Situated on the tip of the Arabian Gulf between the Rub Al Khali (Saudi Arabia) and the Arabian Sea (Indian Ocean), the Sultanate of Oman is steeped in maritime history. Although officially only formed as a nation in 1970 under the rule of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the nation has existed in various forms for centuries. Archaeologists date certain artefacts back as far as 500 years, but believe there may be evidence of civilisation in the area as far back as 4000 years ago.

Containing some of the most dramatic scenery in the Gulf region and possessing a warm and welcoming population, Oman makes an interesting visit for any traveller. Whether you are looking for the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the rural life of the Bedhouin, the vastness of an empty desert (Wahiba Sands), the monsoon drenched tropical shores of the Salalah region or the stark mountainous interior (Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams), Oman has scenery that will cause even the most seasoned traveller to gasp in amazement.

Oman is a surprisingly green country, particularly in Dhofar, due to its location on the monsoon paths. The countryside is varied, from rugged mountain ranges to desert sands, to green, lush wadis (riverbeds). The climate in Muscat is markedly different to that in Dhofar.

The Omani people are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Although Arabic is their main language, English is spoken frequently and is often used as the lingua franca.