Muscat is the capital of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat.

Stone Town of Zanzibar was once Capital of Oman Portuguese rule: Vasco da Gama's visit in 1499 marked the beginning of European influence. In 1503 or 1504, Zanzibar became part of the Portuguese Empire when Captain Ruy Loureno Ravasco Marques landed and demanded and received tribute from the sultan in exchange for peace. Zanzibar remained a possession of Portugal for almost two centuries. Later Arab rule: Zanzibar Sultanate The Old Fort of Zanzibar built in the late 17th century by the Omanis to defend the island from the Portuguese. The Portuguese were expelled in 1698; Zanzibar became part of the overseas holdings of Oman, falling under the control of the Sultan of Oman. The Arabs established garrisons at Zanzibar, Pemba, and Kilwa. The height of Arab rule came during the reign of Seyyid Said, who in 1840 moved his capital from Muscat in Oman to Stone Town. He established ruling Arab elite and encouraged the development of clove plantations, using the island's slave labour. Zanzibar's commerce fell increasingly into the hands of traders from the Indian subcontinent, which Said encouraged to settle on the island. After his death in 1856, his sons struggled over the succession. On April 6, 1861, Zanzibar and Oman were divided into two separate principalities. Sayyid Majid bin Said Al-Busaid (1834/51870), his sixth son, became the Sultan of Zanzibar, while the third son, Sayyid Thuwaini bin Said al-Said, became the Sultan of Oman. Page 47 of 402

Apart from Taxis, the only other form of public transport in the Sultanate is the coach and bus service provided by Oman National Transport Co whose main depot is based in Ruwi. Bus Timetable (Verify times, before journey begins)
Long Distance Coaches from Muscat Route Dept Destination Days ETA time 62 07:00 Izki Daily 08:35 62 07:00 Firq Daily 08:55 62 07:00 Yibal via Daily 11:45 Fahud 55 07:30 Ibra Daily 09:45 55 07:30 Mintrib Daily 10:25 55 07:30 Sur Daily 11:45 54 08:00 Nizwa Daily 10:20 54 08:00 Araqi Daily 12:05 41 13:00 Sohar Daily 12:30 Long Distance Coaches To Muscat Route Dept Destination Days ETA time 62 16:25 Izki Daily 18:00 62 16:05 Firq Daily 18:00 62 14:00 Fahud Daily 18:00 62 14:00 Yibal Daily 18:00 55 08:00 Ibra Daily 10:10 55 07:20 Mintrib Daily 10:10 55 06:00 Sur Daily 10:10 54 08:40 Nizwa Daily 11:00 54 06:45 Ibri Daily 11:00 54 06:30 Araqi Daily 11:00

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41 55 55 55 54 54 41 41 52 52 52

13:00 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 17:30 17:30 17:30

Buraimi Ibra Mintrib Sur Nizwa Yankul Sohar Buraimi Samad Al Mudaybi Sinaw

Daily 17:40 Daily 16:45 Daily 17:25 Daily 18:45 Daily 16:50 Daily 19:30 Tues/Fri 18:55 Tues/Fri 21:00 Daily 19:50 Daily 20:30 Daily 20:50

41 41 55 55 55 54 54 54 41 41 52 52 52

14:55 13:00 16:00 15:15 14:30 17:50 15:55 06:00 08:55 07:00 07:40 07:20 07:00

Sohar Buraimi Ibra Mintrib Sur Nizwa Ibri Yankul Sohar Buraimi Samad Al Mudaiybi Sinaw

Daily 17:40 Daily 17:40 Daily 18:40 Daily 18:40 Daily 18:40 Daily 20:20 Daily 20:20 Daily 11:00 Sat/Wed 11:40 sat/Wed 11:40 Daily 10:25 Daily 10:25 Daily 10:25 ETA 19:20 07:30 ETA 07:00 13:40 21:35 22:35

Daily services from Muscat to Salala Route Departure Destination Days 100 100 100 UAE Route Departure Destination Days 102 201 201 201 201 201 201 202 15:00 06:00 07:30 13:30 16:30 06:00 16:30 06:30 Salala to Dubai Muscat to Dubai Muscat to Dubai Muscat to Dubai Muscat toDubai Muscat to Sharja Muscat toSharja Abu Dhabi Daily Daily Service to Murmul Route Departure Destination Days 101 101 06:30 06:30 Marmul Marmul During Winter During Summer Daily Services to Yibal Route Departure Destination Days 62 07:00 Yibal Daily ETA 11:45 ETA Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily ETA 06:00 18:00 19:00 Salalah Salalah Salalah Daily Daily ETA

Daily services from Salalah to Muscat Route Departure Destination Days 06:30 17:00 19:00 Muscat Muscat Muscat Daily Daily 19:00 100 07:40 100

Monsoon 06:40 100

monsoon 05:30

Daily Services from Muscat and Salala to

Daily Services from Dubai\Sharja\Abu Dhabi Route Departure Destination Days 15:30 07:30 15:30 16:30 18:00 06:30 15:30 15:00 Salala Dubai to Muscat Dubai to Muscat Dubai to Muscat Dubai to Muscat Sharja to Muscat Sharja to Muscat Abu Dhabi to Muscat Daily Service from Murmul Route Departure Destination Days 07:00 06:30 Muscat Muscat Winter ETA Daily Daily 22:35 22:15 Thu&Fri 00:00 Daily 13:40 Daily Daily Daily Daily

102 07:00 201 11:30 201 22:35 201

wed/thu 19:15 201 Daily 22:25 201 12:15 201 16:30 202 13:00

17:50 101 17:20 101

During 17:50 During 17:20 Summer

Daily Services from Yibal Route Departure Destination Days 62 13:00 Muscat Daily ETA 18:10

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Muscat: Ruwi

This road in CBD Ruwi adjoining Bank Muscat and several other Banks was once upon a time the Air-strip

This road in CBD Ruwi adjoining Bank Muscat and several other Banks was once upon a time the Air-strip

Bait Al Falaj Airport

Bait Al Falaj Airport, dating back to 1929, was nothing but a dirt track landing strip, mainly put to use for military purposes. It was additionally being utilized by the Petroleum Development Oman Company for its aircraft, flying between Muscat and oil exploration fields in Fahud, Qarn Al Alam and other locations. Page 50 of 402

Bait Al Falaj Airport was the first airport in Oman, fitted with limited equipment and facilities to serve as a civilian airport. It had a Communication Centre, a Customs Office, asphalt parking for aircraft and a maintenance shed, with theses modest facilities, the airport was able to play a small part in the advancement of civil aviation in Oman. Although Bait Al Falaj Airport was used mainly for military purposes in addition to a few civilian flights, takeoffs and landings were fraught with dangers due to the narrow landing strip and high mountains and hills around the airport area. Bait Al Falaj Airport is now just a memory, the site of the airfield is now the centre of modern commercial and residential buildings.

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INS VIRAT, Indian Navys Aircraft Carrier visited Oman, seen in Sultan Qaboos Port

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Colorful illumination on National Day of Oman

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Muscat Airport

GPS Coords: N 233512.8 E 581726.1 Muscat International Airport (IATA: MCT, ICAO: OOMS), also called Seeb International Airport is the largest airport in Oman and the main hub of the national carrier Oman Air. Situated 32 km from Muscat, the capital of Oman, the airport currently has one terminal with another due to be completed in 2014. The new terminal will have the capacity to handle 12 million passengers and 260,000 Tons of Cargo annually. Further expansions planned in three subsequent phases will ultimately boost the airports annual capacity to 24, 36 and 48 million passengers when the demand is required.

Opera in Muscat

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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque @ Muscat

It is located between Muscat and Al Seeb. It accommodates up to 20,000 worshippers and consists of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, a meeting hall and a librarary. There is a Swarvoski Crystal Chandelier with gold plated metalwork hangs down for a length of 4 meters. A major feature of the main prayer hall is the hand-made Persian carpet consisting of,700 million knots, weighing 2 tonnes and made in a single piece measuring 70 X 60 meters. *Mosque Dress Code Loose long trousers or long skirts, long sleeves and a head scarf for ladies. No shorts for men.

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Sultan addresses from this gallery

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Jalali Fort
These forts were built by Portuguese. Visitors are not allowed.

Mirani Fort

To the west of Alam Palace, Al-Mirani Fort was built at the same time as Al-Jalali Fort. The name is derived from the word Mirante meaning Admiral in Portuguese. It contributed to the fall of the Portuguese through a curious affair of the heart: legend has it that the Portuguese commander fell for the daughter of a Hindu supplier, who refused the match on religious grounds. On being threatened with ruin, he spent a year apparently preparing for the wedding, but in fact convincing the commander that the fort's supplies needed a complete overhaul. Instead of replacing the removed gunpowder and grain, he gave the nod to Imam Sultan bin Saif, who succeeded in retaking the defenseless fort in 1649. The Portuguese were ousted from Muscat soon after. Jalali Fort & Mirani Fort flank the sultan's palace on the waterfront, overlooking Muscat Bay. It is difficult to enter these forts due to their proximity to Alam Palace, although special permits can be obtained to visit Jalili Fort. Mutrah Fort is one of the few Portuguese forts left in the country. It was built in about 1600AD on a small outcrop of rock overlooking the corniche and harbour in such a position as to neatly control the harbour trade. As it is still used by the authorities it is rarely open to visitors. There are many other forts to explore throughout the country. Page 64 of 402

Qasr Al Alam Palace

The Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman located in Muscat. The palace has a history of over 200 years, built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed the 7th direct grandfather of the current Sultan. The existing palace, which has a facade of gold and blue, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972 by Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Limited, one of the oldest Indian construction company for His Majesty. Visitors are not allowed inside the palace, despite the fact that His Majesty normally lives elsewhere in Oman. Visitors can go up to the Gates and take photographs. Al Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

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The Zawawi Mosque

It is located in Al Khuwair, Muscat. A majority of Omanis are Ibadhi Muslims. In Oman, 75% of the population follows Ibadhi Islam, which is generally considered heretical by Sunnis. Ibadhis believe that they are the true Muslims.

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Mathra Bander & Souk

GPS Coords: N 23.62497 E 58.56152

It is where you will get perfumes, cosmetics, spice, silk, cotton, synthetic fabrics from the world over. Colorful clothes with silk embroidery and gold or silver threads are attractively displayed for sale at equally attractive prices. Traditional Coffee Pots, antique silverware, Omani Khanjars, worry beads, icense burners, rose water sprinklers, prayer mats, carryings in wood, carpets, copper & wooden chests, readymade kaftans, etc are all available. The Gold & Silver Souq is a major attraction with array of jewellery. Timings: Saturday to Thursday 7.30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm. Friday 7 am to 11 am. Page 67 of 402

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Museum of Omani Heritage

Opened on 17th November 1974, this museum contains detailed archaeological and artifacts information. The other section contains information about agriculture and minerals, trade routes, architecture, dhows, firearms, art & crafts of Oman. Operated by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Location: Al Alam Street, on the hill behind the Ministry of Information, Way 1566. Timings: Sat to Wed 08:00-13:30 hrs and Thurs 04:00-06:00pm hrs. Entry fees: 500 bzs (adults) 200 bzs (children) and 100 bzs (under 6 years) Tel: +96824600946

The National Museum

Previously known as the Museum of Bait Assayed / Nadir bin Faisal bin Turki, this museum open in 1978. It contains silver ornaments, copper crafts and samples of Omani ships, in addition a letter dated 8th century Hijri sent by the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) to the rulers of Oman A'bd and Jaifer Sons of Al Julanda, inviting the people of Oman to Islam. There is a special section showing belongings of Al Busaidi dynasty, the rulers of Zanzibar. Operated by the Ministry of Heritage A Culture.

Location: above Islamic Library, Way 3123, off A'Noor Street Ruwi -near the Al Fallaj Hotel. Timings: Saturday Thursday from 9.30am 1.30pm. Entry fees: 500 bzs (adults), 200 bzs (children) and 100 bzs (under 6 yrs) Tel: +96824701289 Page 69 of 402

Children's Museum
Children of all ages can enjoy scientific experiments through hands on experience. It contains innovative ideas to explore science. The museum has recently opened a new computer workshop for its visitors to learn technology in an interactive way. Operated by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Location: Housed in dome shaped building at Shatti al Qurum near the Qurum Natural Park, Way no 2601 Timings: Saturday Thursday from 9.30am 1.30pm Entry fees: 500 bzs (adults) 100 bzs (children under 12 years) Tel: +96824605368

Natural History Museum

Opened on 20th December 1985, Gives an interesting tour of Oman's flora and fauna. Showcases display the country's indigenous species: mammals, insects, birds, and the adjoining whale room houses a huge skeleton of a sperm whale which was washed up on one of Oman's beaches around 27 years ago. The botanical gardens are perfect to stroll through during the cooler months and have highly scented shrubs which are found throughout the Sultanate. Location: Located at Ministry of Heritage and Culture complex, Al Khuwair, Off the dual Carriageway, Seeb direction, opposite the Zawawi Mosque. Timings: Saturday Thursday from 9.30am 1.30pm. Entry fees: 500 bzs (adults), 200 bzs (children) and 100 bzs (under 6 yrs) Tel: +96824641374 / +968241510

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Bait al Zubair

Has a vast collection of ancient household equipment, costumes and weapons. Most of the exhibits have come from the owner's private collection. Outside, there is a falaj running through a full-scale Omani village and souq. Location:On Al Saidiya Street in Old Muscat go through the gate, just past the bend in the road on the right-hand side. Timings: Saturday Thursday from 9am 1pm & 4pm 7pm. Entry fees: Ro 1.000 (Expel) 500 baz (Omani), 250 baz (childern) Tel: +96824736688

The Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

It was donated to the people of Oman by PDO in 1995. The museum takes you to an interactive journey through Oman's discovery, extraction and use of fossil fuels. Location: On Seih Al Maleh Street, Qurum on the right before PDO Gate no 2 Opening Times: Saturday Wednesday from 7am 12noon & 1 3.45pm Thursdays 8 am - 12noon Entry Fees: Free Tel: +968 24677834

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PDO Planetarium
Adjacent to Oil and Gas Museum, the planetarium was built in the year 2000. Arabic Shows Timings: Every Wednesday from the month of May - October at 5pm and November - April at 4pm, every Thursday 11-12noon. English Shows Timings: Every Wednesday from 7- 8pm, every Thursday 10-11pm. Location: On Seih Al Maleh Street, Qurum on the right before PDO Gate no 2 Opening Times: on Sundays at 1701 Wednesdays 1700 hr, Arabic and 1900 hrs English; Thursday mornings: 10-11 English and 1112 noon Arabic Best to book seats. Entry fees:Free Entry Tel: +96824675542. Email: planetarium@pdo.co.om www.pdo.co.om/planetarium

Omani - French Museum

The museum was the residence of French Consul known as Bait Faransa. It was presented as a gift by the Sultan Assayed / Faisal bin Turki to the first French Consul in Muscat in 1896. It was opened on 29th January 1992 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the late French President Franois Mitterrand. The museum concern the Omani-French relationship over the years and displays furniture, clothes and photographs of the early French diplomats, and contains historical documents, and samples of Omani - French ships in addition to Omani and French costumes & jewellery. Operated by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Location:Located in Lane 9310, Qasr Al Alam Street, Old Muscat. On right side, after going through the Gate (under the Gate Museum). Timings: Saturday Thursday from 9am 1pm (from October 1st March 31st the museum opens from 9am 1pm & 4 6pm) Entry fees: 500 bzs (adults) and 200 bzs (6-12 yrs). Tel: +96824736613

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The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

It is located in150 year old Bait Al Falaj fort, the original garrison headquarters for Sultan Said bin Sultan's Armed Forces. Oman's military history is explored using weapons, uniforms, motor vehicles and defense systems.Uniforms, guns ranging from antique cannons, through early machine guns, to the weapons taken from rebels in Dhofar, models of vehicles and planes, instruments, medals an ejector seat and a parachute are displayed.Operated by the Ministry of Defence.

Location: Bait At Falaj in Full on Al Mujamma Street past the At Falaj Hotel, near dual carriageway exit. Timings: Saturday Thursday from 8am 1.30pm. Entry fees: RO 1 (adults), 500 Bzs (children) Fee exempted for military personnel Tel: +96824312642

Aquarium and Marine Science& Fisheries Centre

Between the Al Bustan Palace Hotel and the Capital Yacht Set up in 1986 near Sidab Muscat, the aquarium showcases rich and unique marine life from the Omani waters. With a coastline stretching nearly 3,165 kilometers, MSFC in co-operation with Sultan Qaboos University is studying range of marine species with particular emphasis on the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, including turtles. The aquarium has recently been renovated. Location: Ministry of Fisheries, Near Marina Bandar Al Rowda, Sidab. Opening Times: Saturday - Wednesday from 8am -2.30pm, Thursday 8am 1pm & Friday 3-7pm Entry fees: Free Entry Tel: +96824736449

Animal World: Pet Shop

GPS Coords: Latitude 2336.729N, Longitude 5829.707E There is a Pet Shop at SABCO Center, Al Qurum. It is worth a visit for all the family members.

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Religious Freedom
The 1996 Basic Law affirmed Islam as the state religion, but provides for freedom to practice religious rites as long as doing so does not disrupt public order. The State Departments religious freedom report for July-December 2010 noted no change in the status of respect for religious freedom by the government during the reporting period. According to the report, There were no significant reports of societal abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice [during the reporting period]. Non-Muslims are free to worship at temples and churches built on land donated by the Sultan, but there are some limitations on non-Muslims proselytizing and on religious gatherings in other than government-approved houses of worship.

Shiva Temple in Muthra, Muscat

N 2336.578 E 5835.268

Krishna Temple in Ruwi, Muscat

N 2336.392 E 5832

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Calvary Fellowship Church, Muscat

SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ruwi

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Ride the Sand Dunes in Muscat

N 23 33.916, E 58 25.008 @ Bike Planet, Al-Khuwair 33, Near Taimoor Mosque Contact: Ziyad (951135660, 95555901) / Ali (97145709) Time: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm Charges: from OMR 8 to 18 / Hour

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Qantab Beach
Latitude: 2333'7.00"N, Longitude: 5838'38.00"E Take a ride in a small motor boat and pass at high speed through the hole in the rock. It is a thrilling experience. Swim in the water, there are no waves and it is safe.

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Rocks around Muscat: Qantab, Yiti, Bander Khairan

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Marina Bander
By Taxi go to Marina Boat Club before 8.15 am: SIDABB SEA TOURS FOR CRUISE: Opt for The Glass Bottom Boat Ride lasting for about 2.5 to 3 hours by Speed Boat which includes Dolphin watching, Snorkeling in the sea to see Turtles, Fish, Corals, etc. These can be seen through the Glass Bottom. Do not opt for Afternoon Tour as Sunrays do not reach bottom of the sea and then nothing can be seen through the Glass Bottom. It is a thrilling experience. Fees: OMR 20/Booking: Mr. Shahid (Indian) 99655783, 99013424, 99432782

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Dayqah Dam
It is the only Dam in Oman and the largest in Middle East Region. Drive 90 Kms from Muscat towards Sur on the new Coastal Road up to Qurayat Round and then 18 Kms on RHS. Road is very good as usual in Oman. Its a Water Catchment area and its not on any river. Unlike in India, anyone can visit this Dam at its Foot, on top of it and go to the Back-waters. No one is allowed to swim in the back-waters or Camp at the sight. Carry your own Food; Drinking Water and Toilets are available. You can swim in the Water that flows down at the Dam's base. Its amazing. GPS Coords: N 23.08342 E 58.84793

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Sink Hole @ Najam Park

GPS Coords: N 2328; E 583239 The Bimmah Sinkhole / Hawiyat Najm is a very beautiful sinkhole about 200 meters inland from the Gulf of Oman. It is quite close to the shore, and about 40 X 20 meters and 8 meters deep.In this sinkhole, fresh water is mixed with sea water giving it a wonderful color. It can be reached via the road linking Qurayat to Sur. It is a deep natural depression filled with water. The locals say that a meteor fell on this spot of land, resulting in the natural depression and forming a small lake.

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Stand still in water and you will experience massage like feeling caused by tiny fish biting dead skin on your feet.

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Enjoy swimming

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Wadi Tiwi & Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab Latitude : 2250'13.72"N Longitude : 5914'34.71"E Wadi Tiwi Latitude : 2248'30.28"N Longitude : 5914'54.49"E

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Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau) (Meeting Room of the Spirits)

Coordinates: 2252'50"N 596'18"E Out of sight in the heart of brown hills located at the foothills of the eastern Al Hajar Mountains, at the northern limit of Salma Plateau near the village of Fins in Willyat Qurayyat in the Governorate of Muscat. hides one of the greatest and most beautiful natural wonders. It is the Majlis Al Jinn Cave or Salma Plateau as it is commonly known, and is considered one of the largest underground caves in the world. It is situated along the road linking Fins with Tiwi Village of Willyat Sur in the A'Sharqiyah South Governorate.

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Length: 310 M; Width: 225 M; Area: 58,000 sq. M; Volume: 4 million cu. Metres. A Height of the dome-shaped ceiling top: 120 M. While surface temperatures can exceed 40 C, air temperatures in the chamber are a constant 17 to 18 C. It is roomy enough to hold more than a dozen Boeing 747's parked wingtip to wingtip. At certain times during the day beautiful shafts of sunlight filter through the holes in the roof directly to the floor of the chamber making for a visual spectacle. At night moonlight can also have the same effect. Despite the enormity of this cave, it is difficult to detect it from the outside in this vast area, as the only evidence of its existence is a scant three openings that seem of no importance to the viewer. When Cheryl and her late husband, Don Davison, lived in Oman from 1980 to 1993, there was no trained rescue team. American-born Cheryl and Don pioneered investigation into Omans caves. Their most spectacular find was the Majlis al Jinn, one of the largest subterranean cave in the Page 98 of 402

world. Majlis Al Jinn Cave was first discovered by accident while searching for carbonate rocks in a quest to discover deep underground water reserves. The first man to descend inside the cave was Don Davidson in 1983, through an opening extending to a depth of 120 metres, considered to be the shallowest of the three openings. In Davidsons words, describing his discovery of the chamber in 1983, I pushed off from the overhang lip and began rappelling downward in to the dark. A short distance down, the shaft opened out and as I dropped lower turning slowly in the midair on the rope, a stupendous panorama was reveled. This was by far the biggest cave I had ever seen. Majlis Al Jinn (The Meeting Room of the Spirits), now the largest known subterranean chamber in Arabia and the second largest in the world, had just been discovered.

Don Davison far left, his wife Cheryl, right. Intercontinental Hotel, Muscat, Oman. 1986

In 1984, he was followed by his wife, Cheryl Jones, who descended into the Cave through its deepest opening, which goes down 158 metres. Don Davidson once again descended through the third opening in 1985. Caves are often associated with stalactites and stalagmites formed by dripping water. Majlis Al Jinn has very few of these, mostly relatively small, looking like large fried eggs flank by little terraces. Many broken pieces can be recognised in the debris on the floor. It is clear that the cave is relatively dry and regular rockfalls may have wiped out many older stalactites / mites. There are no visible lower exits or passages leading from the chamberthese passages most likely have been blocked by debris on the cave floor. Water entering the cave collects along the lowest part of the floor, then slowly infiltrates into the fine-grained, mud-cracked sediment or evaporates. The entrances receive surface runoff from only a small drainage area, so water never reaches most parts of the cave. Access to the cavern is only through a free descent of one of three vertical entrances in the ceiling, formed by water seeping through the weakened marly limestone in the zones of fracturing. Page 99 of 402

The two largest entrances are called Asterisk (Khoshilat Beya Al Hiyool) and First Drop (Khoshilat Maqandeli), the smallest is Cheryl's Drop (Khoshilat Minqod). Entrance depths: Cheryl's Drop 158.2 meters. Asterisk - 139.6 meters. First Drop - 118.0 meters. Below the two larger entrances are high piles of rocks ("breakdown.") The remains of goats, birds, and snakes have been found on the floor of the chamber. The entrance openings in the ceiling provide ambient light in the chamber most of the day. There are only a few stalactites and draperies on the ceiling and walls, but moderate and fragile speleothems are common on the floor. Growth only occurs during times of seepage and drips following heavy rains. Reaching the Cave opening requires strenuous physical effort, since you must traverse a distance of 1,300 metres to reach the cave opening through rugged mountain terrain. This trip takes about five hours. The only way to descend into the cave is by ropes. Geologists put the age of this cave (Majlis Al Jinn, or Salma Plateau as some like to call it owing to the area where its located) at fifty million years. The cave is considered a repository of natural life treasures. Jinn Cave set to get a facelift. The Ministry of Tourism is currently developing a mechanism to facilitate tourist visits to the cave chamber to enjoy the geological formations and wildlife there, through building a path especially for tours of the cave. Plans for the development of Majlis Al Jinn Cave and a cave park in the Selma Plateau in Sharqiyah region are being pursued with great zeal. After the success of Al Hoota cave, the Ministry of Tourism is taking keen interest to develop this cave having the second largest chamber in the world. Tenders have been floated for consultancy services for design and construction supervision of Tourism Facilities at Majlis Al Jinn. Located 14km through a dirt track from Fins on the Quriyat-Sur dual carriageway the Majlis Al Jinn will unravel the wonder of nature underneath the surface. It is a big challenge to the developers as the caves entrance is from the top and not from the side as is the normal case. Three openings (free-falls) have been found to get inside the cave. Plans are on to erect either a tower with an elevator or construct a spiral stairs in order for tourists to get down the cave with amazing geological features. The drop from top to the bottom at the proposed opening is about 35 metres. Most probably the opening on the eastern side will be explored for entry into the cave. The cave has three vertical entrance shafts. These are known locally as Khoshilat Maqandeli, Khoshilat Minqod (called Cheryls drop) and Khoshilat Beyn Al Hiyool. Apart from the cavernous Majlis Al Jinn chamber, the Selmah Plateau is also home to the spectacular karst feature. Karst is a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock. A qandilah is a rock-overhang that forms a natural shelter for goats, which is the main landmark close to the entrances to the cave.

