The Sultanate of Oman is a great destination for families and friends alike and if culture and adventure are what you wish to experience on your next vacation, you should definitely plan a trip to Oman. Here's a great collection of blogs on what to do in Oman, as well as some ideas about how to make the most of your Oman visit. Find the Oman travel articles and blogs right here at the Zahara Tours Blog and make your vacation to Oman a memorable one armed with insider tips and travel ideas.
Cricket fever is set to sweep through Oman this October as the Sultanate hosts the Men’s T20 World Cup Asia–EAP Regional Final 2025. From October 8 to 17, the tournament will bring together nine teams — Oman, Nepal, UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Kuwait — all competing for three qualification spots in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. All matches will take place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (also known as the Oman Cricket Academy Ground) in Muscat, a world-class venue that previously hosted games during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Equipped with modern facilities and floodlights, the stadium has become a proud symbol of Oman’s growing cricketing stature. The tournament format features an exciting group stage followed by a Super Six round, with the top three teams securing their places at the 2026 World Cup. Fans can expect ten days of fast-paced cricket action, filled with stunning catches, roaring crowds, and thrilling finishes under Muscat’s autumn skies. Beyond the boundary, visitors can discover why Oman is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the region. Muscat blends modern elegance with old-world charm — from the grand Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and lively Muttrah Souq, to tranquil beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes just a short drive away. Zahara Tours offers tailor-made packages for cricket fans looking to experience both the tournament and Oman’s cultural highlights. With options covering accommodation, local transport, guided sightseeing tours, and match-day arrangements, Zahara Tours ensures a seamless, stress-free travel experience. Whether it’s cheering for a favourite team at Al Amerat or exploring Oman’s natural beauty between matches, this October promises an unforgettable blend of sport and adventure. Plan your cricket getaway with Zahara Tours today and be part of the action as international cricket takes over Muscat! ???? Call +968 24400822 for bookings.
Travel across the Gulf is about to become a lot easier. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved a unified tourist visa, soon to be known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa. Much like the Schengen system in Europe, this single visa will allow travellers to explore six countries—Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait—without the hassle of applying separately for each destination. A Game-Changer for Travellers For visitors planning a Gulf adventure, this development is set to redefine convenience. Instead of juggling different application processes and entry requirements, tourists will only need to apply once. Early details suggest the visa will be digital-first, processed online through a central portal, with travellers able to upload documents, pay fees, and receive the permit electronically. Stays of 30 to 90 days are expected to be permitted, giving ample time to combine several destinations into a single itinerary. Why It Matters for Oman For Oman, the unified visa brings exciting opportunities. Travellers drawn to Dubai’s skyscrapers or Saudi Arabia’s cultural sites will now find it easier to add Muscat, Nizwa, or Salalah to their journey. This integrated approach encourages longer stays and broader exploration, boosting tourism across the Sultanate. At Zahara Tours, we see this as a chance to help visitors experience Oman’s unique charm while seamlessly connecting them to the wider Gulf. Whether it’s desert adventures in Wahiba Sands, dolphin watching in Muscat, or a mountain escape in Jebel Akhdar, we’ll be ready to weave Omani highlights into multi-country journeys. Perfect for Modern Travel Styles The GCC Grand Tours Visa also caters to the growing trend of “bleisure” travel—where business trips extend into leisure escapes. A professional attending meetings in Doha or Dubai could easily tack on a weekend exploring Oman’s beaches or wadis, all on the same visa. Families and groups will also appreciate the simplified planning and reduced paperwork. When to Expect It While the official launch date has not been confirmed, rollout is targeted for late 2025 or early 2026, with a possible pilot phase beforehand. As soon as the visa becomes available, Zahara Tours will assist travellers with the application process and create tailored GCC itineraries that showcase the best of Oman alongside its Gulf neighbours. The unified visa marks a milestone in regional travel. With Zahara Tours as your guide, discovering Oman—and the entire Gulf—will soon be easier, richer, and more rewarding than ever.
