Joanna James
Spanning the mouth of the Persian Gulf, Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is one of the most charming countries in the Middle East. The Arabian nation is blessed with heaps of wonder and fascination, that reading up on a few could only make your visit to the exotic country more exciting.
Coffee and dates — or kahwa and khalas, as it is known in Oman — is a huge part of Omanis' lives, so much so a typical Omani cannot go a day without a sip of steaming hot kahwa and a bite of finger-licking khalas. Coffee is in fact the national drink in the Gulf nation and is traditionally accompanied with a side of dates, which is common practice in evening tea and when welcoming guests.
The chances of stepping into a random Omani house and finding that it is not scented with frankincense are pretty low. For those who have no idea what frankincense is, it is an aromatic resin that comes from the tree trunk of the genus Boswellia, and Omanis can't seem to get enough of it. Felicitously, Oman is also one of the few countries where frankincense trees are grown naturally. Aside from its appealing fragrance, the gum resin has also been considered one of the most precious gifts one could receive back in the day.
Anyone who has been to Oman might have observed that the Gulf nation has a plethora of Coke products, where you are absolutely spoiled for choice. As if that fact isn't shocking enough, their obsession with Mountain Dew in particular is even bizarre. Mountain Dew to Omanis is Coca Cola to people from most other countries. No matter where you go, you are sure to find plenty of the bright green-hued, citrus-flavoured carbonated soft drink.
Safety is the last you would have to worry about when travelling to Oman as it is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is practically non-existent here, and is also a terrorism-free country, scoring almost zero on the Global Terrorism Index. No matter whether you are a solo or female traveller, or a family travelling with kids in tow, you can rest assured you would feel safe throughout your Oman trip.
As a country that strictly abides by the Sharia Law, consumption of alcohol is considered a sin and is therefore prohibited by law. However, foreigners to the countries are allowed to engage in indulgence only at licensed establishments, such as bars, pubs, hotels, and resorts the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, where you are also treated to some of the best things to do in Nizwa.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
