Oman

Last week was Eid so I was off from school and did some traveling around the region. My first trip was to visit my friend, Jen, in Oman. Oman is a truly amazing country that most westerners have never heard of. It’s on the Arabian Peninsula bordered by Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Iran sits across the Strait of Hormuz. With these neighbors you might wonder why anyone would want to visit Oman. The Sultanate of Oman has been ruled by Sultan Qaboos since 1970 and during his rule the country has changed tremendously. The Sultan is responsible for building massive infrastructure, developing a quality education system, and establishing diplomatic relationships with most western countries. Oman is one of the only Arab countries that has good diplomatic ties with the rest of the region (Jordan has also accomplished this difficult task). Oman was largely responsible for the release of the three American hikers who were imprisoned in Iran.

Muscat is the capital and where the majority of the population lives. I was amazed with how beautiful and green the capital is. They have developed a massive irrigation system that makes it possible to create a tropical environment in the desert. I’ve never been in such a clean city (think Singapore for those who have been there) - it’s actually illegal to drive a dirty car in Oman. The Omani people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Almost everyone speaks English- there is a large British expat population so Omani English is very proper with a hint of a British accent. Omanis are conservative Muslims but very welcoming of other cultures.

My first night in Oman we went to the newly opened Royal Opera House to hear Yo-Yo Ma and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. All of the expats showed up for the event- including the American Ambassador. This is the first opera house in the region and the interior is stunning. 

Omanis are very outdoorsy and there are plenty of beautiful areas to explore in the country. Hiking, camping, and dune-bashing are the most popular weekend activities. We headed south one day and went hiking in a wadi a couple hours away from Muscat. With the exception of some pain in my post-surgical foot it was great. The beautiful scenery was well worth the pain.

If you ever make it to the Middle East Oman should be on the top of your list of places to visit. Thanks to Jen for showing me around this amazing country!