The newest and most exotic destination offering the total Arabian Experience. The Sultanate of Oman is the centre of the Arabian Peninsula offering exotic landscape and majestic scenery fringed by the Arabian Sea. 5000 years of history and culture, the past and present are joined in beautiful harmony with evidence of all the diversity of cultures that have travelled through this mystical land. Sailors and merchants from all the great civilizations from the East, West and the Gulf who traded their gold, silver, precious stones, incense, shimmering cloth and spices are seen throughout the country with forts dating back hundreds of years, perched on hilltops and dispersed throughout the land.
“The Jewel Of Arabia” is moving towards a future of increased tourism targeting the consumer market and also the CIE / MICE market. Oman tourism has a gradual development plan for 24 exciting new resorts being developed with scheduled completion by 2010 which will offer international visitors and delegations a greater choice to explore the wonders of Oman.
Why is Oman an Ideal / New Conference / Incentive and Events Destination
The United Nations Council following extensive reaseach of the Arabian Peninsula, has declared the Sultan of Oman as the safest country in the region.
Oman is renowned for its clean environment. Its capital city Muscat was voted the world’s cleanest city with infrastructure kept in immaculate condition. The Omani People are identified as the friendliest and proudest in all the Arabian nations, with intense pride in their country, always smiling and helpful. English is their second language and is widely spoken.
These points are outlined and emphasised by all CIE delegates visiting Oman when doing their post events observations and comments.
Choice of International Hotels, Gastronomy and Facilities – Excellent
Muscat is home to award-winning hotels and resorts with each offering a distinctive flavour and essence of Oman.
Grand Hyatt Muscat: World-class comfort for business and leisure travellers in a traditional Omani setting mixed in with old world charm and elegance. A must is the Tuscany restaurant for international Italian cuisine. With 228 guestrooms, the Grand Hyatt Muscat is fit for royalty and attracts Muscat’s premier events catering from 50 – 700 guests.
Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: Set in 124 acres of distinct scenery, with three hotels, two 5-star hotels plus Al Husn - 6-star luxury. 680 luxurious bedrooms and a choice of 21 food and beverage outlets. With a pillarless ballroom to seat 700 banquet-style plus the pre-function area, up to 850 guests can be accommodated.
The Intercontinental Muscat offers a seamless blend of Arabian hospitality and modern facilities. Trader Vics is a unique dining and entertainment experience which offers a variety of international cuisine in a total exotic atmosphere. It has a large ballroom and meeting rooms, and caters for outside themed events for up to 1500 guests.
Al Bustan Palace: A fairy tale of opulence for its visitors - an immensely enticing blend of “old world” luxury hotel and Middle East culture. The hotel will be closed from January to November 2007 for a multi-million dollar renovation and will reopen in December 2007 with total upgrades to its famous signature restaurants offering Arabic / Chinese and Mediterranean cuisines.
The Chedi Muscat: Winner of the Condé Nast Traveller Reader Award 2005: one of the top 10 Resort Hotels in The Middle East, Africa & Indian Ocean. The hotel provides full hotel services, spa facilities and 151 modern superior rooms, deluxe rooms and private villas and can cater to small groups of up to 20 guests.
“WOW” Factors: Suggested Itineraries
Oman offers some unique “wow factors” that are essential to make an itinerary memorable.
Al Hotta Cave: “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”
This unique excursion take delegates by train into a magnificent cave that encompasses a walkway of 800m taking in spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that make you stand in awe at the wonders of mother nature. Culminating at the bottom with a lake that holds a unique and rare phenomenon is the presence of blind transparent fish.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Mosque – a must see.
Dolphin / Coastal excursion / Sight seeing
La Falaj Fort converted to an Amphitheatre by His Majesty for 1000 people to stage concerts and special events.
Wahiba Sands to meet the Bedouin tribes / night under the stars.
Fact File
Delegates Guide to Oman
Best time to Go: October to April is when temperatures are pleasant. Other months are hot, common on the Arabian Peninsula.
Visas: Issued upon arrival for passport holders from over 60 countries and valid for one month. The charge is OR6 (AU$21).
Currency: Oman Riyal The rate of conversion is OR 1 = AUD3.5 (USD2.5).
Language: Arabic is the official language, with English very widely spoken.
Dress Codes: Dress Code is relaxed but overly revealing clothing outside hotels may cause offence.
Food and Drink: Muscat offers traditional fare which is simple and delicious, with great fruit cocktails. All leading hotels serve western cuisine such as Italian and French., plus offering a full international selection of liquor / wines / champagnes. Independent restaurants with full facilities are available.
Alcohol: Alcohol is served in hotels, restaurants & bars. Drinking in public is not permitted. Two litres are permitted duty free on entry.
Getting There: Gulf Air operates daily services from Sydney with direct connections into Muscat via Bahrain. Plus return non-stop flights from London, Frankfurt and Paris.
Emirates operate daily from all capitals in Australia and New Zealand with side-trip connections to Muscat over Dubai.
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