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Sur

Sunaysilah Fort in Sur

The main fort in Sur, Sunaysilah Fort, overlooks the town and offers commanding views of the area and the coastline. It is about 300 years old and was restored in 1989. Visiting Hours: Sunday to Thursday between 8.30am and 2.30pm Admission Fees: 500 baisas.

Sur is for Turtles

RAS AL JINZ HOTEL: GPS Coords: 22.421839 N, 59.834869 E For Stay & Turtle Watching (OMR 70 FOR TWO PEOPLE IN DOUBLE ROOM): 96550606 Hotel Apartment: Sameer, 92852251: 1 BHK, OMR 15 / Day, 2 BHK: 30 / Day Please, note that Turtle Watching is best at early morning time and shall be at Ras Al Jinz at 4.00 am. If you stay in Hotel Apartment at Sur, be sure that your car is with you as the distance is quite long. Page 101 of 402

What's the difference between a turtle and tortoise?

Turtles primarily live in water (fresh water and oceans) and so have webbed front feet or flipper-like fins to make swimming easier. Tortoises live almost exclusively on land, so do not have flippers, but normal feet without webbing, often with sharp claws for digging. They only enter water to drink or wash them off, and can in fact drown in strong currents. They may be found in arid areas. Turtles tend to have flatter shells than tortoises, while tortoises have a more domed shell. Turtles can be omnivorous, eating both plants and insects; tortoises eat only plants and leaves and other vegetation, so they are herbivorous, especially preferring moisture-bearing vegetation. Turtles can migrate from one place to another, swimming mighty oceans; tortoises tend to stay in one area.

Turtle Watching
Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanates shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate. At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag them out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities. Green turtles are listed as an endangered species, and a subpopulation in the Mediterranean is listed as critically endangered. Despite this, they are still killed for their meat and eggs. Their numbers are also reduced by boat propeller accidents, fishnet-caused drowning, and the destruction of their nesting grounds by human encroachment. Green sea turtles are reptiles whose ancestors evolved on land and took to the sea to live about 150 million years ago. They are one of the few species so ancient that they watched the dinosaurs evolve and become extinct. The green turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle with a wide, smooth carapace, or shell. It inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world and has been observed clambering onto land to sunbathe.

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It is named not for the color of its shell, which is normally brown or olive depending on its habitat, but for the greenish color of its skin. There are two types of green turtlesscientists are currently debating whether they are subspecies or separate speciesincluding the Atlantic green turtle, normally found off the shores of Europe and North America, and the Eastern Pacific green turtle, which has been found in coastal waters from Alaska to Chile. Weighing up to 320 kg, green turtles are among the largest sea turtles in the world. Their proportionally small head, which is not retractable, extends from a heart-shaped carapace that measure up to 1.5 meters. Males are slightly larger than females and have a longer tail. Both have flippers that resemble paddles, which make them powerful and graceful swimmers. Juvenile green turtles eat invertebrates like crabs, jellyfish, and sponges. Once green turtles reach 20 to 25 cms in length, they mostly eat sea grass and algae. Unlike most sea turtles, adult green turtles are herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae. Green turtles, like other sea turtles, undertake lengthy migrations from feeding sites to nesting grounds, normally on sandy beaches. Mating occurs every two to four years and normally takes place in shallow waters close to the shore. To nest, females leave the sea and choose an area, often on the same beach used by their mothers, to lay their eggs. They dig a pit in the sand with their flippers, fill it with a clutch of 100 to 200 eggs, cover the pit and return to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch after about two months. The most dangerous time of a green turtles life is when it makes the journey from nest to sea. Multiple predators, including crabs and flocks of gulls, voraciously prey on hatchlings during this short scamper.

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Turtle went in to the sea leaving behind its Trail over the sand. You may wonder if any rough terrain truck has ran across pressing the tread marks.

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Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Castle Latitude : 2256'0.00"N; Longitude: 573149.0 E Open: Saturday to Thursday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; Friday: 8.00 am to 11.00 am Nizwa Fort: an architectural showpiece Hailed as a monument to Omani architectural ingenuity, Nizwa fort reflects the military engineering prowess of fort-builders of a bygone time. It is also one of the Sultanate's finest historical edifices, attracting great numbers of tourists each year.

The fort's central tower once a bastion of might against enemy mortar attacks Set amid a verdant spread of date palms Nizwa fort is a powerful reminder of the town's invincibility through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. In times bygone, it was a formidable bastion against marauding forces that coveted Nizwa's abundant natural wealth, and its strategic location at the crossroads of vital caravan routes. A long line of imams of the Yaaruba dynasty held sway from its majestic ramparts, presiding over an era of great cultural, religious and educational enrichment. This splendid 17th century edifice the largest on the Arabian peninsula stands today as a monument to this heady era in Nizwa's and, indeed, Oman's glorious history. Built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yaarubi in 1668 AD, the fort's design reflects the considerable advancement made in the field of military fortifications and mortar-based warfare during the Yaarubi era. The walls are rounded and robust, designed to withstand fierce barrages of mortar fire a common feature of warfare in those times.

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Nizwa fort's great bulk towers over the verdant countryside The main bulk of the citadel took about 12 years to build, apparently with materials pillaged from other forts as the spoils of war. Some historians however aver that the fort came up on the remnants of an earlier castle built by Imam Assalt bin Malik al Kharusi in 845 AD. Others say it was built 12 years earlier. Two cannons guard the entrance to the fort which opens into a veritable maze of rooms, highceilinged halls, doorways, terraces, narrow staircases and corridors. The most striking feature of the fort is the central tower a colossal circular tower soaring 115 feet above the rest of the fortification. Solidly built, the 150-feet-diameter structure radiates an aura of might, complete with battlements, turrets, secret shafts, false doors and wells. The design of the tower, resting on a 50-ft platform, incorporates a great deal of architectural deception. Access to the top is only by means of a narrow, meandering staircase barred by a heavy wooden door studded with metal spikes. Warrens of staircases barred by similar heavy doors make up an elaborate strategy to ensnare the enemy, or impede their progress to the top of the tower.

Those who did manage to run the gauntlet of hurdles risked being scalded by boiling oil or water that was poured through shafts (called machicolations), which opened directly above each set of doors. Date syrup, a liquid that oozed from bags of dates stored in special date cellars, also came in handy as an alternative to oil and water. According to historians, a great deal of ingenuity went into the design of the citadel. It was built above a subterranean stream that ensured a perennial supply of water when subjected to a prolonged siege. Several water wells located within the fortified compound also ensured plentiful supplies. Underground cellars stockpiled food and munitions. Four cannons now remain on the tower's summit, down from a total of 24, which once served as the fort's main firepower. They provided complete 360-degree coverage of the countryside around, making it virtually impossible for a sneak attack on the fort without provoking an awesome riposte from its array of cannons. Clumps of cannonballs, misshapen with rust and age, also lie around. Some of these are believed to have been produced in Nizwa itself. In fact, one even has the name of Imam Sultan bin Saif engraved on it. Another, from Boston City, was said to have been presented to the first Omani ambassador to the United States in 1840.

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The tower's immense bulk and solid foundations were a formidable defense against even a savage enemy mortar attack a factor that lent an aura of invincibility to the fort. Its design is therefore cited as a classic example of fort-building during the 1649-1679 period, an era that witnessed great advances in military technology, which began with the introduction of mortar-based warfare. Running all round the summit of the tower is a parapet wall for use by sentries who kept watch over the surrounding countryside. A total of 120 sentries, armed with muskets and flintlocks, could be summoned to man positions along this parapet wall in times of siege. Furthermore, 480 gun-ports allowed for a concentrated barrage of fire if the fort came under attack. The fort was the administrative seat of authority in times of both peace and conflict.

Nizwa's splendid mosque accentuates the town's rich Omani and Islamic architectural heritage The presiding Imams and walis governed Nizwa from this citadel. In keeping with tradition, the Wali of Nizwa meets with residents of the wilayat on these imposing premises once every month. Meetings are held in the august Prayer Room on the first Monday of each month. Given its pivotal place in Nizwa's history, this majestic edifice was among the first to be renovated by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture as part of its far-reaching drive to preserve the Sultanate's rich heritage. Another splendid landmark nearby is the Nizwa souq, a bustling marketplace that was given a complete makeover by the local municipality, to complement the historic splendour of the fort. You can browse here for some of Nizwa's famous silver jewellery or watch expert craftsmen in action as they fashion exquisite silverware or a range of other artefacts. Besides, there are weekly goat auctions here conducted beneath a canopy of date palm trees, much in parallel with traditional auctions that take place elsewhere in Oman, especially on the eve of Eid festivities.

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Al Hoota Caves
Al Hoota Cave is one of the largest cave systems in the world, which used to be part of an ancient coral reef on the sea floor. However, until about 50 years ago, the cave's existence was not known. The cave was discovered in the 1960s by a dweller from the nearby Hoota village, the unknown villager was letting his goats graze on the slopes when one of the goats wandered off. The goat fell through the natural entrance of the cave and as the shepherd searched for it, he discovered the cave. The main lake in the cave is around 800 metres long and 10 metres wide, 15 metres at its deepest point. The dark recesses of this cavernous lake house life. The deep green subterranean lake is home to hundreds of tiny fish, the blind Garra Baremiae, which is unique to this ecosystem. The fish are delicate and transparent and visible only in lights or torch flashes.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM MUSCAT

Take the Highway that leads to the Seeb International Airport. Proceed on the highway to reach Burg Al Sahwa roundabout and take Nizwa Road and go straight following the Nizwa Direction. Keep going straight until you will see Al Hoota Cave and Nizwa sign showing right exit. Take exit to Nizwa and proceed straight until 1st round roundabout. On 1st roundabout take 3rd exit (turn left) and go straight. On 2nd roundabout keep going straight. On 3rd roundabout (Nizwa Souq Nizwa fort roundabout) take 1st exit (turn right) following Al Hoota Cave and Bahala signs. On 4th roundabout (book roundabout) go straight. Go straight approximately 19 km until you see a billboard with a bottle of water Tanuf Water factory on your right side. Pass it and go straight for another 4 km until you reach Al Maha petrol station, turn right and go straight approximately 2 2.5 km. You will see Al Hoota Cave sign showing left turn. After turning left, keep going straight for approximately 10 km until you will see Al Hoota Cave sign showing right turn. Take the right turn and park your car in front of visitor centre. Muscat to Nizwa: 1:30 hr. Nizwa to Al-Hoota Cave: 0:30 hr.

Only 750 people are allowed into the cave each day. Contact Hoota cave management on +968 24490060. / 92404444 Page 112 of 402

reserve@alhootacave.com Timings of the cave facilities are from 9am to 6pm. Cave visits are guided and last around an hour. Mondays are off except for groups with prior reservations. The show-cave is closed between July and August. You will need special permission to photograph inside the cave

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Al Hoota has another claim to fame - Omans first train. It is only a 36-seater and covers a mere 550m of track, but the experience of travelling through a 150m long underground tunnel through a limestone hill to the entrance of the cave is really a oneoff trip you will not forget in a hurry.

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A variety of techniques was employed to create a well-lit pathway for visitors concrete, elevated walkways, steel steps and bridges. And keeping the safety of the tourists and the ecosystem in mind, a 1,300-metre stainless-steel handrail has been installed along the pathway. L&T has carried out this work. The power of water is evident in Al Hoota Cave. You can see how the water has sculpted the rocks over the years. Al Hoota depicts the timeless action of water on rock, as slow drips over countless millennia have sculpted and continue to sculpt a frozen architecture of stalagmites and stalactites. These eerie structures are shaded in pastel hues of gold, pink and yellow.

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"This is shaped like a lion" You can see and imagine various shapes like Ganapati.

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Jabel Shams
The highest point, Jabal Shams (the mountain of the sun), is around 3,000 M high. It is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. It comprises the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains range, and is located around 150 km from Muscat.

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Tallest Pick in Oman: 3010 M The Jabal Shams Resort offers you variety of rooms and tents. Choose between Arabic Tents or a private Chalet. All rooms are equipped with 2 single or double beds, toilet and shower. Your private fire place will round off your adventure. Sunset Rooms: Twin or double bed and a private sitting area with a sofa bed for an extra person. Satellite TV, dining table and separate bath room with shower and toilet. All Sunset rooms are equipped with an individual controllable Air conditioner and a heater for the winter months. All Sunset rooms are facing east to ensure you dont miss the unique Sunset upon Jabal Shams. Room Rate OMR 70.000 Private Chalets: 6 Nos. Individually placed at the Resort middle, all with direct Car access and a private terrace. All Chalets are equipped with Twin or double beds, working desk, bath room with shower and toilet, Air conditioner and heating system. Room Rate OMR 60.000 Arabic Tents: 20 Nos. Enjoy the authentic Arabic feeling in Arabic Tents. All are equipped with Arabic carpets, pillows and mattress, a private fire place and electric light. Bath room and toilet are on shared bases. Room Rate OMR 50.000 All Rates are based on double occupancy including 17% Government Tax & Service charges. All Rates are including Breakfast and Dinner at the Jabal Shams Resort Restaurant. Page 118 of 402

Bahla Fort
The Bahla Fort, nearby, situated on Balhool Mountain, is included in Unesco's list of world heritage sites. In the area around the fort you can wander through deserted mud-brick villages, the largest of which is Al Aqar.

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Jabrin Castle
Jabrin Castle is almost 220km southwest of Muscat, near Bahla and Nizwa; it is large and imposing dominating the surrounding plain. It was built in the 1700s as a palace and later converted into a fort. The fort is open daily and admission is free. To reach it, take the Ibri road from Nizwa for about 45km and turn right at the signpost for Jabrin and after about 4km turn right at the small roundabout.

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Jabel Akhder
Jebal Akhdar is packed with culture, history, nature and friendly Omani's. With the temperature being considerably (around 10 C) cooler than it is at sea level it makes a perfect day trip or overnight camp. From Muscat to Sayq plateau at the top of Jebal Akhdar takes 2.5-3 hr drive on tarmac road throughout, about 155 Km. Only 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle is allowed due to 37 Km long steep road. These can be hired at the Base @ OMR 25 to 35/- to the pinnacle. Rent A CarMr. Mahmud 25443767, 92311173, 96530334/5/6/7 E-mail: almouse@hotmail.com The Jebel Akhdar, Jabal Akhdar or Al Jabal Al Akhdar meaning The Green Mountain, is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Oman, which extends about 300 km northwest to southeast, between 50-100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman coast. It is one of Omans most spectacular areas. The highest point, Jabal Shams (the mountain of the sun), is around 3,000 meters high. It is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. It comprises the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains range, and is located around 150 km from Muscat. The range is mostly desert, but at higher altitudes it receives around 300 mm (12 in) of precipitation annually, moist enough to allow the growth of shrubs and trees and support agriculture. It is this that gives the mountains their 'green' name. Cool summers provide the visitor with fresh air surrounded by breathtaking stones. The area is about 2 hours drive from Nizwa and is famous for its traditional rose water extraction and agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach and walnut. The Jebel is mostly inhabitated by the ancient Arab tribe Bani Riyam (al Riyamy). However most descendants of the tribe are now in nearby towns Such as Nizwa, Izki and some inhabit Ibra. The Jebel Akhdar was the scene for intense conflict between Omani forces loyal to the Sultan of Oman (aided by British solders including the Special Air Service) and Saudi Arabian backed rebel forces of the inland Imamate of Oman between 1957 and 1959. This conflict is known as the Jebel Akhdar war. A short history of the conflicts: In the 1950s life in Oman was primitive and poor. Roads, hospitals and schools were virtually nonexistent. Many Omanis were illiterate and in poor health, but would defend their independence against any aggression. The geography of Oman divided an outward-looking society of merchants and seamen along the coast (with their capital in Muscat) from an inward-looking, conservative, society in the interior.

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From 1932 to 1970 the ruler was Sultan Said bin Taimur Al Bu Said. Although the absolute ruler of Oman, religious factors and tribal loyalties limited his power. The tradition in central Oman was that a leader, the Imam, must be elected from among the people. This occasioned numerous confrontations between the coastal based Sultans and conservative Imams of the interior. In 1920 the Imam concluded the Treaty of Seeb (a town near Muscat) with the Sultan.

Map 1. Overall map of the area of interest of this report, from the extreme north of Oman (Khasab), to Fahud in the south, and showing the relative position of Sharjah in the west and Muscat in the east. The green star shows the position of Jebel Akhdar. It established the Sultan as paramount, and consolidated his control of foreign affairs. It also recognized a measure of autonomy for the tribal leaders including the right to adjudicate their internal affairs and elect their Imam. The treaty brought peace between Muscat and Oman that lasted from 1920 until the 1950s, when the impact of anti-colonialism and oil prospection inflamed traditional, tribal values. In the early 1950s ARAMCO, a Saudi-American oil company, believed that oil existed in commercial quantities near the Buraimi oasis. There emerged a tenuous claim that Buraimi was Saudi territory, based on the fact that in the nineteenth century Saudi tribes had occupied part of it. In fact their last occupation had ended in 1869 in expulsion by the Sultan of Muscat. As Buraimi is on their mutual border both Abu Dhabi and Oman requested that Britain negotiate with the Saudis on their behalf. A Saudi garrison of forty men occupied Buraimi on 31 August 1952 (3). Sultan Said and Imam Mohammed raised an army of 8000 tribesmen at Sohar, in striking distance of Buraimi via Wadi Jizzi. An agreement was reached between the Saudi and British governments; the Sultan was persuaded not to take military action and the army dispersed. The Saudi garrison remained in Buraimi, surrounded by the Trucial Oman Levies, a small local army with British officers, designed to keep the peace in the Trucial States, that later formed the United Arab Emirates. During this siege, the Levies were believed to be selling their ammunition to the Saudis, Page 122 of 402

so the Levies commander intervened. As his Land Rover approached the blockade it was fired upon by the Levies who killed him and two others. In August 1954, an international tribunal in Geneva decided to allow detachments of Saudi police and Trucial Oman Levies into Buraimi. In September 1955, the British walked out of the Geneva negotiations and, in a reversal of policy, encouraged the Sultan of Oman and the ruler of Abu Dhabi to occupy Buraimi. What the Sultan had wanted to do in 1952, he was ordered to do in 1955. The Levies rounded up the Saudi police, installed the Sultan's Wali in Buraimi Fort and invited a detachment of the Sultans Army to occupy Buraimi. To regain the town as a gift from the British rather than by force of arms must have compromised the Sultan's prestige. Had the Sultan been permitted to expel the Saudis in 1952, the country might have been spared a bitter rebellion a few years later. The use of bombers of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Oman began with some Avro Lincolns of 7 Squadron that flew low over the Buraimi area in 1955, to show how seriously Britain took the situation (2). The Lincoln was a development of the well-known Lancaster of World War Two vintage, a four-engine heavy bomber that made an incredible noise when flown at low level. It must have intimidated the occupiers of Buraimi to a not inconsiderable extent.

Avro Lincoln Bomber, preserved at RAF Cosford Museum The years from 1952 and 1955 were bad years for the Sultan. The Saudis provided money and arms to the tribes of the interior with the intent of undermining his influence. In 1954 the much respected Imam Mohammed died and was succeeded by Ghalib bin Ali al Hinai, believed by many to be a result of Saudi interference. He was supported by his brother Talib, the Wali of Rustaq, and Suleiman bin Himyar, self-styled Lord of the Jebel Akhdar Relations between the Sultan and Ghalib worsened over rights to grant oil concessions. A subsidiary of the Iraq Petroleum Company wished to prospect near Fahud. The Sultan claimed that dealings with the oil company were his prerogative, but Ghalib claimed that the oil was in his territory, so it was an internal matter and his prerogative. The Sultan licensed oil prospectors to search at Fahud, supported by Britain, but Ghalib attacked, and declared independence for the State of Oman. In response, in October 1955 the Sultans Muscat and Oman Field Force marched north from Fahud to occupy Ibri, then under the Imam's control, to cut him off from Saudi support. Ghalib moved to expel the Sultan's forces from Ibri, but by Bahla had received no support from Suleiman bin Page 123 of 402

Himyar, and so retreated to Nizwa . The Sultan then captured Bahla and Nizwa successively without firing a shot. Two days later, on December 15, 1955, the Sultans Batinah Force captured Rustaq fort after determined resistance from Talib, the Imam's brother, who escaped. When his forces had occupied the rebel strongholds, the Sultan drove from his southern capital in Salalah in a remarkable 900km trek across the desert to Nizwa to accept the surrender of the rebels. He rescinded the Treaty of Seeb and abolished the office of Imam. Ghalib acknowledged the sovereignty of the Sultan, abdicated and returned to his village of Bilad Sait Suleiman pledged loyalty to the Sultan and, humiliated, retired to his village of Tanuf.

Bahla fort

Rustaq fort

Ruins of Tanuf Fort Page 124 of 402

. Enlarged map of the important sites around Jabel Akhdar

Talib escaped to Saudi Arabia and during 1956 and 1957 trained a liberation army of Omani expatriates. Talib designated Ibrahim bin Issa to lead the rebellion. In March 1957, Ibrahim, with his followers, returned to Oman. In early June the Sultan invited Ibrahim to Muscat for discussions, but upon arrival he was clapped in the terrifying prison of Jelali Fort. On 14 June 1957 Talib landed at Suwaiq on the Batinah Coast with 100 men while another 100 landed north of Sohar. Talib proceeded inland to his village at Bilad Sait where brother Ghalib, who had been living there peacefully, was persuaded to reassume the title of Imam. Suleiman joined the rebels which meant that the whole of Jebel Akhdar and its foothills were in revolt. Men of the Sultan's Oman Regiment drove in their Land Rovers to arrest Talib, but were trapped near Bilad Sait. Their vehicles were ambushed and destroyed in a battle that raged for a week. Only a few, including all their British officers, managed to fight their way out. They made for the oil camp at Fahud, 120km away, where they were disbanded. The Imam's white flag again flew over his capital of Nizwa, surrendered without a fight. As the Sultan's Oman Regiment was fighting for survival near Bilad Sait, Sayyid Tarik, the Sultan's half brother and viceroy of the interior, left Al Hamra with a small force. He was attacked near Tanuf but escaped. At Izki Suleiman ambushed the survivors heading for Muscat causing additional casualties. On 16 July 1957, the Sultan requested British assistance, referring to a treaty between the United Kingdom and Oman in 1951. The Sultan's army was extremely weak, consisting of the Muscat Regiment of 120 men, the Batinah Force of 200 men, and the Oman Regiment of 300 men. After the Suez catastrophe, Britain was subject to hostile scrutiny, particularly by Russia and a Page 125 of 402

coalition of Egypt, Syria and Yemen. It was potentially politically dangerous, but Britain responded positively for a number of reasons. These included the RAF base on Masirah Island, further south along the Omani coast between Muscat and Salalah, and the hope that the Sultan would favour British oil and commercial interests. Also, to refuse the Sultan would question British presence along the whole coast from Aden to the Persian Gulf. But Britain's assistance was given on condition that Oman accept to change the worst aspects of the Sultan's government and agree to further British presence. Britain immediately provided a company of Trucial Oman Scouts (the former Trucial Oman Levies). Soon after, three companies of Cameronians and a troop of Hussars arrived. The initial British reaction was air attack. First, the RAF bombed the Jebel Akhdar plateau using 1000 pound bombs from Shackleton bombers from Khormaksar, Aden, but it was largely ineffective as the orders were to bomb caves (Figure 6) and water systems, not villages.

