In a recent re-branding effort, the Omani Ministry of Tourism adopted the tagline, ‘Oman – Beauty has an address’, which it now uses in reference to the Sultanate (A catchy marketing strategy is necessary, I suppose, when many foreigners confuse your country with Amman and your capital with Moscow). But what I initially dismissed as simply that – clever advertising – began to resonate with me on a much deeper level after venturing into the desert and mountain regions of this fascinating Gulf country.
There was much internal debating over how best to share with you what I mean. Blame it on a writer’s block, laziness or a simple lack of time and talent, but I’ve decided that a written account would probably fall very short.
So, I’m hoping that you’ll enjoy and understand these photos, despite an accompanying narrative; and that one day when you visit Oman, you will grasp why I am reluctant to be too wordy in describing what, in my opinion, is one of the most captivating and fascinating places on earth.
The scenic route back to Muscat from Fins
These rocky mountains stretch on for miles just outside of Muscat.
Ruwi was once Muscat's commercial hub and business district, but land is limited here and much of the city's development is now taking place in its northern parts.
Oman Dive Centre, Muscat
Jebel Shams is Oman's highest mountain and is located roughly 240km outside of Muscat. Forming part of the Al Hajar Mountains range, this is a fantastic spot to set up camp for the night. There never was a more glorious setting for an early morning coffee.
Prime residential property near Muscat
Wahiba Sands Desert Crossing, Oman
Wahiba Sands Desert Crossing, Oman
Wahiba Sands Desert Crossing, Oman
Wahiba Sands Desert Crossing, Oman
Wahiba Sands Desert Crossing, Oman
Wadi (Valley) Ad Dayqah is reached via the coastal Muscat-Sur road.
Wadi Ad Dayqah
Wadi Ad Dayqah
Mystical mountain donkeys of Oman
Offroading near Wadi Ad Dayqah
Old fort near Wadi Ad Dayqah
Originally posted on www.hannahmoore.co.za. All photography is author’s own; please request permission before re-using.
