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Overview Middle East
Horseback riding tours
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Horseback riding vacations in
Oman
Mountain villages clutched against canyon walls, clusters of dates weighing heavy in the plantation oases, a ribbon of sand blown across the dunes, a lone camel padding across the limitless interior - these are the kinds of images afforded by the beautiful and enigmatic country of Oman.
In years gone by, Oman was rich with copper and frankincense, and enjoyed an extensive East African empire. Then, in the early 20th century, a deeply conservative ruler, Sultan Said, chose deliberately to isolate the country from the modern world. His son, peace-loving Sultan Qaboos, assumed the throne in 1970 and that date now marks the beginning of the widely celebrated 'Renaissance' in which the country has been returned to an age of prosperity and progression.
What makes Oman's renaissance somewhat unique in the region is that the transformation has been conducted with great sensitivity towards traditional values - there are few high-rise buildings in the capital, Muscat; the country's heritage of forts (numbering over 2,000) are meticulously restored; ancient crafts like weaving are actively supported. Moreover, traditional Arabian values, such as hospitality and practical piety, are still in evidence making Oman somewhere to experience Islamic culture at its best.
Hidden Trails offers a beautiful horse-riding holiday across the Wahiba Desert. Learn about the Bedouin way of life, ride across undulating sand dunes and enjoy thrilling canters on fast forward horses!
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Holidays on horseback in Oman
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Oman
Travel restrictions
The Royal Omani Police will begin issuing all types of visas from September 1st 2021. Visa issuance will be inclusive of the conditions of entry to the Sultanate related to receiving the two doses of the vaccine and other procedures according to the CAA.
Travelers coming to the Sultanate may be required to present a vaccination certificate indicating they have received at least 2 doses of a Sultanate approved COVID19 vaccine. The last dose is required to be taken at least fourteen (14) days ahead of the estimated arrival time.
As of March 23, 2022 The Sultanate has approved the following vaccines for use in and entry to the Sultanate: Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca-Covshield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Novovax, CanSinoBio, Covaxin and Sputnik Lite.
Measures taken by the government
Effective May 23rd 2022, Oman’s Supreme Committee on COVID-19 announced the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the Sultanate of Oman effective immediately.
Testing
COVID-19 viral testing (PCR) is available in Oman at various sites and results can be available within 72 hours as well as 24-hour and 3–6-hour options. PCR tests are at the expense of the individual/traveler. Prices vary by clinic and range from 20 – 40 OMR; surcharges often apply for expedited result processing within 24 hours or less.
Test result delivery varies by clinic: e-mail, text and physical message are commonly used to communicate results
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Information not available.
Source:
US Embassy in Oman https://om.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on June 12th 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Oman
At A glance
Capital City: Muscat
Land size: 309,500 sq km
Population: 3,833,465 (2023 est.)
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (ر.ع. / OMR)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
- Ancient City of Qalhat
- Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
- Bahla Fort
- Land of Frankincense
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/
Oman is a beautiful country, offering a perfect blend of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Begin your adventure by exploring the capital city of Muscat, where historic forts, vibrant souks, and beautiful mosques await. Then, discover the ancient city of Nizwa, with its imposing fortresses and bustling markets.
Oman is a country with a strong equestrian tradition. Journey into the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands, where golden sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and thrilling backdrop for horseback riding adventures. Explore the picturesque oases and pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush greenery.
A horseback riding holiday in Oman will allow you to uncover its hidden gems, meet its friendly people, and create lifelong memories.
Brief History
The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and to avoid external entanglements.
Sultan QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died on 11 January 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/
Cultural Insights
Omanis are very polite and formal in public. Upon meeting, formulaic greetings must be exchanged before a discussion can ensue. To do otherwise would be considered rude.
Although men and women may interact in public, their contact should always be chaperoned or in the open. Even educated elite women often find it necessary to be chaperoned by a male relative at public events, parties, or receptions.
Omanis tend to stand close to one another as Arabs do, and it is common for friends and relatives of the same sex to hold hands. Two or more men or women entering a doorway at the same time always try to persuade the others to enter first, although a man always invites a woman to enter first.
Omanis are warm and welcoming people. In return, it’s important to show respect and follow the cultural norms.
Dress modestly, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s impolite to wear skimpy outfits in public, regardless of gender. However, it’s not necessary for women to cover their heads unless entering a mosque.
Don’t take photos of locals without their permission and avoid taking photos of government buildings and airports. Recreational drones are also illegal in Oman.
Always be friendly, polite, and avoid offensive language and offensive gestures.