A cave in the mountainside at Bani Habib

Avro Shackleton MR2 The Shackleton bomber was the final derivative of the Lancaster/Lincoln family. It was also a large four-engined heavy bomber, designed for maritime support and anti-submarine bombing. Shackleton MR2 (for maritime reconnaissance) bombers of 37 and 42 Squadrons were used on Jebel Akhdar in 1957 and 1958, flying from their bases in Aden, Bahrain, Sharjah and Masirah. The first detachment was when half of 42 Squadron from St Eval in Cornwall arrived in Aden in January 1957. Then, in June, five more arrived in Aden from 37 Squadron in Malta, and took up residence there. Those of 42 Squadron moved on to Bahrain. In 1958, 228 Squadron moved into Sharjah, and later Masirah, and on 1 and 2 January 1959 four 224 Squadron Shackletons arrived there from Gibraltar. Altogether, the Shackletons flew 429 sorties and dropped 1540 tons of Page 126 of 402

bombs during the Jebel Akhdar campaign (2). Later, Venom fighters (see below: The role of the Venom fighter-bomber in the Jebel Akhdar conflict) based in Sharjah attacked targets with rocket and cannon fire. The rockets did little damage to the solid rock of the great fort at Nizwa nor even the mud walls of the smaller forts. Since the Imam's flag was white, many pilots did not engage legitimate targets because they believed the flag indicated surrender. Reliance on air power reflected British policy in the region since the 1930s. Aircraft were expected to interrupt normal life so much that a revolt would end rapidly.

De Havilland Venom FB4

. The great central tower of Nizwa fort Top priority was the recapture of Nizwa, the Imam's capital. A force was sent to Nizwa through the Sumail Gap. It was joined by tribesmen who hoped to take over the villages of Suleiman and Talib. The column encountered rebels near Mutti. Two Venoms were called in. They did not fire on the first pass and the rebels cheered derisively. On the next pass cannon fire ended the laughter and the rebels fled into the hills. On 6 August 1957 another force of Hussars, Cameronians and Trucial Oman Scouts advanced from Fahud to Nizwa. While advancing on Firq the Scouts came under rebel fire. Even with the assistance of Venoms and the fire of machine guns and mortars, they were unable to advance. During the night of 10 August 1957 patrols of Page 127 of 402

Hussars probed the enemy positions and discovered that the rebels held not only Firq but also the lower slopes of a hill to the southeast. The Venoms strafed the rebels the next day, after which the Cameronians seized the hill in a night attack and were in position to support the Scouts in a dawn attack. The plan was carried out with minimum casualties. The two forces met at Birkat al Mauz ,12km east of Nizwa, on 12 August 1957 and soon occupied Nizwa. Sayyid Tarik, the Sultan's half brother, took up residence in Nizwa Fort and controlled sources of information loyal to the Sultan; he provided the best guides and interpreters. Talib, Imam Ghalib, and Suleiman fled into the Jebel Akhdar. So the Sultan's forces controlled the land around the jebel and the rebels controlled the apparently impregnable heights.

Jebel Akhdar rising to over 3000m Jebel Akhdar forms a high plateau measuring about 20km from north to south and 30km from east to west. Its average elevation is about 2000m and it is surrounded by cliffs rising to 3000m. Since many of the cliffs are almost vertical, the tracks to the top could be easily defended by the rebels. Stores and weapons, including machine guns, mortars, ammunition and radios, were shipped from Saudi Arabia by sea to Sharjah, then overland to the Batinah Coast, and then onwards to Rustaq and Awabi and finally carried to the high plateau of Jebel Akhdar. As the rebels got stronger, they left the plateau more and more frequently to lay mines in the wadis used by the Sultan's soldiers. Over 150 vehicles were destroyed between March and November 1958. In April 1958, in an attempt to force the rebels into the open, soldiers advanced ostentatiously up the jebel during the day hoping to convince the rebels that they intended to spend the night on its slopes. However, during the night they began to withdraw quietly, expecting the rebels to attack at dawn, when the RAF had been instructed to drop 1000-pound bombs on them. Unfortunately, the retreat proved more difficult than expected, so when four Shackletons from Masirah each dropped fifteen 1000-pounders, followed by four Venoms shooting at anything and everything, the Sultan's soldiers watched from below, only just out of range, while the rebel soldiers, who had not fallen into the trap, watched the display from above. Colonel David Smiley was appointed commander of the Sultans forces, which he found to be in poor shape. They consisted of the Northern Frontier Regiment of 450 men including 8 Royal Marines, the Muscat Regiment of 250 men, Trucial Oman Scouts at Ibri and Izki, and a troop of Page 128 of 402

Hussars. Radio Cairo attributed British strength at between ten and twenty thousand. The rebel mining campaign had become increasingly effective. Two or three vehicles were being blown up every day. The priority of the Sultan's forces was to isolate the rebels from their source of supply. A major source of arms for the enemy had been British war material lost at the Suez Canal. Britain attempted to persuade the United States to stop supplying mines to Saudi Arabia, but the alleged response was that they were part of an assistance programme and how they were used was of no concern to the supplier. The army attempted to blockade the jebel by guarding the base of every known track. On October 6, 1958, the Northern Frontier Regiment occupied Tanuf and a squadron of the Trucial Oman Scouts occupied Yanqul at the northwest end of the Hajar Range closing the last major supply route from Saudi Arabia. During the second week of November 1958, a patrol of the Muscat Regiment found an unguarded route to the top of the jebel, after a six-hour climb from Hajar, above Awabi. On the seaward side there were few routes to the plateau, with only two or three accessible paths. Awabi lay where two routes through the hills met. This discovery allowed the Sultan's forces to reach the plateau, but the top of the Awabi track was on the opposite side of the plateau, about 30km from the rebel stronghold in the vicinity of Saiq. One day a woman arrived in Nizwa with a message from the Imam suggesting a truce during which both sides would refrain from hostilities. For two weeks the skies were clear of Shackletons and Venoms, and the guns were silent. The rebels terms proved unacceptable to the Sultan, and the war resumed. Convinced that the rebels could not be defeated in the foreseeable future with the forces available, Smiley went to Sharjah on 13 June 1958 to meet Christopher Soames, Secretary of State for War, to ask for more British assistance. The Foreign Office objected to official use of British troops because of repercussions in the United Nations where Saudi Arabia and Egypt were denouncing British intervention in Oman. However, it was suggested that the Special Air Service (SAS) might be used discretely. The commander of the SAS, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Deane-Drummond travelled to Muscat from Sharjah to confer with Smiley. A squadron of eighty SAS men was flown to Masirah Island. They were picked up by RAF aircraft from Aden and flown to a dirt strip at Azaiba (Map 2), arriving at Bait al Falaj, headquarters of the Sultan's Armed Forces, on 20 November 1958. The SAS patrolled from Tanuf and Awabi, providing valuable information on rebel movements. There was evidence of treachery, with one "friendly" tribal leader who was in charge of anti-mining found to be setting mines himself. Following this introduction to war on the jebel, it was concluded that RAF bombing of the plateau was counter-productive and it was discontinued. However, Venoms from Sharjah still flew over the jebel at dawn to provide covering fire for SAS patrols. This air support was so close that some soldiers were injured by falling shell casings from aircraft cannon. During December 1958, the SAS killed between twenty and thirty of the enemy at a cost of one killed. The rebellion was expected to end in a few months by a process of attrition. It was believed that as Talib's men were killed, he would take an increasingly active role himself, with a higher risk that he would be killed. A headquarters was established near Nizwa and Smiley delegated tactical command of all forces operating against the rebels to Deane-Drummond.

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Map of the area around Saiq

Typical village of the Saiq Plateau at about 2000m with terraced fields

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Bani Habib seen from Saiq Because of the April 1959 deadline for the withdrawal of British troops, only three months were available to end the war. A night attack on the jebel during full moon was decided on. The primary objective was to establish a foothold on the plateau near the rebel strongholds at Saiq, Sharaijah and Bani Habib. A small base was established near the head of the unguarded track to the plateau on the north of the jebel, but the enemy cut off that access. The shortest routes on the south side were the well-guarded tracks from Tanuf and Kamah, but aerial reconnaissance revealed another route, a sloping ridge east of Wadi Kamah. It was unguarded and the commanders thought that it could be climbed in one night. No maps existed other than one very crude drawing, so they invented code names for key features on the route. The top was Beercan, the first peak Pyramid, a ridge between two slopes Causeway, a crest about a third of the way up Vincent, and a peak beyond Beercan overlooking Bani Habib was Colin; a summit in the form of two rounded peaks was Sabrina. The SAS would lead the assault and push on to Bani Habib, Saiq, and Sharaijah. Other units would open up the track from Kamah for donkey columns to bring up supplies. In the south, fifty local tribesmen would accompany the SAS. In the north, two hundred more would climb the jebel from Awabi. The death or capture of Talib, Ghalib and Suleiman were of extreme importance (4). In order to confuse the rebels, several diversions were planned. Between 8 and 22 January 1959, patrols from Tanuf drove the rebels from an observation post. Others patrolled on the north side of the jebel and yet more pushed from Izki into Wadi Muaydin . The night of 25 January 1959 was chosen for the attack, which was to occupy Vincent, Pyramid, Beercan, and Colin before dawn. A troop of SAS left Tanuf by truck to Wadi Kamah. They had to climb the mountain before first light without forfeiting the element of surprise. The enemy had about 250 soldiers backed by up to 1000 armed tribesmen. Their arms included rifles, machine guns, mortars, and mines. The leading unit reached the summit before first light after a climb of nine and a half hours and occupied Beercan, Colin, and Bani Habib. The only sign of enemy activity was twenty tribesmen who surrendered. At dawn Venoms from Sharjah appeared over the plateau to provide support if needed. Three RAF Valetta transports from Bahrain dropped supplies on Beercan. With the surrender of Sharaijah, the Jebel Akhdar War ended. The SAS had suffered three casualties in their attack. All three rebel leaders made good an escape by sea to Saudi Arabia. The rebellion was finally snuffed out in a three month Page 131 of 402

effort after four years of futility and failure.

Vickers Valetta transport Oman later faced a much more serious threat. In the 1960s the Dhofar Rebellion, supported by the Soviet Union and China, came close to toppling the regime. The resolution of the Jebel Akhdar War ensured that the Sultan could concentrate his forces against the enemy in Dhofar without concern for a rebellion in central Oman. The role of the Venom fighter-bomber in the Jebel Akhdar conflict The De Havilland Venom was developed from the Vampire, one of the RAFs first jet fighters. It was a single seat fighter-bomber, with metal wings, and a fuselage made of a mixture of aluminium, plywood and balsawood. It had an unusual pod and boom layout, with two thin booms extending back from the wings carrying the tail. It had a single De Havilland Ghost engine of 4850 pounds thrust . The first Venom flew on 2 September 1949, and this first version was given the mark number FB1 (for fighter-bomber). It entered RAF service in 1952. 374 of them were built in the UK (plus 50 of a version for export), and 150 were made in Switzerland. The other fighter-bomber version was the FB4, first flown on 29 December 1953, and in service with the RAF from 1955 to 1962. In England, 172 were produced, and again 100 were built in Switzerland . These were the last Venoms in service, and were finally retired from front-line service in 1983. Several still fly in civilian hands today . The RAF's single-seat Venoms were operated exclusively overseas, equipping the Far East and Middle East Air Forces as well as the Second Tactical Air Force in Germany. The Venom carried four 20mm cannon and up to eight 60 pound rockets. It had under- wing points for either two 1000 pound bombs or external fuel tanks. In view of the distance from Sharjah, and to allow at least some time over target, the Venoms in this campaign never used bombs, as the points always carried fuel tanks.

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De Havilland Ghost engine

. Venom in Swiss Air Force Museum, showing the location of the Ghost engine

(Below): Figure 16. Swiss Air Force Venom, still flying in Switzerland! Figure 17. Venom of 8 Squadron in a low pass over troops in the desert. Note the underwing fuel tanks. (8 Sqd archives)

On 20 July 1957 four Venoms of 8 Squadron flew from Aden to the RAF Station at Sharjah. The day after their arrival, the Venom pilots were flying in Shackletons to see the area they would be operating in (2). The next two days were spent flying the Venoms, accompanied by Shackletons, over Izki and Nizwa, where leaflets were dropped to warn the population about impending attacks. Page 133 of 402

Dropping leaflets from the big Shackleton was not too difficult, but for the Venoms they had to be stored in the flaps (control surfaces under the wings) from where they would fall out when the flaps were lowered. On 27 July 1957 the Venoms attacked Izki, Nizwa and Tanuf. The same day 6 Venoms of 249 Squadron arrived at Sharjah from Nairobi. Both resident squadrons then attacked the fort at Birkat al Mauz the next day. Over the next week Firq, Nizwa and Bahla Forts came under fire from the Venoms. 8 Squadron returned to Aden a month later, only to fly back to Sharjah from October to November 1957. The Operational Record Book for 8 Squadron for November 1957 mentions sorties to destroy Bani al Habib (6). The squadron was back again for various detachments throughout 1958, finally leaving Sharjah on 3 October 1958. The pilots found life difficult at RAF Sharjah (2). The runway was hard sand, which blew up clouds of stinging dust as each aircraft took off. The accommodation and other facilities were bad. It is still possible to see parts of RAF Sharjah to this day. Some of the buildings of the old fort are used as the Mahatta Museum, and the control tower still exists, though rebuilt. The runway is now covered by King Abdul Aziz Road in the centre of the town! For whatever reason the Venom squadrons suffered many accidents, and stories abound of the number of wrecked aircraft that could be seen around the airfield in the late 1950s. Altogether 8 Squadron Venoms flew 1315 sorties, and 249 Squadron flew 163 sorties. They fired 3718 rockets and 271,060 20mm shells (2). Crash site of a Venom on Saiq Plateau a personal search On 30 August 1958 a Venom failed to return to its base at Sharjah. The Sultan's forces sent a woman, since women could not be stopped or searched by either side, to enquire about the pilot. She reported that the aircraft had crashed and that the pilot had died. I knew that there was supposed to be a remnant of the Jebel Akhdar War in the form of a crashed RAF fighter-bomber, that I supposed was the aircraft that had crashed in 1958, but its exact location remained a mystery to me. The weekend of 15-17 October 2003 we visited Jebel Akhdar to try to find the site. All the way up the 40km of track (that varies from good, through bad to very bad) from the valley we saw no sign of the Venom. At the hotel that stands atop the plateau I asked the manager. He said that, yes, he knew where the crashed plane was. In fact it was only about 3 km from the hotel. The fact that he called it a helicopter worried me! Next day we searched the area around the main village of the plateau, Saiq. As described above, the 1000 pound bombs dropped by the Shackletons and the rockets fired by the Venoms proved rather ineffective (bombs and rockets do not do a lot a damage against sheer mountain sides), but there must have been nasty "collateral damage". Villagers in the Saiq area still tell stories of the bombing by the Americans, and visitors may be shown evidence of craters that mark demolished homes. Indeed, many of the houses in the village of Bani Habib show signs of damage that could bear witness to bombing, being quite close to obvious caves (the purported targets) in the mountain sides, although we cannot prove that conclusion. Interestingly, during one of our treks, to the tiny village of Al Ain near Saiq, we came across a basin shaped piece of heavy steel casing with a tight screw-thread at one end, which I interpreted as being a piece of a 1000 pounder. It will be remembered from the historical account above that Saiq, Bani Habib and nearby Sharaijah were indeed all considered as rebel strongholds. Page 134 of 402

Possible bomb damage in Bani Habib

Remains of, probably, a 1000 pound bomb, in Al Ain village, near Saiq We found the Venom, just by the roadside near Sharaijah, at GPS coordinates N23 0433.4, E57 3936.4 (there is, in fact, a much more modern wreck, of a Huey helicopter, at an army base a kilometer or so further on). Of our Venom, only the engine, the central parts of the wings (with the main wheels still retracted in them, and part of the fuselage remain. None of these parts carry the RAF serial number (it would have been under the outer wing panels and on the booms, which had presumably been recycled long before by locals), so I could not determine the precise identity of the plane on site, but it was certainly Venom, as was also attested by the relatively well-preserved engine. There were lots of serial numbers on individual components, which I duly photographed, in the hope that British Aerospace (the company that took over the former De Havillands) would help me in further identification. Pencilled on the inside of a torn panel was the number "562". Now, RAF records (8,9) tell us that a Venom of the British Forces in the Aden Protectorate, serial number WR562, crashed on 10 August 1957. I thought that this could be it, although the date did not correspond! However, the penciled 562 seems not to refer to WR562. That aircraft crashed in Page 135 of 402

Aden, not Oman. Indeed, closer inspection of the wreckage revealed the number DHE562 penciled in small script, but apparently in the same handwriting, on the turbine casing at the rear of the engine. This could refer to a De Havilland Engines serial. Records of RAF serials mention another Venom FB4 (WR552) of 8 Squadron that went down on 30/8/1958, having been delivered new to the RAF in December 1955 . Colin Richardson, author of the excellent book Masirah, Tales from a Desert Island (2) confirmed that fact in a letter to me in December 2003. He was a former Venom pilot on 8 Squadron himself, and a friend of Flight Lieutenant Owen Watkinson, the pilot, flying from Sharjah. So the search for our Venoms identity concluded successfully. It is said that the pilot was strafing goats, and it is thought that he was not shot down, but misjudged the pull out from his attacking dive. Alongside the wreck is a small stone cairn marking the grave of Owen Watkinson, who was buried under a pile of rocks immediately after the crash by local people, and later re-interred in the rock ledge that is surmounted by the cairn to this day. After the Jebel Akhdar war an RAF cadre conducted a formal burial service (2) and the Bishop of Rochester later visited and blessed the grave.

Owen Watkinsons grave After fruitless enquiries of the RAF, the Ministry of Defence, and British Aerospace, I turned to the National Archives (Public Records Office) in London, to get a little further with the research. I had Page 136 of 402

very helpful replies from them, but I needed to go to London to consult the documents. It was fascinating, and frightening, to read original ministerial documents planning the details of the Jebel Akhdar campaign and stating that the killing of the rebel leaders was a priority (4). Also, the Operations Record Books of 8 Squadron (6) for the period were instructive, giving details of various sorties by their Venoms against the rebels in the various towns mentioned above. Further afield, their operations in Aden, for instance, at one stage accounted for 600 goats, 8 camels, 2 cows and one man. To my surprise, however, I could find no reference to the accident flight of Owen Watkinson, although there was a record of his having left the squadron, deceased.

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The Wahiba Sands

(Sharqiyah Sands) Ash-Sharqiyah Sands (also known as Wahiba Sands after the Wahibi Bedouin tribe hailing from this region) offers the intrepid visitor the romance of the desert with the thrill of adventure sports. A "perfect specimen of a sand sea", the Wahiba Sands, is a small isolated 12,000 sq km desert lying about 190kms from Muscat. The great Wahiba sands are longitudinal dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajars meeting the Arabian Sea south of Ras Al Hadd. The Sands comprise a great variety of dune formations 100-150 metres high and varying from deep red to a rich honey colour. The sands are made of grains of rock, blown in from nearby eroded rocks & marine sediments. The sand dunes are moving inland at about 10 meters each year. Anybody who chooses to live in the environment of Wahiba Sands must be hardy and resilient to tolerate its potentially harsh climate, the Bedu people are just that. There are over 3,000 Bedu of varying tribal origins who live here among the woodland on the fringes of the sands. The Sharqiyah (Wahiba) Sands are home to large populations of migratory Bedouins. The animal life includes a large and varied migrant bird population in winter. The Sands also form a natural refuge for many animals, such as gazelle, Rappels fox, the sand cat and white-tailed mongoose. Page 141 of 402

1. For Desert Safari: Desert Camp N 222432.4 E 58473.4 Contact: Al Raha Tours & Camp, Mr. Hari 99551155 / ALI 99343851 They have a Office at the Shell Petrol Pump near Bidiya. Charges: OMR 17/- per person, inclusive of Drive over Sand Dunes, Dinner & Breakfast Extra Charges for 4 Wheel Bike, Car Drive, etc. 40 Kms from Ibra, there is a Shell Petrol Pump near Bidiya, turn right and then left to drive for about 5 Kms to reach at an entrance to Wahiba Sands. Park your vehicle and then travel by Haris 4 Wheel Drive. There is no Mobile Connectivity for Navras. If you travel in a car that is not the first in the convoy, then you will enjoy the most as you will see the sand that will be thrown away by the car in your front while running.

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For Desert Safari: Contact: Al Raha Tours & Camp, Mr. Hari 99551155 / ALI 99343851 They have a Office at the Shell Petrol Pump near Bidiya. Charges: OMR 17/- per person, inclusive of Drive over Sand Dunes, Dinner & Breakfast Extra Charges for 4 Wheel Bike, Car Drive, etc. 40 Kms from Ibra, there is a Shell Petrol Pump near Bidiya, turn right and then left to drive for about 5 Kms to reach at an entrance to Wahiba Sands. Park your vehicle and then travel by Haris 4 Wheel Drive. There is no Mobile Connectivity for Navras.

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Wadi Bani Khalid

Latitude: 2237'2.15"N Longitude: 59 5'36.83"E Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the touristy things to do in Oman... sometimes we're not all in the mood for a crazy adventure on the wild side, so why not? It is located off the road to Sur, approx. 200km from Muscat and approx. 100km from Sur, in a region known as Sharqiyah. Wadi Bani Khalid is famous for its natural beauty and is pretty easy to find. A road (often with signs) runs in a zig-zag through the mountains and small villages before dropping down a steep path into the palm groves and the lush green valley below. You don't need a 4x4 to reach Wadi Bani Khalid, as you park your car in the main car park and walk into the wadi. You can reach it after walking about 500m along a falaj (irrigation channel). There are numerous local children running around here with wheelbarrows, offering to take your bags, towels and picnics into the wadi for payment. Once inside the Wadi there are various clear and blue pools of cool water, water falls, numerous palm trees that offer much shade, some toilets and also a small but quite nice restaurant offering grilled meats and fish, sandwiches, salads and fresh juices. Further upstream there are some caves which you can explore (you'll need to bring a torch/flashlight).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Many Omanis also visit these pools, and as this is a Muslim country women need to cover. There are also signs alerting tourists to wear "conservative clothing" - this means that men can swim in their shorts as usual, but women should not wear a bathing suit or even bikini here.

This wadi is always popular with people. You can camp here, but you probably won't get much "quiet time" as it is always busy.

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Al Duqm
Port & Dry-Dock

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Daewoo Shipbuilding and local firm Galfar GECS.OM have built the Duqm Port, worth 170.2 million Rials ($442.2 million) contract. There are 2 breakwaters, each 5 km long, two dry docks, each 400 meters long, and one quay wall of 2.5 km in length, and a number of docking gates. Oman's coastal area of Duqm is to become a fully integrated downstream export centre, together with a major export refinery and a petrochemicals complex. It will have a crude oil export terminal. The area will become a free zone for downstream industries. Deployment of suitable lifting gear, and aided by its world-leading expertise, Port of Duqm is preparing to enable the handling of project cargoes of up to 15-metre width, 15-metre height, 100metre length and 36-ton weight per axle. Situated on the southeastern seaboard of the Sultanate of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean beyond, Port of Duqm is fast becoming an important reality of the Middle East regions rapidly transforming maritime landscape. With its deep draft, lengthy quay walls, and expansive basin, Port of Duqm has the trappings of a world-class, multipurpose commercial gateway. And as the principal anchor of a huge Special Economic Zone envisioned at Duqm, it also has the potential to develop into one of the Middle Easts largest ports over the long term. At the heart of Port of Duqms appeal is its strategic geopolitical location, far removed from Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf. It is this advantageous location that the Omani government seeks to leverage as it sets out to position Duqm as a safe, stable and business-friendly destination for industrial and economic investment. Indeed, the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Duqm in particular stand to reap the benefits of the countrys international reputation as an oasis of tranquility and standard-bearer of regional peace and reconciliation. Underscoring Port of Duqms strategic importance is its planned development into an integrated, multimodal logistics hub, encompassing the maritime, road, air and rail modes of transportation. An airport is under construction at Duqm, while a proposed rail-based freight and passenger transportation network, will eventually link this industrial port city with the national rail system. Duqm will be connected to the Oman National Railway network during the first phase of its implementation. During this phase, the rail network will run from the northern industrial port city of Sohar to the capital Muscat. From Muscat, the alignment runs southeast to Duqm. Connectivity with the GCC-wide rail network will be ensured through the construction of a link between Sohar and Al Ain in neighboring United Arab Emirates. The high-speed, double track rail system will allow for the speedy transportation of containers, bulk commodities, and other general cargoes, to and from Duqm.

Duqm Airport
Omans committed to developing a world-scale industrial hub at Duqm. It is building an international airport in this remote region of the country. Currently under construction, Duqm Page 152 of 402

International Airport has been designed to handle some of the largest freight and passenger aircraft presently in service. The facility, which will allow for investors, visitors and other passengers to be speedily ferried in and out of Duqm, will be brought into operation in 2015. Airfreight is also an important component of the projects offerings.

Port of Duqm aims to leverage its geographical location at the crossroads of international EastWest shipping routes, as well as its proximity to sea lanes entering and exiting the Arabian Gulf. In fact, Oman and Duqm in particular finds itself bang in the middle of international shipping lanes linking the key production markets of the East with the consumer markets of the West. It is this advantageous location that Duqm Port aims to exploit by positioning itself as a transshipment hub on the global supply chain, and a distribution hub serving regional Gulf and Middle East markets. Duqms location far outside the Hormuz Strait means that large containerships, typically of 16,000 18,000 TEU capacity, can save 2 3 days of expensive steaming into the Gulf if they offload their Middle Eastern cargoes at Duqm. Furthermore, these vessels also tend to save on steepinsurance costs that are applicable to shipping entering the Strait. But with a butterfly service operating out of Duqm, transshipped cargoes can be shipped onward to Dubai and Salalah through the deployment of smaller vessels a strategy that guarantees major savings for shippers and shipping lines.

