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.
![View of Ruwi, Muscat](https://www.getaway.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Ruwi-Muscat-667x445.jpg)
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.
![Jebel Shams, Oman](https://www.getaway.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Jebel-Shams-Oman-667x445.jpg)
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.
Originally posted on www.hannahmoore.co.za. All photography is author’s own; please request permission before re-using.