Avoid public displays of affection.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Oman.html
https://visitoman.om/useful-info/travel-tips-and-customs/
Transportation
By Air
Muscat International Airport is the main getaway into the country.
It was officially launched on December 23rd 1973. It was first called Seeb international Airport and was changed to Muscat International Airport on the 1st of February 2008.
Source: https://www.omanairports.co.om/en/content/oman-airports-history
Money
Cash is widely used in Oman, although credit and charge cards are also popular. The quickest way to withdraw cash is to use automated teller machines (ATMs), which can be found in banks, airports, gas stations, convenience stores, and shopping malls.
Source: https://visitoman.om/useful-info/travel-tips-and-customs/
Health
Modern medical facilities and Western-style pharmacies are available. Local medical treatment varies depending on location.
Visitors who don’t have travel insurance or the means to settle any charges may be prevented from leaving the country until the debt is paid. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 9999 and ask for an ambulance. Emergency hotlines are mostly Arabic-speaking.
You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Oman to ensure the medication is legal in Oman.
The heat can be extreme and deaths have occurred due to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Oman.html
Electricity
Oman operates on a 240V supply voltage and uses type G plugs.
The Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse (usually a 3 amps fuse for smaller appliances such as a computer and a 13 amps one for heavy duty appliances such as heaters). British sockets have shutters on the live and neutral contacts so that foreign objects can’t be introduced into them.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Oman: Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)
International country code – 968
Oman has a modern mobile sector which comprises substantial coverage of both 3G and LTE networks. In February 2021 commercial 5G services were launched.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/
Phrasebook
| English |
Arabic |
| Hello! |
Marĥabān |
| Goodbye |
Ilā al-liqā' |
| Good morning |
Sabāĥu al-khayr |
| Good evening |
Masa' alkhayr |
| Good night |
Tusbiĥu 'alā khayr / Tusbiĥina 'alā khayr |
| Please |
Min fadlik |
| Thank you |
Shukrān lak |
| Yes |
Na'am |
| No |
Lā |
Source: http://www.nemolanguageapps.com/phrasebooks/arabic
Entry Requirements
A visa is required to enter Oman (with the exception of visitors from GCC countries). All applicants must apply for a visa through the Oman visa website and have a valid passport that remains as such for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Oman.
Tourist visa requirements for Oman differ from country to country. Securing an e-Visa before travelling is recommended. Keep in mind that e-Visas can take up to 4 days to be processed.
To apply for an e-Visa, visit www.evisa.rop.gov.om
Citizens from 103 countries are allowed to enter Oman without securing a prior tourist visa and can stay for up to 14 days. For other nationalities an e-Visa application must be submitted prior to arrival. Keep in mind that 2 digital passport sized photos (on a white background) are required with the application. All visas must be applied for online at least 4 days before travelling to Oman.
Source: https://visitoman.om/useful-info/visa-info/
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Muscat
P.C. 115
Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos
Muscat
Telephone: (968) 2464-3400
Consulate of Canada in Muscat
7th Floor, Getco Tower
Way # 2728 CBD Area
Muscat
Telephone: (968) 2479 4928 / 2470 2133
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman
The property includes five aflaj irrigation systems and is representative of some 3,000 such systems still in use in Oman. The origins of this system of irrigation may date back to AD 500, but archaeological evidence suggests that irrigation systems existed in this extremely arid area as early as 2500 BC. Using gravity, water is channelled from underground sources or springs to support agriculture and domestic use. The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. Numerous watchtowers built to defend the water systems form part of the site reflecting the historic dependence of communities on the aflaj system. Threatened by falling level of the underground water table, the aflaj represent an exceptionally well-preserved form of land use.
Ancient City of Qalhat
The property, which is located on the east coast of the Sultanate of Oman, includes the ancient city of Qalhat, surrounded by inner and outer walls, as well as areas beyond the ramparts where necropolises are located. The city developed as a major port on the east coast of Arabia between the 11th and 15th centuries CE, during the reign of the Hormuz princes. The Ancient City bears unique archaeological testimony to the trade links between the east coast of Arabia, East Africa, India, China and South-East Asia.
Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn
The protohistoric site of Bat lies near a palm grove in the interior of the Sultanate of Oman. Together with the neighbouring sites, it forms the most complete collection of settlements and necropolises from the 3rd millennium B.C. in the world.
Bahla Fort
The oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan, the dominant tribe in the area from the 12th to the end of the 15th century. The ruins of the immense fort, with its walls and towers of unbaked brick and its stone foundations, is a remarkable example of this type of fortification and attests to the power of the Banu Nebhan.
Land of Frankincense
The frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed vividly illustrate the trade in frankincense that flourished in this region for many centuries, as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/om
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