Road links
Duqm is 591 km from Muscat and travel time by road is 7 Hours. Enhanced road connectivity will enable the smooth and speedy carriage of project cargo via DuqmPort to oilfield destinations across central Oman. Technical and logistical challenges have made it increasingly difficult for heavy cargoes to be shipped via Sohar and Salalah ports, as well as hubs in the UAE. Port of Duqm Company has now embarked on a strategy to make it attractive for all such heavy loads to be shipped directly through this new gateway on the Wusta coast. The entire road network leading in and out of Duqm port will be upgraded and modernized to facilitate ease of transport, as well as enable the movement of heavy project cargoes. More importantly, overland connectivity with the hydrocarbon and mineral-rich hinterland will be strengthened, primarily to allow for the easy and convenient movement of oilfield cargo to be shipped from the port directly to site. Road connectivity will be upgraded in two stages. In the first phase, set to commence during 2013, all roads will be widened to two-lane dual carriageways with shoulders. In the second phase, these roads will be further upgraded to four-lane dual carriageways.

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Barka Fort

Open: Sunday to Thursday: 8.30 am to 2.30 pm; Closed on Friday & Saturday

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Ostrich Park
BARKA OSTRICH FARM Tel. No.: 0096826885535 GPS Coordinates: 2339'1"N 5752'10"E Entrance Fees: 200baiza for kids and 500 for adults This is the famous Ostrich Farm of Oman, located just opposite Al-Nahda Resort, 7 km from Barka roundabout. There is a sign board "mazra3t al na3ama" directing you to right side, about 2km from the road towards the rite you will see that zoo. The farm belongs to Azzan Farms. In addition to a flock of ostriches, the farm is also home to crocodiles, horses, geese, ducks and camels. But the birds are the main attraction, and visitors often come to the farm to see hatchlings breaking out of their shell on occasions. The ostriches in the farm were initially brought in from South Africa for the commercial purpose of exporting their meat, leather and feathers.

Know the Ostrich

Ostrich is a large flightless bird that lives in Africa. They are the largest living bird species, and have the biggest eggs of all living birds. Ostriches do not fly, but can run faster than any other bird and can sprint at 70 km / Hr. With their acute eyesight and hearing; Ostriches can sense predators such as lions from far away. When being pursued by a predator, they have been known to reach speeds in excess of 70 km / hr and can maintain a steady speed of 50 km / hr, which makes the Ostrich the worlds fastest two-legged animal. A cheetah has been filmed chasing ostriches, but the ostriches changed direction very quickly, making it very difficult for the cheetah to catch them. When lying down and hiding from predators, the birds lay their heads and necks flat on the ground, making them appear as a mound of earth from a distance. This even works for the males, as they hold their wings and tail low so that the heat haze of the hot, dry air that often occurs in their habitat aids in making them appear as a nondescript dark lump. Ostriches have a very powerful kick and during the breeding season, the male ostriches get very aggressive and sometimes kick each other to death. Ostriches have long legs and a long neck, but they have a small head. Male ostriches have black feathers and female ostriches have gray and brown feathers. Both males and females have white feathers on their wings and tails. Male ostriches can be 1.8 - 2.7 meters / 6 - 9 feet tall. Female ostriches are 1.7 - 2 meters / 5.5 - 6.5 ft tall. Ostriches have the biggest eyes of all land animals. Page 155 of 402

An adult ostrich weighs around 150kg. The life expectancy of an ostrich is 60-70 years. An ostrich provides a large amount of meat (30kg) which is distinguished for its low fat, cholesterol free and high protein and iron content. A fertilized ostrich egg at the farm costs RO15. An adult ostrich can be sold for RO350. A chick up to three months old costs RO125. An empty ostrich egg shell used for decorative purposes is sold at RO3. The leather made from ostrich skin is one of the most expensive and is of high quality. It is used for making a variety of things. Even the feathers of ostriches are bleached and dyed for making fashion accessories. Ostriches mainly eat plant matter, but they also eats insects. The plant matter consists of seeds, shrubs, grass, fruits and flowers while the insects they eat including locusts. Ostriches do not have teeth, and so cannot grind food as mammals do. Instead, they swallow pebbles. An adult ostrich carries about 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of stones in its gizzard, a special sac just before the stomach. The pebbles grind the food, and help its digestion. When eating, their gullet is filled with food. After that, the food is passed down their esophagus in the form of a ball called a bolus. The bolus may be as much as 210 ml. Ostriches can live without drinking for several days. Ostriches become sexually mature when they are 2 to 4 years old; females mature about six months earlier than males. The mating process differs in different regions. Territorial males hiss and use other sounds to claim mating rights over a harem of two to seven hens. The females lay their fertilized eggs in a single communal nest, a simple pit, 30 to 60 cms deep and 3 M wide, scraped in the ground by the male. The dominant female lays her eggs first, and when it is time to cover them for incubation she discards extra eggs from the weaker females, leaving about 20 in most cases. Ostrich eggs are the largest of all eggs (and by extension, the yolk is the largest single cell) though they are actually the smallest eggs relative to the size of the adult bird on average they are 15 cms long, 13 cms wide, and weigh 1.4 kilograms, over 20 times the weight of a chicken egg. The eggs are incubated by the females by day and by the males by night. This uses the coloration of the two sexes to escape detection of the nest, as the drab female blends in with the sand, while the black male is nearly undetectable in the night. The incubation period is 35 to 45 days. Males and females cooperate in rearing chicks. The male defends the hatchlings and teaches them to feed. The survival rate is low for the hatchlings, with an average of one per nest surviving to adulthood. They lack a gallbladder. They have three stomachs, and the caecum is 71 cms long. Unlike all other living birds, the Ostrich secretes uric acid separately from faeces. Unlike all other birds, which store the uric acid and faeces together, and excrete them together, ostriches store the faeces at the end of their rectum. They also have unique pubic bones that are fused to hold their gut. Page 156 of 402

Unlike most birds the males have a penis, which is retractable and 8 inches (20 cm) long. Ostriches live 30 to 40 years on average. It is sometimes said that ostriches will hide their heads in the ground when they are scared, but this is not true.

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Horse Riding

Harvesting Farm

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Nakhal Fort
2. Nakhal Castle Latitude : 2323'41.00"N, Longitude : 5749'43.00"E Nakhal Fort, 30 km inland from Barka and about 100km from Muscat, is an imposing structure set on a hill, and if you climb to the top of the watchtowers you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and town enveloped by date trees. Open: Saturday to Thursday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; Friday: 8.00 am to 11.00 am

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Hot Water Spring

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Wukan
Wukan: It is a small Village on the Slopes of Mountain grows Grapes, Peaches, Pomegranates, Sweet Lime, Lime, Onions, etc. Wukan N 23.14315 E 57.73553 Wukan Top: N 23.13993 E 57.72961 Best Season starts from March End. The Trees are beautifully coloured and full of Flowers and Fruits. Water flows down continuously from the mountain is well channelized. People stay on the the slopes but they are hardly seen. From the Parking place at about 1500 M above Sea level, you need to go up the comfortable steps up to about 1700 M above the Sea Level. When you go up looking at the trees, flowers and fruits, you do not get tired at all. 56 kms from Nakhal, between Nakhal & Awabi on LHS, last 40 Kms driving in Wadi and up the Jabel Akhder Mountain Range; 4 Wheel Drive is a must. Carry your Food & Water; Toilet is available. Sohar to this place and back: 7 Seater Toyota Land Cruiser, 4 wheel drive may be hired for OMR 45/Contact: Mohmmed Hamdan Mamari, 92208356

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Rustaq Fort
Rustaq Castle Latitude: 2323'30.00"N Longitude: 5725'35.00"E

Open: Saturday to Thursday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; Friday: 8.00 am to 11.00 am

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Wadi Al Hoqain
Wadi Al Hoqain, an oasis of natural beauty Wadi Hoqain Water Fall: N 2332.877 E 5720.454 The wadis in particular are the most popular tourist destinations visited throughout the year. They offer the visitors various attractions and ways of enjoyment such as enjoying the beautiful nature and going in for adventure sports, apart from hiking and explorations in the picture perfect surroundings. Most of the destinations offer peace and tranquility far away from the noise of the city and the hustle bustle of daily life. Wadi Al Hoqain in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq is one of the most renowned and popular wonderful wadis in the Sultanate. The wadi is located in the Niyabat of Al Hoqain. The wadi is distinguished with its springs and yearround flowing water with deep and cool pools as well as small waterfalls. It is quite safe to swim in the water when the flow is slow. Location: 160 km from Muscat, about 50 km at the west of the centre of the Wilayat of Al Rustaq. Thus, it is about a two-hour drive from Muscat with a 4WD. It can be reached either by road from the village of Al Hazm (a 23 km stretch of this road has been upgraded) or through a 23 km road from the Wilayat of Al Suwaiq. The two roads meet up at a roundabout from which it is possible to drive to the Wadi at Haimli, Hajir Bani Omar as well as Al Hoqain, Al Suwaiq and Al Hazm. This remarkable tourist destination in Al Hoqain is full with different kinds of beautiful plantations such as palm trees, grasses and bushes. In addition, the rocky mountains and cliffs add a special attraction as the water flows through the rocks and runs into waterfalls. Waters in Wadi Al Hoqain flow through rocks and cascades 9 meters down in to a natural waterfall. It is a spectacular sight. From here on the water accumulates into relaxing cool pools conducive for tourists who want to enjoy a refreshing swim. The most magnificent scene around here is the waterfall and the water running through the granite rocks along the wadi as well as the beautiful sight of the green plantations on both sides of the wadi. What distinguishes Wadi Al Hoqain is yearround running fresh water which forms natural waterfalls and pools. Water is so plentiful that the villagers here once used to grow wheat and three types of beans. It is no longer economically feasible to grow these crops, but some villagers still grow sugarcane and henna. There are thick groves of sidr growing here as well.

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Remains of a Castle In fact, most of the wadis in Oman are located in mountainous areas and they are only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle as the ground can be extremely rough. Wadis are very often green, flourishing oases of palm trees, grasses and flowering shrubs. It is always safe to visit wadis in a group or with a tour guide, especially for travelers or expatriates who are unaware of the topography. Page 177 of 402

Heritage & Culture

From the inception of the Renaissance era under the far-sighted and wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Sultanate has adhered to the development process by striking a balance between traditions and modernization. His Majesty has paid undivided attention to the deep-rooted Omani heritage and saw to it that it is preserved for the generations to come so as to inculcate a sense of pride while enjoying the fruits of modernization. To make this a vision a tangible reality His Majesty has set up many institutions such as the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the Public Authority for Craft Industries, and many others. In addition, the year 1994 was specified as the Year of Heritage. In his Royal Speech commemorating that occasion His Majesty reiterated: We have maintained and preserved our identity and intellectual inheritance, and we have adopted every means for development and modernization. It has been very clear to us that our heritage is not only represented by forts, castles and ancient buildings, but by spiritual customs and traditions, by science, art and literature, transmitted from one generation to another.

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Camel Racing
This is a popular sport where camels compete at speeds of up to 64 km / hour on tracks specially built for this kind of race. Races take place regularly. Camels, the "ships of the desert," have played a vital role in the region over thousands of years. Camels have impacted all aspects of daily desert life. Besides being a means of travel, food and shelter, camels are also used for entertaining, celebrating and competing in festivals and special events. Camel races are held at tracks in Seeb, Salalah, the Interior and the Batinah regions. The races are generally held on public holidays and during the annual National Day celebrations.

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No more human jockeys? A camel race in Sohar has, for the first time, featured robots at the reins. History was created when robot jockeys instead of human ones -- were introduced on the backs of the camels at the seventh annual local camel race (2009 to 2010) at the Sohar race track, recently. A thingamajig on her back is smacking and spurring young Saraba onto the finish line. She surges ahead, her neck stretching forward and head rocking, froth flying high in the air and on her as she successfully pounds past the line before anyone else. At the same time, Sarabas owner in a dusty Land Cruiser wildly pulls up just after her, on the parallel track. Others follow, raising mighty dust. More camels clomp behind with the same contraption whirring and smacking on their backs like disabled miniature windmills gone cuckoo. Even when they cross the finish line, the device tied to their back is seen whipping itself to frenzy (or was it desperation?). This was seen mostly on those camels that seem to have somehow fallen behind the others in the race; a sort of last ditch effort in the hope that the four-legged contestant would pip past the others at the finish line. It is not about the money alone, but winning any race brings along certain pride. For Omanis who have been literally brought up on a camels back, a camel race is a natural passion, if not at times, compulsive. And for those Omanis whose first-ever sight has been a camel, races and such competitions as this seventh annual local camel race (2009 to 2010) in the wilayat of Sohar (camel race track), Batinah region, is part of a culture, which despite the infusion of technology and the sweep of modernity, still evokes a fervour that is more encompassing than the dust raised on the track. But, there is something in the air this time. The race just run is no ordinary one. For you realise with a start that these camels have run the race sans jockey, at least a human one that is. As of September 30, Oman has taken that step to introduce a fresh dose of safety into the races: the thingamajig on the back is no ordinary contraption -- it is a RO500 (approximately) worth remotecontrolled robot that has replaced the young Omani jockey. This is the first time that a robot jockey is being introduced into an official camel race in Oman: A step, which Oman is perhaps late in taking (when compared to the region), but better late than never, the camel race enthusiasts gathered at the camel race festival organised by the Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Cavalry, aver in unison. Robot jockeys are new to Oman, but not to the region, which has introduced them nearly five years Page 181 of 402

ago, facing criticism that small children, some as young as four, were being brought from poor Asian countries to race the camels. Introduction of robot jockeys in the region is seen as a panacea for what was seen as one of camel racings most objectionable practices. Racing camel owners in many Gulf countries traditionally used children as jockeys, some quite young, a practice that was condemned by human rights groups. The UAE and Qatar have been using robot jockeys since the last five years or so. Oman is the last one (to use them). This is a step to bring about safety through technology and we feel it is time we safeguarded young jockeys and reduce the risks involved. A seven or 12kms race is physically draining and stressful for a young jockey. With the robot jockeys, the risk of the young jockeys falling off the camels backs can be eliminated They (the camels) race at a speed of approximately 50 to 60kms per hour, sometimes, even faster. The Omani Camel Race Federation and members of the camels committee in the wilayat are all aware of this move and they have welcomed the change. Government authorities, Royal Court Camel Affairs, and the Omani Camel Race Federation are funding and supporting this venture. Oman had recognized and approved the use of robots at the reins of the camels. The introduction of machine-mounted camels on the race track was the first step in safeguarding the ancient heritage of camel racing through modern technology. Technology plays a vital role in all fields today. The introduction of robot Jockeys in our ancient heritage of camel racing is a safety requisite and a progress of the new and modern technological advance. The robot jockeys are good and safe; deaths can be avoided on the race track. A human jockey brings in that traditional aspect, but with the new robots, life is going to swing to an entirely new safe mode, a joint move of the Royal Court Camel Affairs, Oman Camel Race Federation and other related authorities. When the jockey is a young Omani boy, he needs to be trained, and paid a pretty high fee. If the camel he rides on wins, he has to be again paid a handsome amount. Since there are a lot of risks involved, the young jockeys father needs to be paid an amount too. This makes camel racing an expensive affair. With robot jockeys, many Omanis and camel owners can participate in an affordable and cost-effective manner. The heritage will not be lost, playing it just safe. Camel racing is Omanis life. There is passion, involvement and contentment in it. The introduction of robot jockeys will not take anything away from the thrill of camel racing; instead, it will instill in a brand new safety aspect; it will make it lighter for the camel, as the robots are only around 2 kg.

Race Camels Camels are carefully bred for racing and undergo intensive training in order to compete at national and international levels. Training begins at the age of two years. The camel is shown how to walk and how to be guided by the rope with the help of an older, calm and she-camel. After this, it is taught how to sit down and then the riding 'era' begins. The camel will be guided, taught how to walk and run with a she-camel and then how to run alone. Winning camels are highly prized and can be sold for vast amounts of money - their value is Page 182 of 402

comparable with racehorses in certain instances. Omani Camels The Arabic language has many names for camels of each type and age group. For example: Alrahila : Camels specialized in carrying heavy loads Alshahla : Brown colored camels Alhajeen : Camel used only for riding Alhayran : A newborn camel Alkhalfa : Camels that give a lot milk Alsafra : Camels with light wool For racing purposes, camel are divided according to their ages as follows:Types of camels that are participating in the race, and the arrangements involved The camel racing is for two days in each selected wilayat. On the first day there are twelve rounds of races, according to the age of the camel participating in the festival. The participating camels are of the following types: 1. Al Hajaiej aged less than three years, which is scheduled to compete for four rounds. 2. Lagaia ages three to four, scheduled to compete for four rounds. 3. Yadaa camels aged four to five years and scheduled to compete for one round. 4. Thanaia six years and scheduled to compete for one round. 5. Hawl six years and upwards, which is scheduled to compete for one round 6. Gadaan a young male camels from three years of age and scheduled to compete for one round. As for the second day, when the actual competition takes place, the races are conducted under the auspices of the wali of the hosting wilayat. The competition consists of five rounds of racing. There are standard requirements for a person to be eligible to participate in this camel racing. In a nutshell these requirements are as follows: 1. The camel with which he intends to participate ought to be of an Omani origin. 2. The camel should not be a cross-breed. 3. The camel owner should be an Omani. 4. The participant ought to be from the same wilayat in which the camel racing is taking place. The sport is greatly similar to horse racing. Camel racing is an authentic Arab sport, famous especially among the Arabian Peninsula Arabs. Camel racing has evolved into an official and professional race that includes race tracks, specialized farms for raising camels and running intensive training programs, as well as using new technologies. It is always held on the 2nd day of Eid, at Al Khaburah. A schedule of camel racing can be found on this link: www.rca.gov.om Page 183 of 402

Know the Camel

The average life expectancy of a camel is 40 to 50 years. A full-grown adult camel stands 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) at the shoulder and 2.15 m (7 ft 1 in) at the hump. Arabic & Omani Camel weighs between 300 and 600 kg. Camels can run at up to 65 km/h (in short bursts and sustain speeds of up to 40 km/h. The male dromedary camel has in its neck an organ called a dulla, a large, inflatable sac he extrudes from his mouth when in rut to assert dominance and attract females. It resembles a long, swollen, pink tongue hanging out of the side of its mouth. Camels mate by having both male and female sitting on the ground, with the male mounting from behind. The male usually ejaculates three or four times within a single mating session. Camels are the only ungulates to mate in a sitting position. The Arabic & Omani Dromedary Camel have a single hump. The hump of the camel, in the form of a mass of fats, provides nutriment to the animal periodically in times of starvation. With this system, this animal can live for 3 weeks without water, whilst it loses 33% of its weight. Under the same circumstances, a human being would lose 8% of his weight and die within 36 hours, completely loosing the water in his body. Hump is the other supporter to the camel. One fifth of the camel's total body weight is stored as fat in its hump. The storage of the body fat in only one part of the camel's body, prevents the excretion of water from all around its body - which is dependent on fat. This allows the camel to use minimum amount of water. Camels do not directly store water in their humps as was once commonly believed. Although a humped camel can take in 30-50 kilograms of food in a day, in tough conditions, it is able to live for one month with only 2 kg of grass a day. Camels have very strong and rubber-like lips which allow them to eat thorns sharp enough to pierce stout leather. It has a four chambered stomach and a very strong digestive system by which it can digest everything it eats. Another reason of its resistance against thirst is a mechanism which enables the camel to increase its internal temperature up to 41C. Thanks to this, the animal keeps water loss at minimum level in the extreme hot climates of the desert daytime. They also can decrease their internal body temperature down to 30C in the cool desert nights. This fur consists of thick and matted hairs that do not only protect the body of the animal against freezing and burning weather conditions, but also eliminate the water loss of the body. The Dromedary camel can delay the perspiration by increasing its body temperature up to 41C. By this way, it prevents water loss. With its thick fur, camels in Asia can survive high temperatures rising up to +50C in summer and falling down to -50C in winter. The thick and impenetrable hairs on the camel's body prevent scorching sun lights to diffuse into the skin of the animal. These also keep the animal warm in freezing weather. Desert camels are Page 184 of 402

not affected by high temperatures up to 70C, and double-humped camels can survive in very low temperatures down to -50C. The feet are comprised of two toes joined with an elastic pad. This structure which enables the animal to firmly grasp the earth is consisted of four fatty balls. It is totally convenient for all kinds of land conditions. The toenails protect the feet from potential damages resulting from a bump. Knees are covered with callus which is composed of skin as hard and thick as a horn. When the animal lays down on hot sands, this calloused structure protects the animal from being injured by the extremely hot ground. Feet of the camels, which are larger in ratio to its legs, are specially "designed" and enlarged to help the animal walk in the sand without being stuck in it. These feet are wide & puffy. In addition, the special thick skin under the feet soles is a precaution for the burning desert sand. The eyes of camels have two eyelash layers. The eyelashes interlock like a trap and protect the eyes of the animal from harsh sand storms. In addition, camels can close their nostrils to keep out sand.

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Bull Fighting

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Bull fighting is very popular in Oman. In this instance two Brahmin bulls of the same size are pitted against each other. The first one to get knocked down or run away is declared the loser. The fight lasts only for a few minutes and the bulls suffer no injury except perhaps a wounded pride and a bad headache. Bull fighting usually takes place on Friday afternoons in the cooler winter months at arenas along the Batinah coast, notably in Seeb, Barka, Sawadi, and Sohar, Liwa. At Barka, it is held generally on every fortnightly on week-end. It is difficult to pin point when bullfights will occur as they can be quite spontaneous affairs. On the whole, they are held on holidays and celebration days, either early in the morning, or late afternoon, when it is cooler. Though bullfighting comes second to football in Oman, no effort or money is spared in its enjoyment. When the clock strikes 3 oclock in the afternoon on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, you see hundreds of trucks carrying bulls heading in the same direction. They gather together, along with their excited audience, to set up the ring. Bulls fight bulls. People bring their livestock together at an arena outside town. Ropes are attached to a hind leg, and the two animals are goaded into butting heads. The first bull that runs away or is forced to its knees loses. Page 188 of 402

Omanis think of it as part of their culture and tradition and want to preserve it. Some locals believe bullfighting was brought to the country by the Portuguese. Over the years, a preference emerged for two bulls squaring off against each other instead of a human opponent. Locals made their own rules for the sport. There is a special committee headed by a leader and around eight other people whose job is to stay inside the ring to separate the bulls at the end of the fight. His job is to call for bull owners to provide contenders, to determine the number of rounds and classify the animals based on their species, weight and size. He must also get the owners consent on the fights program to ensure impartiality. The leaders mission is to control the game and end it when it is clear that one of the bulls had won or there was a draw. He would not allow bulls to injure one another seriously. The matches do not exceed five minutes and rarely last even that long. To qualify, bulls should be between 2 to 3 years old, and the owner prepares the horns in a certain way that dulls their sharpness. He is not allowed to withdraw from the game after the bull enters the ring. Residents of the al-Batinah area, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, believe the tradition began when a bull escaped from a farm and attacked a bull at a neighboring farm. According to legend, they fought until the first bull injured the other. News spread in the town, so the owner of the injured bull tried to salvage his reputation and asked to hold a fight between the same two bulls in the center of the town. It is believed that bullfighting then became a pastime of the town and spread all over the country. Among the audience at the fights, there are people who buy the winning bulls, or those of a strong or famous strain. The price of one of bull can exceed 2,500 Riyals (over $6,500). Bulls are prepared for fighting since birth by following a certain diet, and are kept away from the rest of the animals on the farm. To raise a fighting bull can cost up to 100 Riyals a month as it has to be provided with clover and dried fish, butter, dates, barley and milk.

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Al Sawadi Beach
Al Sawadi Beach Latitude: 2346'33.06"N Longitude: 5746'58.79"E There are tiny islands and you can go across the sea by hiring motor boats. You will be dropped on the island having Watch Tower. After you finish, call the Motor boat Owner, who will come back to pick you up. During Low Tide, you can walk down to the island.

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Scuba Diving @ Dimaaniyat Island off Al Sawadi

With 1700km of coastline, and clean, unpolluted waters, Oman is one of the best kept secrets in the diving world. There are a number of dive centers or dive agents (see below) who will arrange trips to the numerous coral reefs surrounding the Sultanate. Visibility is variable throughout the year, ranging from 20-30m on average, although July to September generally offers the greatest visibility - the one downside to this is the searing temperatures to which Oman is subjected during the summer. However, ardent divers will dismiss this as a minor obstacle - the sea is a pleasant temperature no matter how hot the land is. During the winter months (October to March), the sea temperature drops to 20-25degC and one may require a 5mm wetsuit. During the summer months (April to September), as the sea temperature rises, a 3mm wetsuit will suffice. There are many superb dive sites around the capital area, including Cemetery Bay, Fahal Island, Kalbuh and the Dimaaniyat Islands. The range of marine life is also astounding and one can expect to see: Lemon Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles, Lobsters, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Sea Cucumbers, Octopi, Sea Slugs, various sea anemones, varieties of Coral including Brain, Stag, Teddy Bear, and Table; Honeycomb Morays, Zebra Morays, Barracuda, Picasso and Blue Triggerfish, Spot fin Lionfish, Blue Tang, Grouper, Black finned Melon Butterfly Fish, Cornet fish, Parrot Fish, Soldier Fishamongst many, many other creatures.