This Kharref, Zahara Tours invites you to experience one of Oman’s most iconic seasonal wonders—Dhofar Khareef Season 2025, running from June 21 to September 20. As the cool monsoon clouds roll into the south, the Dhofar region transforms into a lush green paradise, drawing nature lovers, culture seekers, and adventure enthusiasts from around the world. In an exciting announcement, His Excellency the President of Dhofar Municipality revealed that this year’s festivities will unfold across five main locations, each offering immersive experiences that reflect the diverse spirit of Dhofar. Visitors can explore Atin Square, the bustling heart of the celebrations, where vibrant lights, family-friendly shows, and daily entertainment set the stage for unforgettable evenings. Step into "Return to the Past" in Al Saada, where folklore performances, traditional crafts, and heritage displays transport you into Oman’s rich cultural history. Awqad Park promises joy for the entire family with children’s shows, interactive installations, and funfair activities. For modern vibes and outdoor recreation, the Modern Front in Atin Plain delivers a mix of fitness, food, and open-air events, while Salalah Public Park becomes a haven for relaxation and health-focused experiences. Beyond the scenic beauty, Khareef 2025 promises a spectacular lineup of cultural and public events, including theatrical performances and intellectual seminars that enrich the festival’s artistic dimension. Sports lovers can witness world-class action with events like the Salalah International Cycling Tour, the Salalah Marathon, and the thrilling Dhofar Autumn Traditional Weapons Contest, all blending excitement with local tradition. At Zahara Tours, we curate your Khareef journey with expertly guided tours, seamless transport, and exclusive access to the season’s highlights. Whether you want to chase waterfalls in the monsoon mist or dive into Dhofar’s cultural heartbeat, we make it effortless and unforgettable. This Khareef, let Oman surprise you. Join Zahara Tours and explore the soul of Dhofar—where every drop of rain brings a new story to life.
The Oman Kite Festival 2025 took flight this July, transforming the eastern coastline into a vibrant celebration of wind, water, and wonder. From July 15 to 24, over 90 kiteboarders from around the world raced, soared, and performed thrilling aerial tricks across some of Oman’s most stunning coastal locations—including Barr Al Hikman, Masirah Island, Al Ashkharah, Ras Al Jinz, and Ras Al Hadd. Zahara Tours proudly invites visitors to witness this spectacular event firsthand. We offer tailored experiences that bring you close to the action, whether you want to watch high-speed races, cheer on Big Air jumps, or soak in the coastal beauty of Oman’s untouched beaches. The festival kicked off with a high-energy course race in Barr Al Hikman, where riders reached impressive speeds and showed off precision and skill. Then came the Downwinder—an epic multi-stage journey that tested endurance and thrilled spectators, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Oman’s east coast. Masirah Island hosted the freestyle and Big Air events, drawing crowds with gravity-defying stunts, while the final slalom race in Ras Al Hadd added a competitive edge to the festival’s finale. Alongside the sporting events, Zahara Tours guests explored artisan markets, enjoyed traditional Omani food, and engaged with local communities in festival zones. What sets the Oman Kite Festival apart is its strong focus on sustainability. As a Clean Regatta certified event, it includes beach clean-ups, turtle conservation efforts, and environmental awareness sessions. Zahara Tours supports these initiatives by incorporating eco-conscious experiences into your itinerary, so you enjoy Oman while giving back to its natural beauty. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique summer escape, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 offers a perfect blend of adventure and authenticity. Let Zahara Tours take care of all the details—from accommodation and transport to exclusive festival access—so you can sit back, look up, and enjoy the ride. This summer, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Al Suwih, off the coast of Al Ashkharah, is one of Oman’s most unexpected and beautiful surprises. A pink lake that everyone will remember for the first vivid glace they get at it because, unlike Oman’s other lakes, this one doesn’t shimmer a beautiful turquoise or blue, but rather a stunning pink — as if someone had painted it into the landscape. It seems unreal that such a lake could exist, but the explanation of its colour is easily evident when you step into it, because unlike the soothing sand you might expect, you will find crunchy salt below the lake’s surface. The lake’s unusual colour is not a constant. It may fade with the season and the salt concentration. Scientists studying it say that its vivid shade appears due to a particular type of algae found in the region and the high salt levels. But when you stand in front of it the logic of it falls away as youl witness a view unlike any other. Getting to Al Suwih Lake is a bit of an adventure, as you have to get off the highway and make your way past small villages and open stretches of coastline until the signs—faded in the past—once again mark the path to the lake. It quietly sits just out of sight, waiting to surprise you. We found the best time to visit is when the sun is high, especially on a day when the colours become more vivid and the contrast against the salty white crust around the edges is just breathtaking. However, the early morning light also makes for photos that seem almost otherworldly. You can combine a visit to Al Suwih Lake with a stop at Suwih Fort, a traditional meal, and local cafés. It makes for a perfect day outing — a little bit of nature, a little bit of Oman. Located in the wilayat of Jalan Bani Bu Ali, only a three-hour drive from Muscat, the lake is separated from the sea nearby by the main road that connects Ras Al Hadd and Al Ashkarah. While the colours may fade with the seasons, they usually make a comeback as the salinity rises again and the ecosystem regains its balance.
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