Traveling to Oman
A week in Oman, combining a teaching assignment with exploration of this fascinating Arabian Peninsula nation. With a population of around 5 million, Oman stands out as one of the most welcoming and well-organized countries in the Middle East.
Fun fact: Oman was the first Arab country to have a fully trained female police force and has consistently been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
What I Experienced
This trip combined work and pleasure - I was here for a training session at Sultan Qaboos University, but had plenty of time to explore. Muscat, the capital, impressed me with its blend of modern infrastructure and traditional Arabian architecture. The city feels clean, organized, and surprisingly relaxed.
The drone captured Oman's architectural grandeur from above. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque dominates the aerial view - its massive white marble dome and five soaring minarets rising from immaculately landscaped gardens. Behind it, Muscat spreads across the coastal plain toward the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, a contrast of ancient Islamic elegance against dramatic desert peaks.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is absolutely stunning - one of the largest mosques in the world, featuring the second-largest hand-woven carpet. The attention to detail in the architecture left me in awe.
Beyond Muscat, Oman's landscape shifts dramatically - from rugged mountains to vast deserts and pristine coastline. The wadis (valleys) offer natural swimming pools surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Practical Notes
- Oman is very safe and welcoming to tourists
- October-November is ideal - not too hot yet
- Renting a car opens up incredible desert and mountain adventures
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques
- The Omani Rial is a strong currency - expect higher prices than neighboring countries
- Locals are incredibly friendly and proud of their country
These high-resolution aerial panoramas of Oman are available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Middle Eastern travel marketing, Islamic architecture showcases, or desert landscape wall art.