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Basics of Scuba Diving: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. You shall not be suffering from heart deceases, sinus, cold, cough, high blood pressure. You shall know how to swim. You wear Shorts and a Tee Shirt. Do not drink tea/coffee/cold drinks or eat heavy food at least 2 hours before the event, else one may get vomiting sensation. You are provided with a dress comprising of skin tight lower part & inflatable upper part called BCD, i.e. Buoyancy Control Device. Nitrox Cylinder, connected to BCD and weighing about 15 kg, contains Nitrogen + Oxygen about 2200 Litres at 200 bar, sufficient for 45 minutes dive. We breathe Air that contains 80% Nitrogen & 20% Oxygen. Nitrox refers to any gas mixture composed (excluding trace gases) of nitrogen and oxygen; this includes normal air which is approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, primarily argon. However, in scuba diving, nitrox is normally differentiated and handled differently from air. The most common use of nitrox mixtures containing higher than normal levels of oxygen is in scuba, where the reduced percentage of nitrogen is advantageous in reducing nitrogen uptake in the body's tissues and so extending the possible dive time, and/or reducing the risk of decompression sickness (also known as the bends). Nitrox is not a deep-diving gas mixture owing to the increased proportion of oxygen, which becomes toxic when breathed at high pressure. For example, the maximum operating depth of nitrox with 36% oxygen, a popular recreational diving mix, is 29 M to ensure a maximum ppO 2 of no more than 1.4 bar (140 kPa). The exact value of the maximum allowed ppO 2 and maximum operating depth varies depending on factors such as the training agency, the type of dive, the breathing equipment and the level of surface support, with professional divers sometimes being allowed to breathe higher ppO 2 than those recommended to recreational divers. The deeper depth, called the "contingency depth", is reached when the partial pressure reaches 1.6 bar (160 kPa). Diving at or beyond this level exposes the diver to a greater risk of central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity. This can be extremely dangerous since its onset is often without warning and can lead to drowning, as the regulator may be spat out during convulsions, which occur in conjunction with sudden unconsciousness (general seizure induced by oxygen toxicity). Hence a Cylinder containing such a air, compressed to minimum 200 bar is tied to the upper part of the dress (BCD). The Nitrox Cylinder has one Pressure Gauge that indicates pressure; one breathing tube and one tube with two buttons for inflating & deflating the upper dress. One belt carrying 5/8/10 kg weights is tied to your waist. The Goggle, tied to the head, covers Eyes and Nose. When you close your lips and try to breathe with nose, the goggle shall firmly hold on the skin checked by pulling it. This ensures that water will not enter the space. Strangely, you have to heavily spit on the inside surface of each lens and spread it with a finger. Then wear it. This ensures that it will not get foggy. It is important. You do not have to wear your spectacles during scuba diving as the eye-sight is very sharp under water and there is very good clarity. You have to wear Fins on your feet. Page 200 of 402

6.

7.

8.

9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14.

15. Now you inflate your dress completely by pressing a button. 16. Hold your Breathing Tube end firmly in your mouth by your teeth. Breathe continuously at a normal pace without stopping. When you go under water, the pressure on the body goes on increasing at the rate of 1 bar per 10 M depth. This compresses the air in the lungs. When you inflate and start moving to the surface, the air in your lungs, starts expanding. This can damage your lungs and hence you have to continuously breathe, by mouth, at a normal pace without panicking. Inhaling & Exhaling is done through the same tube, whose valves automatically open & close. 17. The lips shall firmly close, not allowing the water to get in to your mouth. 18. If you need to cough or spit then do it forcefully in the breather only without opening the mouth. 19. Then as if you are walking, step out from the jumping board on the rear side of the motor boat. You will be floating. 20. Then hold the tube up above your head and press the button for deflating. Do not press the button continuously. You will start going down. Keep breathing as before. 21. If you feel more pressure on your ear drums, then for a while press your nose and develop pressure inside your mouth. 22. Thus when you inflate, you float and go down on deflating. By manipulating this action you can control the buoyancy and remain at a depth of your choice like a fish. Do not move too close to the sea bed as you may get scratches on your knees due to rubbing on the hard / sharp corals / thorns, etc. 23. Now pose yourself horizontal and move legs up & down to move forward. 24. Watch the beautiful nature. There may be stone fish inside. Move your hand near a stone and if there is a movement, then its a fish. Do not touch. Else, you may touch and take a support. 25. Remember that you are under water and shall be vigilant and cautious. Do not open your mouth in any case. Keep breathing. Watch the pressure gauge. You must come to the surface when the pressure falls to 50 bar. 26. Your trainer will tell you the sign language for communication under water. He will frequently ask you about yourself using signs and respond to him promptly using signs. 27. Do not do anything without getting the trainers consent. Do not go away from trainer. 28. Enjoy the adventure and underwater nature.

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Night dives are popular and divers are often astounded by the amount of phosphorescence found in Oman's night-time waters. The phosphorescence is green/blue and emitted by microscopic plankton as a result of a chemical reaction issuing from vigorous movement. As with land animals, many marine creatures are nocturnal, and different underwater species will be on display as darkness falls. Darkness also brings change to the corals: during the day, their polyps are at danger from predators. Polyps are the coral's feeding mechanism and without these, the coral is unable to uptake sugars and oxygen which are vital for the exoskeleton's survival. At night, with predators such as the butterfly fish asleep, the polyps are able to emerge from the exoskeleton and seek food such as plankton and microbes. Fahal Island dives often involve finning through an 'L-shaped' tunnel through the island. The island attracts many sharks, namely black tip reef sharks and lemon sharks, some of which are around 4m in length. There are many table and brain corals surrounding the island, many of them undamaged. Oman has many coral reefs - please take care not to spoil them with a careless fin or limb. The Dimaaniyat Islands, off the coast of Al Sawadi, provide some spectacular dives: in particular, huge clusters of table coral can be found off the Fad Island. The marine life is particularly prolific around these islands, which may be due to their protected status. It is important to be extra vigilant during a night-time dive and divers should remember the following: Page 204 of 402

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Ensure each diver has a main torch and a back-up. Before diving replace batteries and ensure that all seals are watertight. Establish good buoyancy control as descents are more difficult to ascertain in the dark. Familiarize yourself with the use of a compass and always take one and a whistle with you on night dives. Make yourself visible by wearing reflective strips on your snorkel - even better: attach a 'glow stick' the snorkel (these can be purchased in local supermarkets at minimal cost) Beware of fishing nets as the fishermen cast many more at night, and they are difficult to spot. Finally, always dive with an experienced night diver.

For more information, the book 'Snorkelling and Diving in Oman is available in bookshops and supermarkets throughout the Sultanate, or contact: At Al Sawadi Beach, with Extra Divers & Partners: One dive with one Nitrox Cylinder (45 Mins. Dive) costs OMR 45/-; Two dives with one Nitrox Cylinder each (45 + 45 Mins. Dive) coats OMR 70/-; Water-proof Camera for Under Water Photograhy can be rented for OMR 12/Bluzone Watersports: bluzone@omantel.net.om Bluzone offers 5* PADI training facilities and owns two dive boats. Dive training is offered in a number of languages. Activities: day diving, night diving, wreck diving, live-aboard, underwater photography, snorkeling, first aid. Tel: ++968 737 293 Oman Dive Centre: diveoman@omantel.net.om Popularly known as ODC, this centre offers Five Star PADI training facilities and is set in a picturesque bay in Bandar al Jissah which is sheltered and perfect for snorkelers and novices alike before venturing into the ocean proper. Activities: day diving, night diving, snorkeling, underwater photography, wreck diving, diving/snorkeling day trips to the Dimaaniyat Islands and the Quriyat wreck, first aid, nitrox. Tel: ++968 950 621 Moon Light Dive Centre: aljoori@omantel.net.om The Moon Light Dive Centre offers year-round diving at the Dimaaniyat Islands off the coast of Oman. Moon Light is a Padi Dive Centre offering a wide range of Padi courses and there is also a "Bubble Maker" for children aged 8 to 11 years old. Activities: Scubapro, Mares, Beuchat, US Diver. State-of-the art rental equipment: Scubapro, Mares, is available for rent every day. Qualifications in Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Medical First Aid Course (suitable for divers and non divers). Dive Master and Assistant Instructor Courses are available alongside beginners courses. Many specialty courses Page 205 of 402

are available for those divers who would like to gain more experience and broaden their knowledge in diving. Tel: ++968 931 7700 Capital Area Yacht Club (CAYC) Divers CAYC Divers offers the only BSAC Open Branch (1181) in Oman. Guest divers are restricted to weekends only. Activities: day diving, night diving, snorkeling, wreck diving. Tel: ++968 560 345 Ras al Hamra Sub Aqua Club This private club for Petroleum Development Oman workers offers BSAC Special Branch 1299S diving. Members are able to take guests. Tel: ++968 677 577 Sera Divers Based on the island of Masirah, day and night diving is available as long as visitors provide their own equipment. Boats depart around 8.30am on weekdays. Training is for RAFO personnel only. Tel: ++968 611 314 Khasab Dive Centre: scubaint@emirates.net.ae Established in partnership with Scuba International, Dubai, this joint-venture offers PADI training to visitors and residents in the far north region of Musandam. A traditional dhow takes divers out to the sites. Activities: day diving, night diving, snorkeling, dhow trips, wreck diving, DAN, underwater photography, first aid. Tel: ++9714 420 553 Samharam Divers: ezrebello@hotmail.com Operating from the Salalah Holiday Inn, divers are taken out to various sites using a 10.5m yacht. Activities: day diving, night diving, wreck diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, dhow trips. Tel: ++968 948 1265 Salalah Sub-Aqua Club BSAC Branch 2173 offering BSAC training to branch members from Novice to Advanced Diver. Diving with the club is by invitation only. Activities: day diving, night diving, wreck diving, snorkeling, first aid, DAN, nitrox, underwater photography. Tel: ++968 235 333

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Dive certifications and logbooks are required for Check In. Credit card details are required to secure the booking. Please note that for payment with credit card there will be an extra charge of 3 %. Extra Divers Member get 10 % discount (except for fees & courses).Please note that we will apply a FULL CHARGE CANCELLATION FEE incl. diving permit for cancellations less than 24h in advanced.

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Sohar
Sohar, a seaside city, was the capital of Oman many centuries ago and legend is that it was named after the great grandson of Noah (of the Biblical flood). Originally known as Majan, Sohar belongs to the fertile land of Batinah Coast Region. It is the most verdant city in Oman. There are thick plantations of dates, mangoes, limes, bananas, vegetables and fodder crop. Sohar Fort, built in the 1st century AD, is the major landmark of this city. It is the only Omani fort that is painted white.

Hotel Apartment: Mabahg Garantha Flat & Hotel Rental P.O. Box: 610, P.C.: 311, W. Sohar, Al Hamber, Behind Sohar Extended Health Center, Tel: +968 26844540 Mobile: +968 97043839, Mr. Sayyad Mohamed, E-mail: stay.garantha@gmail.com

Nakhl- Rustaq Loop From the Batinah Coast to the west of Muscat along the base of the jebels are several key towns of special interest. Along the coast is the town of Barka with an impressive fort and Bait Al Naman Castle, an early home for the Al Bu Said dynasty(the current ruling family). Further along the coast is the Jazir Sawaidi, a small chain of islands near the shore where beach combing, fishing and exploring are the prime activities. Wadi Heebi, lying 63 km away from the city is a good destination for picnickers. The village of Heebi is a collection of ancient dwellings with an untouched rustic look. On a 15-minute detour before Heebi village lies the village of Al Ghudafary, which is fed by an old falaj supplying gardens yielding dates and papayas. Page 208 of 402

For those bent on trekking, there are many wadis running through the foothills and mountains, many of them with running water. Wadi Abyadh is ideal for picnicking, while Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Hajir, Wadi Haylayn and Wadi Bani Kharus offer challenging trails for those keen on canyoning. Wadi Sahtan and the Ghubrah Bowl extend into the upper reaches of the Western Hajars, while Wadi Hoquein and Wadi Ghafir offer challenging drives through lush low lying valleys.

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Anti-gravity Point
Near Solid Waste Disposal Site
N 2413.115 E 5638.180

18 kms from Badr Al Samma Hospital R/A

Take a turn at this place

Start moving the car up the gradient and then put it in neutral

Watch the car moves up the gradient against the gravity

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Flora & Fauna in Sohar

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Sanaya Garden in Sohar

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Friday Market in Sohar

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Sohar Fort
GPS Coords: Latitude242144 N, Longitude 564458 E
Sohar Fort is one of the largest in Oman which houses a great museum detailing the archaeological, geological and anthropological history of Sohar. From the top floor of the museum there are steps to the tower's roof where you'll have incredible panoramic views over plantations, across the mosque to the mountains or out to sea. Admission Fees: 500 baisas Visiting Hours: 8am to 1pm Saturday to Wednesday and from 9am to 1pm Thursday and Friday. To get there, take the city centre exit off the Muscat-Dubai highway, and after about 2km turn right at the second roundabout.

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Sohars Corniche Beach

Fighting Bull in the Sea for Bath

Dead Turtle

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Omanis playing with Shells: Hawalis

In Mountains (Jabel) Omanis play this game using dry Camel Dung

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People have floked for getting fresh fish

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Handicrafts Souq in Sohar

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Sindabad Garden in Sohar

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Sallan Garden

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Sallan Beach in Sohar

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Rain in Sohar

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Sohar Port & Sohar Port Industrial Company

243015N, 563637E

1st Ship arrived at Sohar Port on 24th April 2004

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Sohar port is operational with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Steinway operates General Cargo Terminal while Odfjell operates Oil Tanking and OCIT for containers. The Port of Sohar is a deep sea port with a draft of 18 meters. To be capable of receiving the next generation of Very Large Ore Carriers of 400.000 dwt a much bigger draft is needed. A large deep-water jetty is now under construction. The 600 meter long jetty platform is connected to the shore by way of a 800 meters long trestle. The jetty platform consists of an import location of 435 meters and two export locations with a total length of 600 meters. In addition, the depth of the existing approach channel will increase from 18. 5 meter to a depth of 23 meters and a new harbor basin with a berthing pocket of 25 meters in front of the jetty will be dredged. Only a few ports in the world have such a draft and this will allow the biggest bulk vessels in the world to dock at the Port of Sohar Sohar Port houses some major industrial developments of Oman such as Fertilizer Plant, Vale Iron Ore Plant, Steel, Refinery & Petrochemicals, Aluminum Smelter, Methanol plant and Aromatics plant. SIPC is a joint venture between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam from the Netherlands. The Government of the Sultanate of Oman started developing the Port of Sohar as an industrial port in 1999 in the Al-Batinah region of Oman. The Port of Sohar is managed by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC), a 50-50 joint venture between the Sultanates government and the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the world. SIPC holds a Concession Agreement of 25 years, and during this time, it will be both Port Authority and Landlord of the industrial site. SIPC seeks to achieve the involvement of private sector companies in all aspects of the ports operations and activities as much as possible. The Sohar Industrial Port is one of the projects developed under the agenda of Oman Vision 2020. The port was developed primarily to boost the role of Omans seaports in trade and other economic activities, taking advantage of the Sultanates attractive geographic location with regard to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Under Oman Vision 2020, the economy of Oman will diversify with widespread development across the country and a greater role for the private sector. The Government of Oman has been instrumental in the construction of the infrastructure of the port. The SIPC is also being guided by the Port of Rotterdam in developing an institutional framework. Infrastructure construction is ongoing to meet the requirements of the industrial tenants in the port, and a substantial part of the infrastructure has already been completed, such as pipelines for gas, roads, a storm water channel, a cooling water return channel, quay walls and jetties for mooring ships. Page 255 of 402

Local and international investors have built plants that produce refined oil products, plastics, fertilizer, methanol, aromatics, formaldehyde, Ethylene Dichloride, aluminum and steel. The Port of Sohar has been operational since April 2004. The government anticipates that the port will create a wide range of employment opportunities for Omani citizens while at the same time diversifying Omans national income. Oman Oil Company is a major investor in plants inside the Port and participates in a substantial number of projects. Several projects are currently being set up and implemented at the Sohar Industrial Port to make progress towards the goals of Oman Vision 2020. This ambitious plan is aiming to center a wide variety of economic activities around the world class port to continually advance the sustainability and flexibility of the local and regional economy. The port is being constructed in three phases and currently phase 2 is well under way in production. This phase consists of the creation of a quay for the fertilizer plant as well as a variety of other projects. An aluminum smelter will be constructed, and a polyethylene plant, food processing and fish export undertakings are also very likely to be implemented. Of utmost importance is the new common Security and Safety plan that will be put into operation during this phase to provide a stable base for further construction. Many private companies have a hand in the projects currently in motion. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will engineer the Sohar International Urea and Chemical Industries Plant, which will produce urea starting in 2007. Ferrostaal and the Omar Zawawi Investment Company are coming together in a joint venture to run the Oman Methanol Company, which is aspiring to produce one million tons of methanol every year. Tractebel Electricity is leading a group of companies that is currently building a desalination plant and a power plant which together will be called the Sohar Power Company. The jetty and tank terminal operating of the port will be handled by Oiltanking and Odjfell, who together with Oman Oil have formed Oiltanking Odjfell Terminal Oman. Abu Dhabis Al Ghaith Holding has invested in the port, and tugboats will be provided by the private company Svitzer Wijsmuller. Underlying all this private investment is a strong IT-infrastructure currently under construction. An estimated ten billion US$ will be invested in Sohar Industrial Port by private companies, and more plans are underway. The Sohar Industrial Port Company is ushering in a time of great economic development for Oman by providing ample opportunities for investment and trade. Surrounded by the first-rate economic structure of Al-Batinah, the port is likely to start generating revenues soon and become a major regional center. The cooperation between the government and the Port of Rotterdam will ensure that the port functions as smoothly and successfully as possible, and as the port continuously evolves and develops, it should provide a welcome boost to Omans economy.

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Harmool Village

The Port of Sohar is located in two Wilayats (provinces); Liwa and Sohar. Many of the inhabitants of the neighboring areas such as Liwa and the village of Harmool are fishermen since generations. It was of high importance for Sohar Port Special Projects (SPSP) and all the contractors to ensure the understanding of the new jetty and its operations. In addition a large area of the beach next to the jetty and the village of Harmool had been cleared from debris and waste and a new 800 meter fence was put up for safety reasons. This had been part of SPSPs investments. These actions were agreed upon in the meetings with the community and added to this, a large number of local people are today employed by the contractors all throughout the project.

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L&T MFY and L&T Heavy Engineering Complex

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L&T Modular Fabrication Yard LLC is a joint venture of Larsen & Toubro Limited, an
Indian Multinational Group and the Zubair Corporation, Oman. This yard possesses the capability to fabricate and Load out, a range of complex structures for Oil & Gas industry like large offshore Process Platforms, Jack up drill Rigs, SPAR/TLP & Modular Process Plants. With an annual fabrication capacity of 50,000 MT, it caters primarily to projects in the Middle East and North Africa region. Located in Sohar Industrial Port Area, L&T-MFY is an all weather yard. It is the first of its kind in Oman, and has significantly augmented Oman's industrial capability since 2007. The yard has state-of-the-art facilities for heavy fabrication, sophisticated equipment for testing and load-out of ultra-large structures. L&T-MFY is certified to various international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and also has Certificate of Authority to use the API monogram for products manufactured as per specifications API 5L and API 2B. The yard is also authorised to use ASME 'U' & 'S' stamps and NBBI's Rstamp. The yard has been adjudged as the Best offshore Construction Yard in GCC region at the Marine International Maritime Awards ceremony in 2011. L&T MFY has given tremendous thrust in institutionalization of HSE in every activity performed. To achieve this goal, various strict measures , policies are adopted. L&T MFY has also adapted various productivity improvement measures & improvised welding processes for achieving better productivity as well as well desired quality of finished goods. L&T MFY have pledged to put its expertise in the service of the Oman economy and the local people. The facility has emerged as a key platform contributing to the progress , prosperity & technology development of Oman. L&T MFY is also committed to raising the skill levels of Omani personnel to the world standard. Infrastructure: This 500,000 sqm fabrication yard. Since the facility is built on the sea front, extensive piling had to be done before the structure could be erected. The facility has been qualified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for manufacture of Code Stamped equipment. It has also secured ISO certifications. It has well-equipped fabrication and pipe shops, having automatic plate & pipe profile cutting machines, plate bending machines and other equipment for pipe spool fabrication. The yard has the automatic shot blasting and painting facilities, covered warehouses, in-house testing laboratories, welder-training centre etc. The yard has its own heavy duty crawler cranes, Goliath cranes and a range of other material handling equipment. Jetty / Quay Wall: Waterfront : 450 m Level : +4.6 m w.r.t. CD Page 259 of 402

Heavy load-out facility : 20,000 MT Minimum water depth : 10 m w.r.t. CD Products: 1. Large Offshore Process Platforms- Jackets, Integrated Decks and Living Quarter Modules 2. Jack up Rigs 3. Compressor Modules, Building Modules, Power Generation Modules , FPSO Modules for fixed & floating production systems 4. Integration of FPSO 5. Skid Mounted Equipment, Modular Process Plants, 6. Pressure Vessels etc., for Mid & Downstream Plants Track Record: 1. HB Offshore Platform Project for Maersk Oil Qatar. 2. MHSRP-II well head platform project for ONGC, India. 3. FD-VII Jack-Up Rig major repair & upgradation project for Foresight Drilling, UK. 4. 8-Legged, 13,000 MT of MNP Process Platform Jacket ( fabrication completed in less that 11 months duration).Living Quarter Platform Project for ONGC, India.MHNRD-II WellHead Platform Project of ONGC, India. 5. Major refurbishment & Layup of Jack up Rig Sagar Uday for ONGC, India. 6. Zawtika Field Development Project Phase 1A consisting of three Well-Head Platforms for PTTEPI, Thailand.
Ongoing Projects:

Umm Lulu & Umm Nasr Phase I Field Development Project of ADMA-OPCO, Abu Dhabi; which includes five platforms.

Larsen & Toubro Heavy Engineering LLC is a joint venture of The Zubair
Corporation and Larsen & Toubro Limited, India. With this JV, L&T now operates four companies in the Sultanate, expanding its operations to cover sectors including Construction, Erection of Transmission Towers, Modular Fabrication and Manufacture of critical equipment for process plants. Page 260 of 402

In order to better serve the GCC region, India-based L&T Heavy Engineering set a high tech manufacturing facility in Sohar, Oman. It augments the existing modular fabrication facility, making it one of the largest integrated manufacturing complexes in the region catering to the hydrocarbon and power sectors.

The Sohar facility is a pioneering venture in the GCC region and L&Ts maiden venture in critical fabrication projects outside India. The facility has been constructed by L&T Oman LLC, the first JV between L&T and Zubair. Critical Cr-Mo reactor for a refinery was manufactured for the first time in the region. With the recent qualification of manufacture of the state of the art Cr-Mo-V reactors, the Heavy Engineering Facility at Sohar, along with its neighboring sister company - L&T Modular Fabrication Yard, which is already a major player in offshore fabrication industry, will substantially contribute in a big way to SIPC becoming the only major manufacturing complex in the region. Page 261 of 402

L&T is committed to empower local people through employment generation. As the operations ramp up, the first steps towards training of the Omani youth have also been started. The training process in this high end manufacturing industry is more intense and takes a longer time compared to other industries. Knowledge of various quality and safety systems need to be imparted, along with practical training.

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Vales Iron Ore Palletizing Plant

Vale is the worlds largest producer of iron ore and pellets and the world's second largest diversified mining company and present in more than 30 countries. In May 2008 an agreement was signed between Vale and Sohar Industrial Port Company SAOC (SIPC), a 50/50 joint venture between The Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam to construct a production facility and distribution centre in the Port of Sohar. This is Vales first iron ore venture outside Brazil and the total investment is estimated to US$ 1.356 billion. The Oman project comprises the construction of a pelletizing plant with initial production capacity of 9 million ton per year (mtpy) of direct reduction pellets and a distribution center with capacity to handle 40 Mtpy at the Sohar Industrial Port. The Sohar Industrial Port is a deep water harbor and in addition to Vales construction of the pelletizing plant, SIPC developed a new jetty with a draft of 23m that for vessels up to 400 dwt. Its strategic location outside the Strait of Hormuz fits well with Vales growth plans in the Middle East, offering several logistics advantages for the supply of direct reduction pellets to the Middle Eastern, North African and Indian steel markets. To support the transportation of iron ore from Brazil to the Sohar industrial complex, Vale has signed a framework agreement with Oman Shipping Company (OSC) for the construction of four Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC with 400,000 tons capacity) to be hired by Vale through a long term charter.

