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.
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.
With the exciting launch of direct flights between Armenia and Oman, from Yerevan to Muscat and Salalah, travellers from Yerevan can now discover Oman’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture faster and easier than ever before. This new connection is a unique opportunity for Armenian travellers to discover a part of the Middle East that's filled with adventure, luxury, and unforgettable natural beauty so different from Armenia's own landscapes. Starting December 2024, direct flights will be operated between Yerevan and Muscat by SalamAir, Oman’s low cost carrier, as part of its initiative to enhance connectivity between the Gulf and new destinations in Europe and Asia. This Oman- Armenia flight reduces travel time, offering Armenian tourists the luxury of a quick and comfortable journey to Oman and vice versa. With minimal layovers or lengthy connections, travellers can start experiencing Oman's warmth as soon as they land. This new flight route also enhances accessibility, making Oman an ideal destination for both spontaneous weekend getaways and well-planned vacations. Armenian travellers will find a new destination to explore steeped in history dating back thousands of years. The Sultanate of Oman boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the ancient city of Bahla and the magnificent forts in Nizwa, where visitors can walk through winding alleys to experience Oman’s rich cultural heritage. In an interesting contrast, Oman’s modern side is on display in cities like Muscat, which blends traditional architecture with contemporary luxury, offering stylish hotels, premium shopping, and fine dining experiences. Nature lovers will enjoy the diverse terrain within Oman that is spread across lush mountains, stark deserts, coastal beaches, and the country’s signature ‘Wadis’, the omani term for the cavernous valleys that are scattered across the countryside. Armenians, more accustomed to scenic highlands and lakes will find Oman’s terrain just as enchanting, yet entirely unique. Places like the Wahiba Sands, known for their golden dunes, and the Jebel Akhdar mountains, which offer stunning green terraces and cool breezes, make Oman a paradise for nature lovers. One cannot make a mention of Oman’s mountains and wadis without mentioning the opportunities for hiking and adventure sports here. From breathtaking views and challenging hikes at Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman to swimming in Wadis, rock climbing, exploring natural caves, and more. Nature and adventure lovers from Armenia will find Oman’s adventurous landscapes ideal for activities like rock climbing, canyoning, and hiking. And of course anyone discussing Oman’s many natural delights cannot forget to mention its stunning deserts, especially the Wahiba Sands. A visit here makes for an unforgettable experience where travellers can stay in the dunes under a canopy of stars, embark on camel treks, or try sandboarding and dune bashing. Oman’s vast deserts offer an entirely new experience and way to connect with nature that is very different from Armenia. Visitors to Oman are delighted with its coastal offering where pristine beaches, secluded coves, and turquoise waters teeming with marine life await them. Armenian visitors can explore the vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside turtles and tropical fish on a snorkelling or diving excursion, especially around the Dimaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve. For those who prefer a more laid-back beach day, Oman’s coastal towns offer plenty of tranquil spots to soak in the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea. Infact when talking about the landscapes of Oman one cannot forget that the country is home to an incredible range of wildlife, from the green sea turtles that nest on the beaches to the endangered Arabian oryx. The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness sea turtles laying eggs in the wild. For Armenian visitors used to mountainous wildlife, the sight of these majestic creatures is a fascinating glimpse into a uniquely different biodiversity. One can also opt for thrilling whale-watching excursions, particularly off the coast of Muscat, where blue whales, humpback whales, and dolphins are frequent visitors. Beyond the landscapes the Omani culture is known as a warmly welcoming one worldwide, with locals often inviting visitors to share in their traditions. From sipping traditional Omani coffee and dates to witnessing the mesmerising art of Arabian storytelling, visitors from Armenia to Oman can immerse themselves in an authentic cultural experience. For a true taste of Omani hospitality, visitors should explore the ‘souqs’ or markets in every city, where they’ll find vibrant handicrafts, spices, jewellery, and traditional clothing. These markets reflect the essence of Oman’s past, with merchants who are as eager to share stories as they are to make a sale. Do you need any more reason to start planning a trip to Oman? Apart from its landscapes and monuments, Oman is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, where Armenian visitors can indulge in spa treatments, enjoy scenic infinity pools, and unwind in elegant surroundings. Properties like the Six Senses Zighy Bay, Alila Jabal Akhdar, and Arabian Nights Resort & Spa offer wellness-focused experiences, including traditional experiences, and wellness therapies inspired by Omani ingredients and healing traditions. With the introduction of direct flights between Armenia and Oman, a whole world of experiences opens up for Armenian travellers. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of Oman—where every corner offers a new story waiting to be discovered. With direct flights making the journey smoother than ever, there's no better time for Armenian visitors to explore the wonders of Oman.
Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Thu, 17 Jul 2025
Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Mon, 21 Apr 2025
Sun, 27 Oct 2024
All Rights Reserved © Zahara Tours