Countries That Start With O | Oman And Its Beautiful Places | An Oman Tourism Guide
Oman is the only existing nation if you want to know about the countries that start with O. It is a beautiful country in Asia and on the Arabian Peninsula. The economy of this country majorly depends on its booming oil industry.
However, tourism is also important for Oman, a country with rich scenic beauty. The World Travel & Tourism Council has identified a scope for tremendous growth in Oman tourism. Government initiatives and strategic moves have further facilitated the tourism boost in the country.
In 2023 itself, the travel and tourism industry of Oman, contributed around 2.8 billion OMR to the country’s GDP. It was a straight 35% surge from 2022.
| “Oman’s Travel & Tourism sector is on the cusp of an historic revival in 2024. The Oman Government is a strong support of Travel & Tourism and is aiming to achieve unprecedented economic growth and job creation.” Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO |
Further, there is a remarkable growth in the number of job creation and international travelers’ spending in the Oman tourism industry. So, overall, Oman, the only one among the countries that start with O, is emerging as a popular travel destination in the Middle East.
So, are you also planning a trip to Oman? Here is a brief guide to plan your Oman tour right.
Countries That Start With O | Things You Must Know About Oman
- Area: 309,500 Square Kilometers
- Capital: Muscat
- Language: Arabic, English
- Oman Population (2024): 5,281,538
- Continent: Asia
- Currency: Omani Rial
- National Day of Oman: 20th November
How To Reach Oman?
Muscat International Airport in Seeb is the main airport in Oman, connecting to the rest of the world. Lufthansa, British Airways, Oman Air, Air India Express, Gulf Air, and Emirates are some premier air services available to and from the Muscat International Airport.
Further, you can take a bus from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to Muscat, Nizwa and Salalah. Further, car services to Muscat are available from Yemen, Al Ghaydah, and various parts of the UAE.
Nevertheless, if you are traveling to Oman from India, the overall tour package price will be around INR 100000.
Best Time To Visit Oman | Countries That Start With O
Oman, the only one to feature on the list of countries that start with O, enjoys its peak tourist season between October to April. The temperature of the countries remains between 20-30 degrees Celsius during these months.
Further, it is the time when you can attend the Muscat Festival. The just-ended Muscat festival took place from 23rd December 2024 to 21st January 2025.
However, if you want to experience Oman during Ramadan, you have to plan a trip around May to June. During these months, the highest temperature in Oman hovers around 35-40 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, July to September is the Monsoon or Khareef season in Oman. Despite an average temperature of 40 degrees Celsius during these months, you can enjoy the lush greenery of the country and be a part of the Salalah or Khareef Festival during these months.
In 2024, the dates of the Khareef Festival were from the 15th to the 31st of August.
Beautiful Places To Visit In Oman
Oman is probably the most beautiful country on the Arabian Peninsula. It has serene beaches, deserts, valleys or Wadiyan and the Al Hajar mountains. Further, the forts and other historic places of the country tell tales from the past.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will briefly introduce some of our favorite tourist destinations in Oman.
1. Muscat
Graced by the majestic architecture of the Sultan Qaboo Grand Mosque, Muscat also has historic landmarks like the Al Mirani and Al Jalali Forts.
Further, you can enjoy the best beach vacations at Bandar Jissah and Qurum Beach. Moreover, you can buy the best spices, artifacts, and Omani desserts at Muscat Souq.
2. Salalah
Salalah is home to the Sultan of Oman. Further, Salalah has beaches, mountains, greenery and every natural abundance Oman is known for.
Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Salalah also holds historical importance. It is home to The Al Baleed Archaeological Park, the remnants of the port city of Zafar, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Furthermore, it has Al Mughsail Beach and Salalah is a popular diving and snorkeling destination in Oman.
3. Wadi Darbat In Salalah
Wadi Darbat is one of the most scenic places to visit during the Kharif or monsoon season in Oman. Nestled with beautiful hills, Wadi Darbat has lush greenery and a beautiful waterfall.
Furthermore, you must visit the Sumhuram Archaeological Park when you are in Wadi Darbat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of around 2000 years.
Also, this hilltop museum and archaeological site overlooks Khor Rori, a freshwater creek. So, you can expect amazing views from here.
4. Nizwa
The Pearl of Islam, or Nizwa, is the best place to learn about the history of Oman. The 17th-century Nizwa Fort is at the epicenter of tourist attractions here.
Further, from here, you can enjoy the best views of the Hajar Mountains. You can even hike to Jebel Akhdar to find beautiful rose gardens and enjoy amazing scenic views.
Moreover, you must visit Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest traditional markets in Oman. Here, you will find the best spices, sweets, and jewelry.
5. Musandam
Musandam is a melting pot of unique geology, culture, and natural abundance. Jebel Harim, the tallest peak in the region, has fossils of fish and marine animals. These fossils are around 250 years old.
Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz is a busy waterway here. Moreover, the turquoise water bodies, Omani and Arabian Gulfs, and rugged mountains surround the Omani Peninsula here.
Moreover, it is a popular scuba diving destination in Oman.
6. Sohar
The land of Sinbad! This is what Sohar is known as among the lovers of mythology. It is even called the home of Ahmed Bin Majid, the famous sailor.
Despite being the land of mythology, Sohar today has the biggest skyscrapers, malls, and beaches. Sohar Beach Corniche is the most popular beach here.
7. Bahla
The Sharqiya Sands or the City of Magic! Bahla has a lot of names and it is the first Omani town to have the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This humble oasis settlement is most famous for the 13th-century Bahla Fort. This fort is one of the oldest in the country. Further, you will love silver artifacts and pottery here, and you can collect them as souvenirs from the local souq or market.
8. Wahiba Sands
Night camping and Bedouin safaris on camels are some of the most popular activities in Oman. The Sharqiya Sands or Wahiba Sands between Muscat and Sur is the ideal destination for these and a lot of desert fun!
The stretches of sand have hidden oases and it’s exciting to find some plants and animals surviving in these extreme conditions.
Further, you can try camping here and go for a hike during the daytime and enjoy stargazing at night. Moreover, don’t forget to have homemade Omani coffee here.
9. Barka
Barka will be your go-to destination in Oman if you want to enjoy a beach vacation in the country. Further, the Barka Fort here is an important historic landmark of the country.
A perfect weekend getaway from Muscat, Barka, at a distance of just 40 miles from Muscat, is also known for Omani Halwa and the marketplace or the Barka Souq.
10. Al Hoota Caves
Did you know that Oman on the Arabian Peninsula had a 2-million-year-old cave? At the foothill of the grand Jebel Shams mountain, Al Hoota Caves, today is the home to anthropoids, bats, snails and mollusks.
Further, as you explore the cave, you will come across four lakes and you will find Garra Barreimiae or blind fish in those lakes. Oman is one of the few countries to have this rare species of fish.
The cave remains open from 8 AM to 8 PM for the visitors.
Are There Other Countries That Start With O?
The other countries that started with O were Oldenburg and Orange Free State. Oldenburg gained independence in 1773 from Denmark. However, by 1871, it became a part of the German Empire.
Today, it is a beautiful city in Germany, known for its regal architecture, neoclassical buildings and as the home for the Hunte River. It is also called the German City of Science.
Further, the Orange Free State is now known as the Free State Province of South Africa. Earlier, it was the Boer Republic in South Africa.
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