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VALE has invested US$ 1.4 billion in the Port of Sohar for the construction of a pelletizing plant and an iron ore distribution centre. VALE brings iron ore from their ports in Brazil to Sohar and produce steel pellets for the region. In addition, Sohar also functions as the distribution centre for iron ore to be exported to the Middle East, India and Africa.

600-metre long, deep water jetty and new harbor basin to serve a pelletizing plant and iron ore distribution centre built by Brazilian mining company Vale 8 million cu. M dredging was carried out for 23 M depth, by the internationally known firm Van Oord from the Netherlands. Since the establishment, Van Oord has worked on perfecting their core activity. Van Oord has previously executed several successful projects in the Port of Sohar and in other parts of the region. Royal Haskoning as the Consulting Engineers and a 50/50 Joint Venture between Italian firm SAIPEM and AFCONS form India executed the work. There are three unloaders which will empty the ships coming in with iron ore from Brazil. At the other side of the jetty is a fast loader, which will fill up the ships with either iron ore or pellets. Vale has signed a long term lease agreement with Oman Shipping Company (OSC). This entails the use of four newly built 400.000 dwt bulk carriers which will transport the iron ore from Brazil to Oman for the next 20 years. Vale Liwa is the first of four very large iron ore carriers built for the companys operations in the Sultanate through a strategic partnership with Oman Shipping Company which is valued at $500 million. These 362-metre long vessels apply economies of scale to transport iron ore across the globe safely and reliably while also reducing carbon emissions by 35% per tonne, a green feature that won the company the Nor-Shipping Clean Ship Award in 2011. Vale Liwa, Vale Sohar, Vale Saham and Vale Shinas are a tribute to these seafaring coastal cities and showcase Oman to the world.

The Port of Sohars unparalleled logistical capabilities and unique location outside the Arabian Gulf has the advantage of deep water seas that can accommodate Vales large vessels, a feature very few ports in the world can boast.

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ORPIC Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company

ORPIC, Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company, has been created from the integration of three companies Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Company LLC (ORPC), Aromatics Oman LLC (AOL) and Oman Polypropylene (OPP). ORPIC is owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and by Oman Oil Company SAOC, the commercial company wholly owned by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, created to pursue investment opportunities in the energy sector both inside and outside Oman. ORPIC operates refineries at Sohar and Muscat in addition to their aromatics and polypropylene production plants in the Sohar complex. The four plants produce a wide range of fuels and petrochemicals products, for end use or for further downstream processing, which is sold on internationally after supplying The Sultanate with its requirement. The refineries also provide feedstock for their Aromatics Plant and the Polypropylene Plant.

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ORPIC puts its people first and is exemplary in its Omanisation efforts, aiming to attract, develop and retain the best local people; the majority of the 1,600 employees across the four plants are Omani. Efficient operational structures ensure the right people are in the right jobs and ORPIC provides the support necessary for them to prosper and succeed within the business, striving towards the same goal to be a leading performer in Oman and in the industry, expanding the business into the future. Oman Oil Refineries and Petrochemicals Co (Orpic): The Expansion project, estimated to cost between $1.5 and $1.8bn, is expected to improve the Sohar refinery's product quality and increase refining capacity by more than 70% to add another 60,000 barrels per day of oil to its current capacity, totalling about 145,000 barrels per day. The expansion is expected to be completed by the first half of 2016.

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Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC

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Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC has announced a capital investment of $1 billion to expand its integrated steel complex at the Port of Sohar. JSPL took over Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC with effect from 02 July 2010. It is now known as Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC. The plant is located in Sohar Industrial Port Area. JSIS has commissioned its DRI Furnace on 05 December 2010, within a short period 5 months of acquisition. The DRI Furnace is supplied by Midrex Technologies, USA. The capacity of the furnace is 1.5 MTPA for the production of HBI. The Furnace has unique HOT Linked Technology to charge Hot DRI directly in to Steel Making Furnace- EAF. Within a short Span, the plant has reached its maximum capacity (1.5 MTPA). JSIS has a jetty with 2 no Ship Loaders/Unloaders and other infrastructure. The jetty can handle incoming equipment and raw materials and shipping of finished products by large tonnage vessels Indian company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd bought Oman-based Shadeed Iron and Steel Co. for $464 million last year in a bid to expand its reach in to the Middle East and North African regions. The project is set to make an immense contribution to Oman's GDP and socioeconomic development. In addition to providing employment for Omanis in a number of highly skilled areas, the venture also has the potential to stimulate investments in downstream and ancillary industry, driving economic development and social advancement in and around the port city of Sohar. The plant, which has an annual capacity of 1.5 million tonnes, came on stream on January 1, 2011. Phase Two includes a $200m development that will add an electric arc furnace, Ladle Furnace and Continuous Casting Machine (billet/bloom caster). Work on the second phase expansion has commenced. Phase 3 will see an additional $800m spent expanding plant capacity to 3.6 million tonnes per annum. JSPL took over Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC with effect from 02 July 2010. It is now known as Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC. The plant is located in Sohar Industrial Port Area. JSIS has commissioned its DRI Furnace on 05 December 2010, within a short period 5 months of acquisition. The DRI Furnace is supplied by Midrex Technologies, USA. The capacity of the furnace is 1.5 MTPA for the production of HBI. The Furnace has unique HOT Linked Technology to charge Hot DRI directly in to Steel Making Furnace- EAF. Within a short Span, the plant has reached its maximum capacity (1.5 MTPA). JSIS has a jetty with 2 no Ship Loaders/Unloaders and other infrastructure. The jetty can handle incoming equipment and raw materials and shipping of finished products by large tonnage vessels.

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Sohar Aluminium

Sohar Aluminium is an alliance of three formidable shareholders: Oman Oil (40%), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC TAQA (a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority) (40%) and Rio Tinto Alcan (20%). Oman's first foray into the Aluminium industry, Sohar Aluminium started its first pot In Jun 2008 and commenced export in July 2008, achieved full capacity of 1 million tonnes of Aluminium in August 2011. By implementing decades of industry insight in its design, specification and construction The world's longest single potline, the world's highest known capacity ingot casters and innovative elevated walkways traversing the entire site to keep man and machine separate except when absolutely necessary are salient features. Sohar Aluminium has the world's longest single potline at 1.2km long and is the first smelter in the world to implement Rio Tinto Alcan's benchmark AP36 smelting technology - the most energy efficient and productive smelting technology commercially available. With 360 pots (the next largest plant has 336) and an operating current of 360kA Sohar Aluminium produces 360,000 metric tons of aluminium per annum at purities of p1020 and above. It has an onsite carbon facility and produces and rods its own anodes to ensure maximum efficiency and availability to the smelter. Provided by Five Solios the Rhodax crusher used on site is one of the highest capacity machines in the world. Casthouse is another source of pride for the company having commissioned and implemented the world's highest known capacity ingot casters at 27mt per hour. Casthouse also features a 25mt per hour sow caster. Page 269 of 402

CAPTIVE POWER PLANT Its facilities include one of the worlds fastest growing ports and a power plant and smelter which utilise the latest technology and employ the best practices. The Sohar Aluminium Power Plant (SAPP) lies at the core of Sohar Aluminium's operations. Specified by Mott MacDonald and engineered by power specialists Alstom, SAPP is a state of the art 1000MW combined-cycle, captive power plant. SAPP achieves close to 50% efficiency in converting gas energy into electricity and meets the stringent requirements set out by Oman's environmental agency (MECA). Strategically positioned to maximize access to the region's plentiful natural gas reserves whilst accessing the Gulf of Oman for cooling purposes. Sohar Aluminium Power Plant excels by achieving high levels of efficiency, reliability and availability of power whilst ensuring low emissions, operating costs and environmental impact. In addition to the power plant facility, there is also a seawater pumping station for delivering cooling water for steam condensing as well as desalination facilities to supply water to the smelter and power plant sites. In addition to the enormous potline, the project included construction of a carbon plant, a metal casting facility, and port facilities for storage and shipping.

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Omans first Sugar Plant at Sohar Port

One million tonne capacity plant to be operational by early 2015. Construction work on the Sultanates first sugar refinery project is slated to shortly commence at the Port of Sohar. The state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity to process an estimated one million tons per annum of raw sugar, will be established at a waterfront site adjoining a major Agro-Bulk Terminal also planned at the industrial port. The sugar plant and agro terminal are proposed to be built alongside a quay currently occupied by Oman International Container Terminal (OICT). The latter facility is due to be relocated to larger premises further up the quay wall, thus making way for the establishment of the large-scale sugar refinery and agro-bulk terminal. Finalising of the requisite land lease agreements with the investor are in process. The project will be built partly on available land, and partly on land currently in the hands of the container terminal. The transferring the container terminal to a new location is in the process and once that is done, handing over this land to the sugar refinery investor will be handed over. Project designs are ready, and applications have been made for environmental permits, which must be typically done before construction starts. Construction work is expected to start shortly. This project is described as large by regional and global standards, and the venture will be designed to process one million tons per annum of raw sugar to produce around 900,000 tons of fine crystallised sugar. The facility will compete with existing sugar refineries in the Gulf region, but burgeoning global consumption will mean that demand will always remain strong. Spearheading the Sultanates maiden sugar refinery venture is an Omani businessman who has similar investments in Tanzania. The investor has some sugarcane estates there and sees this Sohar project as added value to his logistics supply chain, Raw sugar for the plant will be sourced from international markets depending upon price factors and market economic s. Significantly, the sugar refinery project represents the seaports first major departure from industries dominated by petrochemicals and metals. More importantly, it will help buttress the ports plans to establish a modern Agro-Bulk Terminal to support the countrys food security objectives.

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Sohar Airport: Under Construction

Sohar Airport is under construction, Project valued at $500m. It is one of five domestic airports to serve as distributors to the main international hubs of Muscat and Salalah. Target date to begin operation remains 2014 and includes facilities to cope with the double-deck Airbus A380. The Runway is going to be 4000 M long with 60 M width. It will have capacity of handling 500,000 passengers p.a. and 100,000 Tons p.a. cargo. The airport is expected to be operational by 2014.

Sohar Airport, about 10km northwest of Sohar, a short distance from Falaj al Qabail roundabout will help avoid the 2 hour long drive from either Muscat or Dubai.

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Oldest Tree in Oman near Liwa

Liwa Fort

The Mashuu Tree (as it is called in Arabic) is the Baobab Tree. Its trunk is having more than 3 M diameter. It bears fruits which have fur like skin. The roots of Mashuu spread like tentacles around the tree. Apparently such three can live for thousands of years, but grow very slowly. Their horizontal roots extend for 10 M from the tree. Villagers believe that if they hammer 3 nails / screws / bolts / bullets on its trunk, as seen in the photograph, then their pain gets relieved. Location: 36 kM from Liwa Round About. While traveling towards Liwa from Sohar, take a left turn at the R/A and take a right turn and again left for the road that goes ahead for Fizza. After 22 kMs the road ends. Take a left turn and then right on pebbled rough terrain road for 14 kMs for Al Zaimi village. On the way at one point there is a sign board for right turn. Do not turn but drive straight and you will reach the Baobab Tree. Please, check with anybody that crosses you on the way, as there are no sign-boards to assist. The Tree is not protected. 4 Wheel Drive vehicle is a must for last 14 kMs. Carry your own food & water as there are no stores. Sohar to this place and back: need about 4 hours and 7 Seater Toyota Land Cruiser4 wheel drive may be hired for OMR 40/Contact: Mohmmed Hamdan Mamari, 92208356 Page 273 of 402

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Buraimi Al Ain border

Al Buraimi is a governorate of Oman. Wilayat Al Buraimi is the regional center of the Governorate located 375 kilometers from the capital Muscat and 100 kilometers from Falaj R/A. The town Al Buraymi is an oasis town in northeastern Oman, on the border of the United Arab Emirates. An adjacent city on the UAE's side of the border is Al Ain. Buraimi is considerably smaller than the adjoining city of Al Ain and is visibly less affluent. Streets in Buraimi are not named and development could be considered "piecemeal" with large villas often appearing some meters from the roads, and footpaths do not occur away from the main streets. Transport in and around Buraimi is by taxis, which like the majority of taxis in Oman are colored orange and white. Drivers accept payment in both Omani Riyals (OR) and United Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), a trip within the township of Buraimi will generally cost no more than 5 AED/0.5 OMR. A trip to Mahdha may cost over 10 AED / 1 OMR. Buraimi, like the rest of Oman, features many historic forts in varying condition. The largest mosque in Buraimi is the Masjid Qaboos, named after the Sultan Qaboos. There are ruins of ancient hovels and a fort in Buraimi. It has a number of historic forts and houses. Its main forts are al Khandaq, which has been adopted as the emblem of the Wilayat, and Al Hillah Fort. There are also several other forts, including the forts of al Fayyadh, Hafeet and Wadi al Jizzi. The most famous historic house in the Page 280 of 402

Wilayat is Bait Bahr. Buraimi's villages are watered by 49 falajes. Much of the rest of the Wilayat is sandy desert. Wilayat Mahdhah Mahdhah is bordered by the Wilayat of Buraimi and the United Arab Emirates to the south and by the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras al Khaimah. To the east a chain of mountains separates it from the Batinah South Governorate. It has 9,002 inhabitants and ninety-nine villages. Its main historic landmarks are the forts of Ubul, Bait al Nad, al Khabib and Qala'at Sharm. Tourist sites include Wadi Sharm, Wadi al Qahafi, al Lajj, Uyul, al Ubailah, al Khadhra, al Jazira and Jabal al Howraa.

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Shinas
Shinas is developing in to a port. Shinas is 62 km from Sohar.

Port for Ferry to Khasab GPS Coords: 244445 N, 562816 E See Ferry Details in Musandum Section
F

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Al Qurm Natural Park in Shinas

GPS Coords: Latitude 24.712178 N, Longitude 56.478353 E There are Mangroves in particular.

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Musundam
The Musandam peninsula is an Oman enclave to the north, which is divided from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. It has only recently been opened to tourists and is a beautiful, largely unspoiled area. The capital is Khasab, a quaint fishing port largely unchanged by the modern world. The Strait of Hormuz lies to the north, with Iran just across the water, the Arabian Gulf is to the west and the Gulf of Oman lies to the east; hence the area is one of great strategic importance. Musandam is dominated by the Hajar Mountains, which also run through the UAE and into the main part of Oman. It is sometimes referred to as the Norway of the Middle East, since the jagged mountain cliffs plunge directly into the sea, and the coastline features many inlets and fjords. The views along the coastal roads are stunning. Just a few metres off the coast youll find beautiful and fertile coral beds, with an amazing variety of sea life including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins (a common sight) and, occasionally, sharks. Inland, the scenery is equally breathtaking, although you will need a 4WD and a good head for heights to explore it properly! You can reach Musandam from Muscat by air or by road. The flight duration 90 minutes. Oman Air (24 707 222) offers internal flights from Muscat to Musandam; a return flight costs RO 40 and flights leave daily from Saturday to Wednesday. Visitors travelling in Oman do not need an additional visa. To drive to Musandam from Oman you need to travel through the UAE. GCC nationals and Omanis are free to travel this route without needing any travel documents, but non-GCC residents of Oman need to apply for a road permit. Entry into Musandam by expatriates can only be made at the Ras Al Khaimah border post, and not at Dibba. Visitors to Oman carrying a single-entry visa may not be allowed back into Oman once they have left. Check with your nearest Oman embassy for updated information. For visiting Musundam, expatriates must carry a letter of No Objection from their employer / sponsorer to visit Musundam, as follows:
On Companys Letter-head In English & Arabic Date: KKKKKKK No Objection To: Senior Officer Immigration Muscat IMT Airport Sub: Permission to go to Khasab XXXXXX does not have any Objection to Mr. / Mrs. SSSSS (Resident Card No. AAAA) visiting with Wife who is travelling on Visitor VISA bearing Passport No. GGGG, Name: JJJJ, Travelling date: Leaving Muscat YYYY and Return ZZZZZ. Thanking you, For Company Name FFFFFFF

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Muscat & Shinas to Musundam by Sea Its a super catamaran is probably as fast as it gets on water in a passenger ferry anywhere in the world. Shinas & Hormuz, the worlds fastest passenger ferry and diesel-powered at that, has started its services in Oman. With top operating speeds of nearly 52 and 56 knots (96km/hr and 104km/hr) respectively, the diesel powered Shinas and Hormuz built by Australia-based Austal for the National Ferries Company. The National Ferries Co is fully owned by the Ministry of National Economy.

Both the Shinas and Hormuz are 65m multi-purpose passenger-vehicle catamaran ferries with a capacity to carry 208 passengers and 56 cars each, cover the 225 nautical mile approximately 420km) route between Muscat and Khasab in a little more than five hours with a scenic view of the rugged Omani coastline and turquoise blue waters to boot. A mountainous region separated from the rest of the sultanate by the UAE, Musandam has beckoned tourists for years, but getting there was a bit of a problem till now. The peninsula could earlier be accessed only by a weekly flight or by a ten hour drive that also involved passing through four immigration posts. With the seating onboard divided into VIP, first class and tourist class sections, the interiors boast of luxury and comfort and huge glass windows with great views. Safety has been given top priority in its operations and the Shinas even has a helicopter landing pad for dealing with emergency evacuations. Services onboard include catering with breakfasts and lunches included in the current ticket price . Other amenities to be implemented in the near future include a high-tech personal entertainment system, mobile phone services and Internet connections. The operations part of the ferry is undertaken by the FRS Group (in association with crew provided by Austal), a world-renowned high-speed ferry specialist based in Germany. Originally set up in 1866 in Germany, the 142-year-old company has evolved into a high-speed ferry specialist that operates 27 vessels across Europe and Africa through nine subsidiary companies.

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Passenger Adult Child Khasab Citizen Adult Child

Passenger Rates (Muscat Khasab Muscat) Direction Economy Business Two Way 44 85 One Way 23 45 Two Way 24 40 One Way 12 20 Economy Two Way One Way Two Way One Way 22 12 12 7 Business 85 45 40 20

VIP Class 120 60 60 30 VIP Class 120 60 60 30

Vehicle Rates (Muscat Khasab Muscat) Return Fare Rates Bicycle 4 Motor Bike 9 Saloon 16 4WD + Mini Van 14 Pax (Private) + Pickup 25 Rent-A-Car (4WD/Salon) _ Government Vehicles 50 + Redplates + Foreign registered vehicles 25/33 Seater Bus + 3 Ton Truck 100 1. NFC will charge OMR 0.300 per kg for extra Baggage & Loose Cargo 2. NFC will charge OMR 25 for loadibg cargo in the truck for return

2 5 10 15

Sailing Schedule (Muscat Khasab - Muscat) Departure Trip Schedule Arrival Time Time Muscat - Khasab 12.00 17.00 Khasab - Muscat 12.30 17.00 Muscat - Khasab 12.00 17.00 Khasab - Muscat 12.00 17.00

Days Sunday Tuesday Thursday Saturday

Passenger

Passenger Rates (Shinas Khasab Shinas) Direction Economy Business VIP Class Two Way 22 40 60 Adult One Way 11 20 30 Two Way 11 20 30 Child One Way 5.5 10 15 OMR 15 Return Economy Fare for students only subject to presentation of Student ID Proof

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Vehicle Rates (Shinas Khasab Shinas) Return Fare Bicycle Motor Bike Saloon Private / Saloon Taxi 4WD + 14 Seater Mini Van + Private Pickup Government Vehicles Rent-A-Car (4WD/Salon) _ Government Vehicles + Redplates + Foreign registered vehicles 25/33 Seater Bus + 3 Ton Truck NFC will charge OMR 0.300 per kg for extra Baggage & Loose Cargo

Rates 1 3 8 12 15 40 50

Sailing Schedule (Shinas Khasab Shinas) Departure Trip Schedule Arrival Time Time Shinas - Khasab 9.00 12.00 Khasab - Shinas 16.00 19.00 Shinas - Khasab 16.00 19.00 Khasab - Shinas 16.00 19.00

Days Saturday Monday Wednesday Friday

Sailing Schedule (Khasab Lima Shinas) Departure Trip Schedule Arrival Time Time Khasab Lima 14.00 16.00 Lima - Shinas 16.30 18.30

Days Thursday Thursday

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Tours Planning
Since there are hardly any Sign Boards and no taxis, Guide will make your tour enjoyable and educating. Guide is a part of packages offered by Khasab Travel & Tours. Khasab Travel & Tours
Sinesh Varghese Tel ; 00 968 26730464; Mob ; 00 968 92211084; Fax - 26730364 e mail - khastour@omantel.net.om; Web - www.khasabtours.com (1.1) '3 nights & 4 days package tour' of Musundam, staying at Golden Tulip Resort Price - OMR 250/- per person, (OMR 500/- for 2 persons) Price - OMR 250.00 per person, (OMR 500.00 for 2 persons) The price includes: * Tsfr Khs apt- Golden tulip Resort- Khs apt * 3 nights stay at Golden Tulip Resort on sharing and HB (B/F + Dinner) Basis * Lunch at Golden Tulip Resort on day 1 * City tour of Khasab on day 1, afternoon * Full day dhow cruise with lunch on day 2 from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs * Full day 4 WD to Jebel Harim with picnic lunch on day 3 from 0930 hrs to 1600 hrs * English speaking driver cum guide during tours and transfer (1.2) The price will be OMR 205.00 per person based on Essra apartment It has one master bed room with twin beds, living room with sofa cum bed, one bathroom and furnished kitchen (2.1) '2 nights & 3 days package tour' of Musundam, staying at Golden Tulip Resort Price - OMR 190/- per person, (OMR 380/- for 2 persons) The price includes: * Tsfr Khs apt- Golden tulip Resort- Khs apt * 2 nights stay at Golden Tulip Resort on sharing and HB ( B/F + Dinner) Basis * Lunch at Golden Tulip Resort on day 1 * Half day 4 WD to Jebel Harim on day 1 from 1400 hrs to 1800 hrs * Full day dhow cruise with lunch on day 2 from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs * City tour of Khasab on day 3 from 0830 hrs to 1030 hrs * English speaking driver cum guide during tours and transfer (2.2) The price will be OMR 150.00 per person based on Essra apartment- It has one master bed room with twin beds, living room with Sofa cum bed, one bathroom and furnished kitchen Excursion Details Full day Dhow Cruise with lunch Dhows are motorized and very basic. There is a possibility to swim off the dhow, but caution is advised when getting in and out of the water via the dhows ladder. Swim wear is acceptable for this tour only. Shady seating is available aboard the dhow. This excursion will have great appeal for guests who look for a more unusual outing. After boarding your traditional Omani dhow pierside, the cruise will take you toward Musandams longest and most spectacular fjord, which is often referred to as Norway of the Arabia calm, turquoise waters contrast with the creamy white limestone cliffs. Along the way you will pass small fishing villages and perhaps even encounter dolphins.

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The dhow will anchor in the vicinity off Telegraph Island, allowing you to take a swim or just sit back and enjoy soft drinks, tea or coffee while admiring breathtaking views of mountains rising in the distance to over 2,000 feet. Then leaving the anchorage, continue this tour with lunch provided on board and another stop for swimming and snorkeling. After the tour leisurely cruise back to Khasab. Full Day 04 WD SAFARI TO Jebel Harim Tour is by 4-wheel drive vehicles (closed and air-conditioned). Driving is partially on winding mountain roads. Guests on this adventure tour will be able to enjoy some of Omans most stunning sceneries. Board your 4-wheel drive vehicle and get ready for an exciting and breathtaking trip to Jebel Harim (translated as the Mountain of Women). With a height of 6,260 feet it is the highest peak on the Musandam Peninsula. During your journey to Jebel Harim, you will be able to enjoy incredible vistas, including terraced mountain villages, lush Acacia forests and wadis (dry river beds). Following a drive of a little over an hour, a stop will be made at a Bedouin village located at an elevation of 3,000 feet. The village of Sayah, surrounded by palm groves, is one of the most picturesque villages on the Musandam Peninsula. After a stop for photographs and to enjoy this idyllic setting, continue with your drive to Jebel Harim. There will be time to admire the grand panorama from the mountains summit. After enjoying the panoramic scenerery of Musandams mountains, specked with fossils dating back several millions of years, we continue our drive to Rowdah village, a mountain settlement where one can see the pre-islamic graveyard. The return drive takes you pass Khawr Najid a stunning sea view point overlooking to Indian Ocean and then driver to Al Khalidya Nature Park before concluding your adventure trip back at Khasab. Half Day city tour of Khasab This half-day excursion provides an introduction to parts of the Musandam Peninsula and its capital of Khasab. Khasab Fort Visit this picturesque stronghold built in the 17th century by the Portuguese seeking dominion over the maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. The fort was erected to prevent attacks from the sea. Teak wood from India was used for its construction and the roof was fashioned from a mix of palm leaves and clay. Within its low, crenellated walls, the fort contains a large central tower which is thought to pre-date the fort itself. The structure you see today is the result of extensive restoration work carried out in the late 20th century. The forts location offers excellent views and photo opportunities. Wadi Tawi rive to Wadi Tawi where one could see the pre-historical rock paintings depecting camel, ship, warrier etc.

