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June 27, 2025

What to Expect Traveling in Oman: Desert, Mountains, and Coastline

Middle East Cultural

One of our WT staff recently returned from our cultural journey through Oman’s surreal landscapes and rich heritage, and came back with wonderful photos about her experience. Enjoy!

Oman is a place where tradition is preserved and lived. On WT’s Desert Kingdom of Oman journey, I experienced dramatic mountain landscapes, peaceful coastal towns, and vast deserts. At times, Oman felt like the Bali of the Middle East—spiritual, and deeply connected to its environment.

One of the most unique features of Oman’s landscape is its wadis, “valleys” in Arabic. These natural riverbeds wind through canyons and valleys, often leading to stunning bright blue freshwater oases. I was able to explore Wadi Bani Khalid and the Bimmah Sinkhole, where the contrast between the arid cliffs and clear cool water felt almost surreal.

Two people swim in clear, green water at the base of a rocky cliff, with sunlight illuminating the stone and water surface—an oasis set amid the mountains of Oman.
Two people sit in plastic chairs by a turquoise body of water along Oman's coastline, shaded by palm trees, with a blue motorbike parked nearby.
A turquoise river flows between rocky cliffs and palm trees in a desert canyon landscape under clear skies, capturing the rugged beauty of Oman's Mountains.

Not far from the mountains lies Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and still a cultural heart of the country.

A curved stone wall with arched openings and a wooden-railed staircase, part of a historic fort set against Oman's mountains.
A cityscape with beige buildings and numerous palm trees, set against the rugged beauty of Oman's Mountains under a clear blue sky.

We visited Nizwa Fort, a massive 17th-century structure with thick walls, sweeping views of the palm-dotted town, and a rich history of trade, learning, and defense.

A man wearing traditional clothing stands in a sunlit, bare room with textured walls and an open doorway, evoking the quiet beauty of Oman’s desert landscape.
A small room with earth-toned walls, colorful floor cushions, a patterned carpet, and sunlight coming through a window with metal bars evokes the warm ambiance of Oman's Desert.
A row of ornate books with embossed covers and ribbon bookmarks, arranged upright on a wooden shelf against a textured beige wall, evokes the timeless beauty of Oman’s mountains.

The nearby souk was buzzing with life, from pottery and silverwork to the scent of fresh spices, tea, coffee, and dates.

A person in traditional attire walks through a covered market lined with colorful pottery, textiles, and various goods, echoing the vibrant culture shaped by Oman's mountains.

One of my favorite stops on the trip was Jabal Akhdar, “Green Mountain” in Arabic.  Known for its cooler climate and high elevation. In spring, the mountain comes alive with the bloom of the desert rose and damask roses, filling the air with its floral fragrance and vibrant hues.

An infinity pool overlooks Oman's mountains under a clear blue sky, with a tree partially shading the pool area and adding to the serene, scenic landscape.
A hand with gold rings gently holds a blooming pink rose on a green leafy bush, evoking the serene beauty found near Oman's mountains.
Rocky cliff overlooking a deep canyon with rugged Oman's mountains under a clear blue sky; small buildings and greenery are visible on the cliff edge.

Oman’s dedication to preserving its cultural identity was clear at every stop. Traditional architecture is protected by law—even in the capital, Muscat, where no building rises above 12 stories. The soft, earth-toned facades and carved wooden details feel timeless and intentional. 

A series of arched doorways in a warm-toned building evoke the layered beauty of Oman's desert, creating a symmetrical perspective across a polished, tiled floor.
Buildings with Middle Eastern architectural features in the foreground, set against Oman mountains and residential structures, with arid slopes in the background beneath a clear sky.
Two men in traditional white clothing and caps stand by a seaside promenade, with Oman's mountains rising beyond the blue water and rocky hills under a clear sky.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, was an architectural highlight for me. Located in Muscat, it’s built from white marble and decorated with intricate mosaics and houses one of the world’s largest Persian carpets. It was truly a peaceful sanctuary. 

People walk toward the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a large white mosque with a prominent dome, set amid trees and a landscaped courtyard, reflecting the grandeur of Oman’s mountains in its majestic design.
A person in white stands in the corridor of a grand mosque with tall arches, columns, and intricate wall designs, echoing the serene beauty of Oman's mountains.
Ornate Islamic architectural detail featuring intricate geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and vibrant green, blue, and gold decor above a wooden ceiling—reflecting influences from Oman's desert landscapes, mountains, and spectacular coastline.

Oman may not yet be on every traveler’s radar, but it should be. It offers an authentic, uncrowded Middle Eastern experience. Everywhere we went, we were met with quiet warmth, curiosity, and generosity. Omanis are deeply proud of their culture and equally eager to share it.

A woman wearing a gray abaya and headscarf sits in front of a decorated arched niche with blue and gold geometric patterns, reminiscent of designs found near Oman's desert and rugged mountains.

—Text and photos by WT Area Specialist Danah Hassoun, Desert Kingdom of Oman.

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