Dolphin Khasab Tours: Tel. +968 26730813; Mobile: +968 99566672; e-mail: sales@dolphinkhasabtours.com KhourShem Tourism, Khasab, Oman: Tel. +968 26731919, Mobile: +968 981720 / 92067996; e-mail: khourshem@hotmail.com Page 291 of 402

Golden Tulip Resort

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Khasab Castle
Khasab Castle in Khasab, the capital of the Musandam region, was built in the 1600s by Portuguese invaders as a stronghold in Khasab Bay. There is a small gift shop inside the castle to which entrance is free. The castle is open from 7.30am to 2.30pm Saturday to Wednesday.

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Dolphins will race with the Dhow and will you will enjoy the ride the most

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Know Dolphins Dolphins are marine mammals closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin. They vary in size from 1.2 m and 40 kg up to 9.5 m and 10 tonnes. The life span of the Bottlenose dolphin is around 30 years. And maturity starts at the age of 6 years. They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas and are eating mostly fish and squid. Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals, and their often friendly appearance, an artifact of the "smile" of their mouthline, and seemingly playful attitude have made them very popular in human culture. Dolphins have a streamlined fusiform body, adapted for fast swimming. The tail fin, called the fluke, is used for propulsion, while the pectoral fins together with the entire tail section provide directional control. Though it varies by species, basic coloration patterns are shades of grey, usually with a lighter underside, often with lines and patches of different hue and contrast. The head contains the melon, a round organ used for echolocation. In many species, elongated jaws form a distinct beak; species such as the bottlenose have a curved mouth which looks like a fixed smile. Some species have up to 250 teeth. Dolphins breathe through a blowhole on top of their head. The trachea is anterior to the brain. The dolphin brain is large and highly complex, and is different in structure from that of most land mammals. Unlike most mammals, dolphins do not have hair, except for a few hairs around the tip of their rostrum (beak) which they lose shortly before or after birth. The only exception to this is the Boto river dolphin, which has persistent small hairs on the rostrum. Dolphins' reproductive organs are located on the underside of the body. Males have two slits, one concealing the penis and one further behind for the anus. The female has one genital slit, housing the vagina and the anus. Two mammary slits are positioned on either side of the female's genital slit. A study at the U.S. National Marine Mammal Foundation revealed that dolphins, like humans, develop a natural form of type 2 diabetes. Senses Most dolphins have acute eyesight, both in and out of the water, and they can hear frequencies ten times or more above the upper limit of adult human hearing. Though they have a small ear opening on each side of their head, it is believed hearing underwater is also, if not exclusively, done with the lower jaw, which conducts sound to the middle ear via a fat-filled cavity in the lower jaw bone. Hearing is also used for echolocation, which all dolphins have. Dolphin teeth are believed to function as antennae to receive incoming sound and to pinpoint the exact location of an object. Beyond locating an object, echolocation also provides the animal with an idea on the object's shape and size, though how exactly this works is not yet understood. The Indus Dolphin is effectively blind. This may be because not much light penetrates the waters of the Indus river (due to suspended sediments), making eyes futile. The dolphin's sense of touch is also well-developed, with free nerve endings densely packed in the skin, especially around the snout, pectoral fins and genital area. However, dolphins are believed to have no sense of smell. They do have a sense of taste and show preferences for certain kinds of fish. Since dolphins spend most of their time below the surface, tasting the water could function like Page 303 of 402

smelling, in that substances in the water can signal the presence of objects that are not in the dolphins mouth. Behavior Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent animals; dolphin behavior has been studied extensively, both in captivity and in the wild. Social behavior Dolphins are social, living in pods of up to a dozen individuals. In places with a high abundance of food, pods can merge temporarily, forming a superpod; such groupings may exceed 1,000 dolphins. Individuals communicate using a variety of clicks, whistle-like sounds and other vocalizations. Membership in pods is not rigid; interchange is common. However, dolphins can establish strong social bonds; they will stay with injured or ill individuals, even helping them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed. This altruism does not appear to be limited to their own species however. They have also been seen protecting swimmers from sharks by swimming circles around the swimmers or charging the sharks to make them go away. Dolphins engage in acts of aggression towards each other. The older a male dolphin is, the more likely his body is to be covered with bite scars. Male dolphins engage in such acts of aggression apparently for the same reasons as humans: disputes between companions and competition for females. Acts of aggression can become so intense that targeted dolphins sometimes go into exile as a result of losing a fight. Reproduction and sexuality Dolphin copulation happens belly to belly; though many species engage in lengthy foreplay, the actual act is usually brief, but may be repeated several times within a short timespan. The gestation period varies with species; for the small Tucuxi dolphin, this period is around 11 to 12 months, while for the orca, the gestation period is around 17 months. Typically dolphins give birth to a single calf, which is, unlike most other mammals, born tail first in most cases. They usually become sexually active at a young age, even before reaching sexual maturity. The age of sexual maturity varies by species and gender. Feeding Fish and squid are the main food, but the false killer whale and the orca also feed on other marine mammals. Dolphins are champions at catching fish and it is joy to have the privilege of watching their strength, speed, and agility in action. When dolphins are feeding, always watch from a distance. This is a great time for topside observation and zoom lens photography. One common feeding method is herding, where a pod squeezes a school of fish into a small volume, known as a bait ball. Individual members then take turns plowing through the ball, feeding on the stunned fish. Coralling is a method where dolphins chase fish into shallow water to catch them more easily. Vocalizations Dolphins are capable of making a broad range of sounds using nasal airsacs located just below the blowhole. Roughly three categories of sounds can be identified: frequency modulated whistles, Page 304 of 402

burst-pulsed sounds and clicks. Dolphins communicate with whistle-like sounds produced by vibrating connective tissue, similar to the way human vocal cords function, and through burstpulsed sounds, though the nature and extent of that ability is not known. The clicks are directional and are for echolocation, often occurring in a short series called a click train. The click rate increases when approaching an object of interest. Dolphin echolocation clicks are amongst the loudest sounds made by marine animals. Jumping and playing Dolphins occasionally leap above the water surface, and sometimes perform acrobatic figures. Play is an important part of dolphin culture. Dolphins play with seaweed and play-fight with other dolphins. At times they harass other local creatures, like seabirds and turtles. Dolphins enjoy riding waves and frequently surf coastal swells and the bow waves of boats, at times leaping between the dual bow waves of a moving catamaran. Occasionally, they playfully interact with swimmers. Captive dolphins have been observed in aquariums engaging in complex play behavior which involves the creation and manipulation of bubble rings. Sleeping

Sleeping dolphin in captivity: a tail kick reflex keeps the dolphin's blowhole above the water. Generally, dolphins sleep with only one brain hemisphere in slow-wave sleep at a time, thus maintaining enough consciousness to breathe and to watch for possible predators and other threats. Earlier sleep stages can occur simultaneously in both hemispheres. In captivity, dolphins seemingly enter a fully asleep state where both eyes are closed and there is no response to mild external stimuli. In this case, respiration is automatic; a tail kick reflex keeps the blowhole above the water if necessary. Anesthetized dolphins initially show a tail kick reflex. Though a similar state has been observed with wild sperm whales, it is not known if dolphins in the wild reach this state. The Indus river dolphin has a sleep method that is different from that of other dolphin species. Living in water with strong currents and potentially dangerous floating debris, it must swim continuously to avoid injury. As a result, this species sleeps in very short bursts which last between 4 and 60 seconds. Dolphins also need time, about 8 hours a day, to rest and sleep. Dolphins and whales have the unique ability to sleep with only half of their brain at rest at a time. Because dolphins are conscious breathers, meaning they must actively decide when to breathe, it is just not feasible to be fully unconscious to sleep. By only shutting down half of their brain and alternating sides, they are able to get the rest they need and still come to the surface for a breath of air. Bottlenose dolphins typically get in a line abreast formation, side by side, and slowly swim along Page 305 of 402

while taking slow, deliberate breaths. When the captain finds a group of dolphins in sleeping mode, he shuts down the engines, watch from a distance and allow the dolphins to pass undisturbed. Caring for & Teaching their Young Dolphins are highly intelligent animals with complex social structures. The first several years of a baby dolphins life is spent very close to his mother watching and learning everything from her and his/her other elders. Everything from navigating and traveling in new areas, hunting different species of fish, and even social skills are learned behaviors. It is because of this that researchers are beginning to study cultural differences in dolphin pods around the world. Just as it is known that pods of orca whales from different areas have distinct dialects, the same applies to other cetaceans and their habits.

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Fossils

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Drawings on Rock

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Sinaw
Sohar to Sinaw: 390 km On your way to Masirah or Duqm, take a night halt at Sinaw. Al Sabnam Hotel, Tel: 25524075; Mr. Monjur Alam / Mr. Manoj (95999891)

Mahoot
N 20 47 8, E 58 44 17 Mahoot to Shannah Jetty: 75 km If you reach Mahoot too early, you may take a night halt at Motel Mahooth, opp. Baladiya Office Mr. K. V. Abdul Nazar: Mobile No.: 93232610, 95288177, Tel. No.: 25427272 OMR 15/- per day (twin sharing basis)

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Masirah Island
Masirah is Oman's largest island. It is located some 15 km from the coast of Al Wusta in Central Oman, just south of the Wahiba Sands and east of Bar Al Hikman. The island has a length of some 65 km from its most northeastern point, Ras Oudufah to its southwestern point, Ras Abu Rasais. It has an hour-glass shape with a width varying between 6 and 18 km. The highest point on the island is 275 metres above sea level. The census of 2003 counted a population of some 9300 people.

Masirah is truly a Desert Island, with a rocky east coast facing the strong northwestern winds and a protected western coast with large bays and muddy sabkha's (salt-flats). The main income is from the fishery (a vivid trade with the emirates) and the military base in the north. It used to have a BBC radio station. The island is a surfers paradise with strong summer monsoon winds. The word Monsoon is derived from the Arabic word Mausim for season. Omans summer monsoon is locally known as Khareef. Page 317 of 402

The geological backbone of the island are black ophiolites (oceanic crust, basalts, gabbro's and ultramafic rocks), capped by Tertiary limestones. The contrast between white and black is even more pronounced by white lichens and intense karstification of the limestones, Masirah reportedly hosts a population of 30,000 loggerhead turtles nesting in its sandy beaches. From Muscat to Masirah the distance is 450 kms. From Muscat take the Nizwa road. At Bid Bid take left to reach on Sur road for Sinaw. Through the Sinaw village head for Mahoot. At Mahoot roundabout take left to reach Shannah. From Shannah take ferry to reach Masirah Island. Once on the island take a right turn and drive along the coast and follow the driving direction hotel boards to reach the resort. Masirah Island lies 20 km. off the south east coast of Oman with miles of isolated sandy beaches surrounding it. It is world famous as the Land of the Turtles. The island is magnificently diverse and offers a wide range of nautical sports with excursions into the nearby hills and deserts. The island is off the coast of the Barr Al Hikman area, and can be accessed by taking a ferry. Many travellers label it as the Isle of Wilderness. It is a beauty created by nature to enchant the imagination of the human soul. A combination of clear blue skies and the reflection of the sunshine virgin blue waters make Masirah Island the perfect getaway destination. History of Masirah The British Royal Air Force set up a base here with an airstrip, fuel stocks and anchorage for seaplanes. A permanent RAF squadron 244 was set up here is 1942 and a transit railway was built. In 1967, a BBC world transmitter station (British Eastern Relay Station - BERS) was located here but has now moved to the mainland. In 1977, the airfield was handed over to Sultanates Air Force His Majesty relaxed a then existing ban and permitted Omanis from Masirah to visit mainland and trade fish. Masirah now has a Omani Jaguar fighter squadron and also serves as Omans air force training base and it still has many ex-RAF as staff. Since 1970s, there is a US military base and during the Afghan war in 2002 and the Iraq war in 2003, Masirah was very active. Sultan Qaboos, who is Sandhurst-educated and is respected by his fellow Gulf rulers as a defense strategist, has long seen the United States as the key security guarantor of the region. He also has consistently advocated expanded defense cooperation among the Gulf states. Oman was the first Gulf state to formalize defense relations with the United States after the Persian Gulf region was shaken by Irans 1979 Islamic revolution, which it was at first feared would spread throughout the Middle East and lead to the downfall of monarchy states there. Oman signed an agreement to allow U.S. forces access to Omani military facilities on April 21, 1980. Three days later, the Page 318 of 402

United States used Omans Masirah Island air base to launch the failed attempt to rescue the U.S. embassy hostages in Iran. During the September 1980August 1988 Iran-Iraq War, the United States built up naval forces in the Gulf to prevent Iranian attacks on international shipping. Oman played the role of quiet intermediary between the United States and Iran for the return of Iranians captured in clashes with U.S. naval forces in the Gulf during that war. Under the U.S.-Oman access agreement, which was renewed in 1985, 1990, 2000, and 2010, the United States reportedly can usewith advance notice and for specified purposesOmans military airfields in Muscat (the capital), Thumrait, and Masirah Island. Some U.S. Air Force equipment, including lethal munitions, is stored at these bases. During the renewal negotiations in 2000, the United States acceded to Omans request that the United States fund a $120 million Upgrade of a fourth air base (Khasab) at Musnanah (50 miles from Muscat). Masirahs runway is shorter than that of Thumrait, the main location used by the U.S. Air Force, and some U.S. military officials consider Masirah therefore less suitable. Route Plan There are two routes one through Sur route and the other through Izki route. Take the road from Muscat to Nizwa. When you reach Izki, take the road that turn towards Sinaw (the alternative Sur route road turning right at Bid-Bid also takes you to Sinaw). At Sinaw, turn right towards South at the Shell Petrol station roundabout towards Ad Duqm. From Sinaw, the next land mark is Mahoot (aka Mahawt), a dry drive of another 180-200kms. At a roundabout in Mahoot, you take a turn towards Al Hayy (if you miss this you will head to Ad Duqm). There is Al Maha Petrol Pump here. Here you can fill fuel and check your tires before boarding onto the ferry. From this Petrol Pump drive another 75kms to take a right turn at Bandar Al Hikman, drive through the Sabkhas Salt plateau, to reach Al Shanna barge. Distances: Sohar - Shannah (610 km), Sohar Sinaw ( 355 km), Clock tower roundabout Shell petrol station at Mudaybah (110kms), Mudaybah - Sinaw (65kms), Sinaw Al Maha petrol station at Al Mahoot (180kms), Al Shanna junction (turn right here and drive through salt plateau) Ferry point (15kms), Mahoot Shannah (75 km) Ferry ride enables you take your vehicle along with and four wheel drive is not a must (10 OMR for 4WD and 8 OMR for cars) There are actually two barges: one for small ferries and another one beyond a long bridge for large barges. Just in case you unfortunately missed your ferry ride to seasonal tides or other unforeseen reasons, you may stay at the Al Shanna rest house. Drive carefully and keep your vehicles filled with fuel and staff at these points can give you directions for your next land mark. Taking pit-stop breaks to reflex your muscles and intake fluids is highly recommended and depending upon the drive time, the bright sun-light can dry your eyes quite soon. Wearing sunglasses and using a wet-hand towels or tissue wipes helps greatly.

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At the landing barge there are petrol stations and there are a few more inside the town. The fuel is slightly expensive here (140 Baiza / litre of Super petrol against 120 Baiza Muscat). .Sabkhas the natural Salt Pans on both sides of road to Shannah Jetty

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Ferry Ride Driving on to the ferry supported by a few wooden logs can be a tricky drive for many. It can be worse if you have a vehicle closely in front but it certainly is manageable. Parking inside the ferry is pretty close in neat two/rows one behind the other. Waiting for a ferry or loading vehicles in to the ferry (large about 40 and small about 20) can take quite a while.

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For your return there is no need to reserve a ferry space. Ferry rides begin from two different points in the western coat North jetty and the South jetty, from as early as 7am. The trips are set about an hour apart in the morning and early evenings (this also depends on the crowd waiting to board the ferry). Inside the ferry, the vehicles are packed very close to each other but the ride is very comfortable and stable. You can lock your vehicles and walk around the ferry and even climb a couple of stairs to go up to the flag pole for a lovely view of your ferry filled with vehicles. You can also spot occasional small fishing boats whirring across the ferry at high speeds. People entertain themselves by playing games or even have some live ethnic music with simple instruments. Watch this music video taken during our trip. With the cold winds blowing across, having some snack food handy and sipping hot tea is a good idea. Charges: OMR 8/- for Car & OMR 10/- for SUV / 4WD

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Dhow sails for fishing and takes two days: catches 500 kg fish and sell @ OMR 3 to 4/ kg

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You may cross the sea to Masirah by such Motor boats @ OMR 2/- in Hr.

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Water Well on the beach

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Coastal Road

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Water Well on the Beach

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Crabs on the Beach

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Loggerhead Turtles on Masirah Coastline

Take a turn at this point Off Road N 2030.004 E 5856.132 Turtle Nests N 2029.692 E 5856.320 Masirah hosts all four of Omans nesting species of Turtles and is world famous as the home of the largest population of about 30,000 Loggerhead Turtles.

These are trails of Turtles created while moving on the sand by its Claws.

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A loggerhead sea turtle laying eggs

The loggerhead sea turtle is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It is the world's largest hard-shelled turtle. The English common name "loggerhead" refers to the animal's large head. The average loggerhead measures around 90 cm long when fully grown, although larger specimens of up to 280 cm have been discovered. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs 80 to 200 kg, with the largest specimens weighing in at more than 450 kg. The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish-brown. The turtle's neck and sides are brown on the tops and yellow on the sides and bottom.No external differences in gender are seen until the turtle becomes an adult, the most obvious difference being the adult males have thicker tails and shorter plastrons than the females. The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. Each clutch contains about 112 eggs. The loggerhead reaches sexual maturity within 1733 years and has a lifespan of 4767 years. The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its large and powerful jaws serve as an effective tool for dismantling its prey. Young loggerheads are exploited by numerous predators; the eggs are especially vulnerable to terrestrial organisms. Once the turtles reach adulthood, their formidable size limits predation to large marine animals, such as sharks. Loggerheads are considered an endangered species and are protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Page 341 of 402

Habitat
Loggerhead sea turtles spend most of their lives in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters. They rarely come ashore, with the exception of the females' brief visits to construct nests and deposit eggs. Loggerheads occupy waters with surface temperatures ranging from 13.3-28.0C during non-nesting season. Temperatures from 27-28C are most suitable for nesting females. Range of the loggerhead sea turtle The loggerhead sea turtle has a cosmopolitan distribution, nesting over the broadest geographical range of any sea turtle. It inhabits the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. In the Indian Ocean, loggerheads feed along the coastlines of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and in the Arabian Sea. Along the African coastline, loggerheads nest from Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago to South Africa's St Lucia estuary. The largest Indian Ocean nesting site is Oman, on the Arabian Peninsula, which hosts around 15,000 nests, giving it the second largest nesting population of loggerheads in the world. Western Australia is another notable nesting area, with 1,0002,000 nests per year. Adult males have longer tails and claws than females. The males' plastrons are shorter than the females', presumably to accommodate the males' larger tails. The carapaces of males are wider and less domed than the females', and males typically have wider heads than females. Lachrymal glands located behind each eye allow the loggerhead to maintain osmotic balance by eliminating the excess salt obtained from ingesting ocean water. On land, the excretion of excess salt gives the false impression that the turtle is crying. Loggerhead sea turtles observed in captivity and in the wild are most active during the day. In captivity, the loggerheads' daily activities are divided between swimming and resting on the bottom. While resting, they spread their forelimbs to about midstroke swimming position. They remain motionless with eyes open or half-shut and are easily alerted during this state. At night, captives sleep in the same position with their eyes tightly shut, and are slow to react. Loggerheads spend up to 85% of their day submerged, with males being the more active divers than females. The average duration of dives is 1530 min, but they can stay submerged for up to four hours. Juvenile loggerheads and adults differ in their swimming methods. A juvenile keeps its forelimbs pressed to the side of its carapace, and propels itself by kicking with its hind limbs. As the juvenile matures, its swimming method is progressively replaced with the adult's alternating-limb method. They depend entirely on this method of swimming by one year old. Predators Loggerheads have numerous predators, especially early in their lives. Egg and nestling predators include oligochaete worms, beetles, fly larvae, ants, parasitoid wasp larvae, flesh flies, crabs, snakes, gulls, corvids, opossums, bears, rats, armadillos, mustelids, skunks, canids, procyonids, cats, pigs, and humans. During their migration from their nests to the sea, hatchlings are preyed on by dipteran larvae, crabs, toads, lizards, snakes, seabirds such as frigatebirds, and other assorted Page 342 of 402

birds and mammals. In the ocean, predators of the loggerhead juveniles include fish, such as parrotfish and moray eels, and portunid crabs. Adults are more rarely attacked due to their large size, but may be preyed on by large sharks, seals, and killer whales. Nesting females are attacked by flesh flies, feral dogs, and humans. Salt marsh mosquitos can also pester nesting females. More than 100 species of animals from 13 phyla, as well as 37 kinds of algae, live on loggerheads' backs. These parasitic organisms, which increase drag, offer no known benefit to the turtle, although the dulling effect of organisms on shell color may improve camouflage. The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, such as gastropods, bivalves, and decapods. It has a greater list of known prey than any other sea turtle. Other food items include sponges, corals, sea pens, polychaete worms, sea anemones, cephalopods, barnacles, brachiopods, isopods, insects, bryozoans, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers, starfish, fish (eggs, juveniles, and adults), hatchling turtles (including members of its own species), algae, and vascular plants. During migration through the open sea, loggerheads eat jellyfish, floating mollusks, floating egg clusters, squid, and flying fish. Loggerheads crush prey with their large and powerful jaws. Projecting scale points on the anterior margin of the forelimbs allow manipulation of the food. These points can be used as "pseudoclaws" to tear large pieces of food in the loggerhead's mouth. The loggerhead will turn its neck sideways to consume the torn food on the scale points. Inward-pointing, mucus-covered papillae found in the fore region of the loggerheads esophagus filter out foreign bodies, such as fish hooks. The next region of the esophagus is not papillated, with numerous mucosal folds. The digestion rate in loggerheads is temperature-dependent; it increases as temperature increases. A hatchling loggerhead sea turtle on its journey to the ocean

Hatchlings range in color from light brown to almost black, lacking the adult's distinct yellows and reds. Upon hatching, they measure about 4.6 cm and weigh about 20 g. The eggs are typically laid on the beach in an area above the high-tide line. The eggs are laid near the water so the hatchlings can return to the sea. The loggerhead's sex is dictated by the temperature of the underground nest. Incubation temperatures generally range from 26-32C. Sea turtle eggs kept at a constant incubating temperature of 32C become females. Eggs incubating at 28C become males. An Page 343 of 402

incubation temperature of 30C results in an equal ratio of male to female hatchlings. Hatchlings from eggs in the middle of the clutch tend to be the largest, grow the fastest, and be the most active during the first few days of sea life. After incubating for around 80 days, hatchlings dig through the sand to the surface, usually occurs at night, when darkness increases the chance of escaping predation and damage from extreme sand surface temperatures is reduced. Hatchlings enter the ocean by navigating toward the brighter horizon created by the reflection of the moon and starlight off the water's surface. Hatchlings can lose up to 20% of their body mass due to evaporation of water as they journey from nest to ocean. They initially use the undertow to push them five to 10 m away from the shore. Once in the ocean, they swim for about 20 hours, bringing them far offshore. An iron compound, magnetite, in their brains allows the turtles to perceive the Earth's magnetic field, for navigation. Many hatchlings use Sargassum in the open ocean as protection until they reach 45 cm. Hatchling loggerheads live in this pelagic environment until they reach juvenile age, and then they migrate to near shore waters. When ocean waters cool, loggerheads must migrate to warmer areas or hibernate to some degree. In the coldest months, they submerge for up to seven hours at a time, emerging for only seven minutes to breathe. Although outdone by freshwater turtles, these are among the longest recorded dives for any air-breathing marine vertebrate. During their seasonal migration, juvenile loggerheads have the ability to use both magnetic and visual cues. When both aids are available, they are used in conjunction; if one aid is not available, the other suffices. The turtles swim at about 1.6 km/h (0.9 knots/h; 0.4 m/s) during migration. Female loggerheads first reproduce between the ages of 17 and 33, and their mating period may last more than six weeks. They court their mates, but these behaviors have not been thoroughly examined. Male forms of courtship behavior include nuzzling, biting, and head and flipper movements. Studies suggest females produce cloacal pheromones to indicate reproductive ability. Before mating, the male approaches a female and attempts to mount her, while she resists. Next, the male and female begin to circle each other. If the male has competitors, the female may let the males struggle with each other. The winner then mounts the female; the male's curved claws usually damage the shoulders of the female's shell during this process. Other courting males bite the male while he is attempting to copulate, damaging his flippers and tail, possibly exposing bones. Such damage can cause the male to dismount and may require weeks to heal. While nesting, females produce an average of 3.9 egg clutches, and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. Unlike other sea turtles, courtship and mating usually do not take place near the nesting beach, but rather along migration routes between feeding and breeding grounds. Recent evidence indicates ovulation in loggerheads is mating-induced. Through the act of mating, the female ovulates eggs which are fertilized by the male. This is unique, as matinginduced ovulation is rare outside of mammals. In the Northern Hemisphere, loggerheads mate from late March to early June. The nesting season is short, between May and August in the Northern Hemisphere and between October and March in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Loggerheads may display multiple paternities. Multiple paternities is possible due to sperm storage. The female can store sperm from multiple males in her oviducts until ovulation. A single clutch may have as many as five fathers, each contributing sperm to a portion of the clutch. All sea turtles have similar basic nesting behaviors. Females return to lay eggs at intervals of 12 17 days during the nesting season, on or near the beach where they hatched. They exit the water, climb the beach, and scrape away the surface sand to form a body pit. With their hind limbs, they excavate an egg chamber in which the eggs are deposited. The females then cover the egg chamber and body pit with sand, and finally return to the sea. This process takes one to two hours, and occurs in open sand areas or on top of sand dunes. The nesting area must be selected carefully because it affects characteristics such as fitness, emergence ratio, and vulnerability to nest predators. Loggerheads have an average clutch size of 112 eggs. Conservation Many human activities have negative effects on loggerhead sea turtle populations. The prolonged time required for loggerheads to reach sexual maturity and the high mortality rates of eggs and young turtles from natural phenomena compound the problems of population reduction as a consequence of human activities. Loggerhead sea turtles were once intensively hunted for their meat and eggs; consumption has decreased, however, due to worldwide legislation. Despite this, turtle meat and eggs are still consumed in countries where regulations are not strictly enforced. In Mexico, turtle eggs are a common meal. Eating turtle eggs or meat can cause serious illness due to harmful bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, and high levels of toxic metals that build up through bioaccumulation. The most common commercial fishery that accidentally takes loggerheads are bottom trawls used for shrimp vessels in the Gulf of California. In 2000, between 2,600 and 6,000 loggerheads were estimated to have been killed by pelagic longlining in the Pacific. Fishing gear is the biggest threat to loggerheads in the open ocean. They often become entangled in longlines or gillnets. They also become stuck in traps, pots, trawls, and dredges. Caught in this unattended equipment, loggerheads risk serious injury or drowning. Turtle excluder devices for nets and other traps reduce the number being accidentally caught. Nearly 24,000 metric tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year. Turtles ingest a wide array of this floating debris, including bags, sheets, pellets, and balloons and abandoned fishing line. Loggerheads may mistake the floating plastic for jellyfish, a common food item. The ingested plastic causes numerous health concerns, including intestinal blockage, reduced nutrient absorption and malnutrition, suffocation, ulcerations, or starvation. Ingested plastics release toxic compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls, which may accumulate in internal tissues. Such toxins may lead to a thinning of eggshells, tissue damage, or deviation from natural behaviors. Artificial lighting discourages nesting and interferes with the hatchlings' ability to navigate to the water's edge. Females prefer nesting on beaches free of artificial lighting. On developed beaches, Page 345 of 402

nests are often clustered around tall buildings, perhaps because they block out the man-made light sources. Loggerhead hatchlings are drawn toward the brighter area over the water which is the consequence of the reflection of moon and star light. Confused by the brighter artificial light, they navigate inland, away from the protective waters, which exposes them to dehydration and predation as the sun rises. Artificial lighting causes tens of thousands of hatchling deaths per year. Destruction and encroachment of habitat by humans is another threat to loggerhead sea turtles. Optimum nesting beaches are open-sand beaches above the high-tide line. However, beach development deprives them of suitable nesting areas, forcing them to nest closer to the surf. Urbanization often leads to the siltation of sandy beaches, decreasing their viability. Construction of docks and marinas can destroy near-shore habitats. Boat traffic and dredging degrades habitat and can also injure or kill turtles when boats collide with turtles at or near the surface. Annual variations in climatic temperatures can affect sex ratios, since loggerheads have temperature-dependent sex determination. High sand temperatures may skew gender ratios in favor of females. Nesting sites exposed to unseasonably warm temperatures over a three-year period produced 8799% females. This raises concerns over the connection between rapid global temperature changes and the possibility of population extinction. A more localized effect on gender skewing comes from the construction of tall buildings, which reduce sun exposure, lowering the average sand temperature, which results in a shift in gender ratios to favor the emergence of male turtles. Timing photography Ideally it would perfect to start at 9-10am in the morning after a healthy breakfast and driving ahead at steady speed. Take breaks every 90mins and refresh before proceeding. In certain parts the terrain is plain deserted and there are no trees even to give any shade. Refer route map shown above. Before reaching the ferry- jetty, you drive through a salt-plateau and during the evening sun-set; this entire salt bed shines in hues of sunset colours and is worth several good photographs. At the barge while waiting for the ferry one can click some lovely birds with the entire sea dyed in sunset hues. At Masirah the radar observation building is a spherical structure and sunset / sunrise views of this are worth a good photo. At Masirah, the sunset in west near the barge area and coastline has several picturesque views, and just in case you missed it, an early morning ride around the town and coastline can be very rewarding even though the east is located behind the town.

Packing Gear During Dec-Jan the weather is pretty cold and windy. Hence carrying enough warm wear is a must. Sleeping bags can be very handy and light even though you may stay indoors. Day time is Page 346 of 402

scorching hot and hence light cotton shirts, a scarf / hat and sun glasses are highly recommended. If you plan to walk a lot on foot then wear comfortable shoes or water-proof sandals. Do not forget to carry a torch and thermos flask to stock something warm to drink. There are way too many flies and it recommended to carry food items in closed containers or sealed envelopes. Packs of playing cards and books can also be very entertaining at night. Masirah is full of buzzing flies of all sizes and this can be very frustrating. To ward away the flies the frankincense smoke is also good idea but only if you are allergic to this smoke. Safety Notes There is police patrolling in town but once you go away from the town, you hardly notice any vehicle movements and so prepare to be completely on your own. Pitch your camp in clear plain land or in the wind-shielded part of a mountain as you choose. People commonly try to camp near a beach so that they can take occasional swims and enjoy a barbeque as well. As the beaches are frequented by turtleback tortoise visits, take care to put off camp fire completely and pour water over barbeque remains. Or else attracted by the light these tortoises may walk into hot fire/coal. Carry a minimal first-aid kit and all essential medications. The island is so full of camels and some of them roam about freely on the town streets. Unusual photos of camels in beach can be captured here. The entire island can be visited by driving through a tarmac road that runs along the coast with the sea visible almost always. Although the local are very warm and friendly people take their permission is you wish to photograph them or their house or vehicles. The local people simply love to drive dashing around town showing off their vehicles. So while crossing the roads, expect these stunt-drivers from around the corners. The military base at the northern side of the Island is a restricted area and a defunct BBC radio station is also located here. From the Al Hilf barge, turn right and all this area is open to tourists.

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Hotels and Camping Hotel Danat Al-Khalig N 2038.125 E 5851.857

Danat al-Khaleej Hotel: Mr. Jahangir (Mobile: 93672427). OMR 20/day (Twin Sharing, inclusive of Breakfast), Check-in: 1.00pm, Check-out: 11.00 am You can also pre-book 1 / 2 bedroom villas entirely to accommodate an entire family.

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The Masirah Hotel (Tel (+968) 25504401, The Serabis Hotel (Tel (+968) 25504442. Given prior notice there are single / double bed room apartments on per-day rentals (25-35 OMR depending on the season). Having a confirmed accommodation reduces anxiety as the hotel can be fully occupied during your holiday seasons. A large 5 star hotel on the East coast almost completed and certainly wasn't operational yet. Masirah can be enjoyed at its best camping outdoor. It is quite a safe place, it would be ideal to bring your own camping gear, pitch tents and stay in the open air. The entire island has good tarmac road and so having a four-wheel drive is not a must. Camping spots can be located close to the navigable roads. We also found shops that rent camping, diving and canoeing gear in the town. Beyond the town, the rest of the area is completely deserted and there is no street lighting even. A drive down south takes you across small villages and settlements some of which are completely abandoned. A certain stretches of black ophiolite and limestone landscape remind you of a snow field.

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Food & Restaurants

You get the best Chicken Shawarma in the above Hotel in the market, from 4.00 pm. With small super markets and utility shops around town, you can buy household items and provisions easily. So cooking in the camping area can be good fun provided you are ready for it. There are restaurants serving Parota, Doasa, Biryani rice, White rice along with meat and fish fries, vegetable gravies, eggs and salads at reasonable prices. Drive around the town to spot these yourself or ask for directions from any employee in a fuel station. Fishing, Surfing and Diving Huge massive waves great for surfing, 4 -5 footers min. Big fish like barracuda and sharks jump through the waves while you body surf. Be careful. This is the single strongest riptide and surf I have ever experienced. Weak swimmers do not venture out far or alone ever. This kind of riptide can pull off your swimming costume leaving you naked! Fishing can be done all round the year around the rich coastline but the summer monsoon Khareef season brings excellent strong winds for surfing. Surfing and diving equipments can also be rented locally but are expensive and limited in stock. It is advisable to bring your fishing gear or else you will have to rent them locally. Sometimes people here sell handmade fishing rods at all most nothing cost a simple long sticks with fishing rope and hook. Still it can be fun to catch your very own fish and roast it over fire. Interestingly for several thousands of years, Masirah has survived mainly on income from fishing. Masirah reportedly hosts a population of 30,000 loggerhead turtles nesting in its sandy beaches and so turtle watching along the beaches is another favorite pass time. Diving and snorkeling in certain parts is particularly more interesting.

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Land of Rovers Anyone visiting Masirah cant miss the plethora of Land Rovers running around the town and so Rovers are never to be Over here (estimates say about 300-400 exist here). The military base held here for hundreds of years is said to be the main reason. A separate Flickr stream (Flickr-Masirah Land Rovers) has been created with the amazing old Land Rover photographs we managed to capture just in 24hrs. They have painted in all possible colours Black, White, Green, Blue and even Pink while some of sport fancies parts have been adapted from latest vehicle spares.

The owner of one Land Rover is the proud owner of this 1983 model vehicle which he has managed maintain so very well .There are plenty of local car technicians who specialize in maintenance and repair of Land Rover exclusively. Page 351 of 402

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Salalah
Salalah is Famous for its beautiful valleys during the Monsoon / Khareef Season. Salalah is the biggest of the Wilayats and it is also the provincial capital of Dhofar Governorate. It has a seaport and an airport. BUS: From Sohar RETURN FARE OMR 12 PER PERSON Takes about 12 Hrs.
Daily services from Muscat to Salalah Route Departure Destination Days 100 100 100 06:00 18:00 19:00 Salalah Salalah Salalah Daily Daily ETA Daily services from Salalah to Muscat Route Departure Destination Days 06:30 17:00 19:00 Muscat Muscat Muscat Daily Daily ETA 19:20 07:30

19:00 100 07:40 100

Monsoon 06:40 100

monsoon 05:30

AIR FARE: OMR 65 RETURN per person. HOUSE ON RENT: OMR 25 per Day, 2 BHK, 2 Families can share; Tel No.: 95791319 For Site Seeing Plan & Organization: Zaheer, 99587074; Taxi for 2 1/2 days: OMR 40 Apartments: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Al Hanna House Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 23291005 Al Sadah house Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 99486333 Salah Gardens Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 23292009 Al Sadah Plaza Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 23225451 Al Maha Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 23296262 Al Khalij Complex Apartments: Tel.: 23292686 Al Burj Hotel Apartments: Tel.: 23292009

Rest Houses / Budget Accomodation for travelers on long journey, along the main route from Nizwa to Salalah: 1. 2. 3. 4. Hayma, Tel.: 23436061; Al Ghabra, Te l.: 92313661; Al Ghaftain, tel.: 99485881; Quitbit, Tel.: 99085686.

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Salalah Airport

Salalah Airport is the Sultanate of Oman's second gateway. It is located on the Salalah coastal plain, 5.5 km northeast of Salalah's city centre. It is currently mostly used as a domestic airport, but during the Khareef season, the airport receives numerous charter flights from neighboring Gulf countries and beyond. The new terminal at Salalah Airport envisages an expansion of capacity to 1 million passengers annually by 2014. The airport has been designed to allow for further expansions to cater for future demand growth to 2 and 6 million passengers annually when the demand is required.

Eating Out

Udupi Restaurant: Indian Vegetarian Page 356 of 402

The food is delicious and very cheap. There is an extensive menu of North Indian, South Indian and Chinese dishes. The paneer dishes, including paneer tikka masala and paneer palak, the methi roti, etc.. Customers mainly come from the local Indian community, but it is popular with other foreigners too. On Thursday after 7.30pm, there is a buffet which costs just OR1. Udupi is on July 23 Street, just behind the new Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Woodlands Restaurant: at the Airport, somewhat surprisingly one of Salalah's best restaurants and one of the few licensed to sell alcohol, is at Salalah Airport. Woodlands Restaurant serves high quality Indian food as well as draft Heineken and a good range of wines. There are smoking and non-smoking sections. It seems to be particularly popular with Indian businessmen. Hotel Cascade, Hotel Annapurna, Hotel Rajbhog and Hotel Milan serve good and affordable food.

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Fruit Stalls
Salalah has a real tropical feel. There are banana and coconut plantations with camels wandering through them - sometimes having a wee nap in the shade. Visitors to Salalah are quick to spot the brightly

roofed fruit shops, uniformly set up near the citys main streets.

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The fruits that originate from Salalah include papaya, banana, plantain, lemon, avocado, custard apple, guva and star fruit. While custard apple and star fruit command prices in the range of 500 baisa per kilo, lemon is available during the season for as low as 250 baisa per kilo. Avocado is available for 600 baisa a kilo, papaya 150 baisa while banana is available for 600 baisa and plantain in the range of 200 to 400 baisa.

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Al-Husn Souq

Al-Husn Souq is sometimes also called the Frankincense Souq, as this is one of the main things sold here. In fact, one section of the souq specializes in frankincense and other types of incense and perfume, while another section sells traditional Omani clothes and textiles. There are also large numbers of tailors' shops here as well as a few simple restaurants. Directions: The souq is next to the Sultan's Palace.

Sultan's Palace
Previous sultans, including the current sultan's father, Sultan Said, lived in Salalah, but Sultan Qaboos has moved to Muscat. He still uses the Sultan's Palace in Salalah as his summer residence.

The palace, known as Al Husn, was originally built by Sultan Turki in the nineteenth century, but has been extended by successive sultans, and it is now a big, modern complex of buildings, overlooking the beach, south of the city centre. It is surrounded on the landward side by a stone wall and entered through big teak doors. The stretch of beach immediately in front of the palace is off limits to the general public, but you can get quite close and take photographs of the palace. The armed sentry doesn't seem to mind.

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Fatura is a Cheese Roll, a special cuisine of Salalah Page 361 of 402

Mughasail: Fountain of the Sea

Mughsail Bay has one of the most beautiful beaches in Oman. It's a good spot for beach activities and birdwatching. You can combine a visit here with a trip to the blowholes, which are just round the headland at the western end of the bay.

A large Rock has eroded on bottom side by the harsh waves of the sea. This has resulted in forming a tunnel underneath and has got three openings on top side. During the high-tide, the waves enter these tunnels forcing the air out that creates peculiar sound and subsequently, the water rushes out and up in the form of fountains 3 to 4 M high. Its a unique thing to see and enjoy. You shall visit it again, in case there is low-tide during your first visit.
Directions: Mughsail Bay is about 50km west of Salalah. Just follow the Mughsail road from the roundabout near the Hilton Hotel

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Sea Water Fountain

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Lion of the Rocks

Erosion of Rocks have created different shapes and it is your imagination of identifying them with those in our memory.

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Hole in the Rock

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Hairpin-Bend Road towards Yemen Border

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Sultan Qaboos Mosque

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Tomb of Nabi Umran

In downtown Salalah, next to Lulu Shopping Center, is a very unusual tomb. It is the tomb of Nabi Umran, also known as Imran, who was said to be the father of the Virgin Mary, which would make it a very important pilgrimage centre. But, hang on, it is also said that he may have been the father of Moses instead, or somebody good anyway. His stone sarcophagus is 33 m long, which has given rise to speculation that he may also have been a giant. Anyway, it's a pleasant place, with a small mosque and the building housing the tomb, at the back of which there is a small garden with peacocks, guinea fowl and other birds. Admission is free, but you will probably find that a self-appointed Indian guard will accompany you in and be happy to receive a small tip. Directions: Next to Lulu Shopping Center

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Burj A'Nahdah, the Clock-tower

Clock-tower is the most prominent of the monuments which decorate the roundabouts around Salalah. It is a useful landmark for finding your way around by car. Salalah Airport is on the northern exit road and Lulu Shopping Center is just off this roundabout to the south. Wadi Darbat is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Arabian peninsula. A river flows through here to the sea at Khor Rawri. After heavy rain during the khareef (June-September) there is an impressive waterfall at the southern end of the wadi. The wadi sides are densely forested. Nomads camp on the valley bottom while their herds of camel graze on the lush pastures. You can often see White Storks feeding amongst the camels. Directions: The entrance to Wadi Darbat is well signposted on the road leading west from the roundabout just north of the town of Taqah, about 30km east of Salalah. Page 371 of 402

Archeological Survey of Oman: Khor Rori

Khor Ruri, also sometimes transliterated as Khawr Rouri, is a creek just to the east of Taqah. Here the water and reed beds attract a lot of birds, making it a bird-watching hotspot. In fact, nearly 200 species of bird have been recorded here including Greater Flamingos, Spoonbills, Widgeons, Mallards, Shoveler, Garganey, Teals, Spoonbills, Black-tailed Godwits, Ospreys, Great Cormorants, Cotton Teals, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Grey and Red-necked Phalaropes, Blackwinged Stilts, Black-necked Grebes, Little Grebes, Grey Herons, Great Egrets, Squacco Herons, Western Reef Herons, Cattle, Purple Herons, Common Terns, Osprey, Marsh Harriers and Reed Warblers. On my last visit here, I saw many of these, with Flamingos, Spoonbills ansd Ospreys being particularly visible. The creek was once the site of a frankincense port and on a hill, overlooking it, is the important archaelogical site of Sumhuram.

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Frankincense Tree at Khor Rori, Salalah

Khor Ror is an Early South Arabian archaeological site near Salalah in the Dhofar region of modern Oman. The small fortified town was founded as an outpost for the kingdom of Hadramawt in modern Yemen around the turn of our era, but the site shows signs of aramite settlement back to the third century CE. The settlement was probably abandoned in the seventh century. One of the Queen of Sheba's palaces was located here. Inscriptions at Khor Rori reports that the town, called "Sumhuram" (Old South Arabian s 1 mhrm), was founded on royal initiative and settled by adramite emigrants. Dhofar was the main source of frankincense in the ancient period, and it seems likely that the foundation of the settlement was in part motivated by a aramite wish to control the production of this valuable commodity. Most scholars identify Khor Rori with the frankincense exporting port of Moskha Limen mentioned in this region in the 1st century CE merchants guide Periplus Maris Erythraei. Khor Ror / Sumhuram was first discovered by James Theodore Bent during his travels in the region in the late 19th century. The site has been excavated by the American Foundation for the Study of Man (AFSM) in the early 1950s and by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO) since 1994. The excavations have uncovered the ground plan of the settlement and has attested maritime contacts with the aramite homeland, India and the Mediterranean. Page 375 of 402

Some Latter Day Saints scholars believe that this is the "land Bountiful" where Nephi from the Book of Mormon stayed during his travels from Jerusalem (I Nephi 17). Salalah - Dhofar region in Sultanate of Oman Salalah Known for its glorious history, UNESCO heritage place,Ubar Lost city of Arabia,Al-Baleed Fort,Jobs Tomb, Khor Ruri,Prophet Umran Tomb near hafa house.

Al-Baleed
Al Balid Archaeological Site on the Salalah waterfront is a new model for archaeological tourism with guided site tours, a museum and gift shop.

A UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage listed archaeological site, Al Baleed was a settlement during the Iron Age. The Land of Frankincense Museum can be seen on the right Go back in time at the Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Museum. Al Baleeds history goes back to pre-Islamic times when there was a large Iron Age settlement in the same location. The city of Baleed itself was founded in the 11th century AD and rapidly became a centre of commerce for the frankincense trade. Today, visitors can explore the remains of a grand mosque, citadel and the old city wall and gates. As the historic remains are set in a picturesque nature reserve, its an ideal place to relax, enjoy bird watching or take a boat trip. Open: Weekdays 8am-2pm, 4-8pm; Thursday-Friday 4-8pm Location: Off Sultan Qaboos Street, close to Crowne Plaza Resort The city of Al Baleed lies on Salalahs coastal strip and covers an area of 640,000 square metres. During the Middle Ages the town played an important role in world trade through its harbour and links with the ports of China, India, Sind, Yemen and East Africa, as well as with Iraq and Europe. A German university and Omani team date the site from the Islamic period, though the area was inhabited from the end of the 5th and beginning of the 4th millennia BC. The city was reestablished in the 4th century AH/10th century AD at the time of the Mujais dynasty and was rebuilt during the Habudhi period. Page 376 of 402

The main archaeological discoveries in al Baleed include the great mosque which has around 144 pillars and is nearly square in shape. It has outbuildings, a minaret and is believed to have been built during the 7th century AH/13th century AD and remained in use until the llth century AH/17th century AD. The city is surrounded by a moat. In the Wusta (central) region stone implements have been excavated from the Asholite civilisation. An American and Omani team are working on the migration of early man from Africa to Asia via Oman across a land bridge that existed before the Red Sea trench was formed. Excavations continue in the Jaalan (eastern) region on the sites at Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz where it is believed there has been human development from the Holocene period in the 7th millennium BC to the arrival of Islam. Italian, French, British and Omani teams are focusing on maritime trade in this area during the 2nd half of the 3rd millennium BC. Pits in the area suggest that 4th millennium BC fishing communities built round huts directly onto the rocks, and finds have included copper fishhooks, small implements, spear-heads, and potsherds originating in Mesopotamia. .Marco Polo visited Oman in 1285, extolling a frankincense port called al-Baleed, where contemporary archeologists now sweat in roped-off surrounds on the outskirts of Salalah, Oman's second city. Even more revered is Ibn Battuta, a renowned 14th-century wanderer who, as a Moroccan, is accurately described as the Arab world's, as well as Africa's, most intrepid traveller. The Arabian Peninsula, I'm frequently reminded, is a bridge between Africa and Asia. From al-Baleed's brown walls of stone, their remains seldom more than waist-high, I head into the adjoining Museum of the Frankincense Land. It encapsulates Omani history and the pivotal role of frankincense trading as well as showcasing contemporary Oman, the petrochemical industry and the initiatives of head of state Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said.

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The discovery of Ubar (Iram) UBAR- The Lost City of Iram of Pillars Ubar Location: Shisr, off Route 31 from Thumrayt

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Job's Tomb

Salalah is home to the ruins of Sumharam, a fortified town with an important port that functioned from 100 BC to 400 AD. An area of religious significance, Salalahs neighboring Jabal Gadu is the alleged resting place of Job as well as Nabi Imran, or the Virgin Marys father. A Nabi Ayub is an important Muslim pilgrimage destination known for Jacobs tomb. Additionally, it is believed by residents of Salalah that the Queen of Sheba once owned a palace in the city.

Prophet Job's (Ayaub) Tomb About this location: The tomb of Nabi Ayoub (or Job) is around 40 kilometers from Salalah on Jebal. Page 379 of 402

Wadi Darbat
GPS Coords: Latitude 17 5'19.78"N, Longitude 5426'8.21"E

Wadi Darbat is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Arabian peninsula. A river flows through here to the sea at Khor Rawri. After heavy rain during the khareef (June-September) there is an impressive waterfall at the southern end of the wadi. The wadi sides are densely forested. Nomads camp on the valley bottom while their herds of camel graze on the lush pastures. You can often see White Storks feeding amongst the camels. During Khareef season there is a 100 metre waterfall. Directions: The entrance to Wadi Darbat is well signposted on the road leading west from the roundabout just north of the town of Taqah, about 30km east of Salalah.

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Tawi Attir: Sink Hole

Tawi Attir (the home of the birds), is a natural sink hole over 100 M wide and 211 M deep.

As the name implies, Tawi Attir is home to many species of birds that can be seen swooping in and out of the sinkhole during khareef (monsoon) season.

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Sahnout Springs

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Warning: Camel on the Road

There are camels grazing on the roadsides all along the coastal road either side of Salalah. They have absolutely no fear of cars and will wander onto the road without any hesitation. It is cutomary when you see them to put on your hazard warning lights in order to warn oncoming vehicles as well as those behind you that there are camels on the road. So, if you see a car flashing its warning lights, slowdown, as you do not want to hit or be hit by camel.

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Any Incomplete information Or Mistakes In this Effort Are unintentional And Shall Trigger Your Tour

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