Oman. Gem of the Arabian Peninsula | Travel Documentary
CoolVision・38 minutes read
Oman, located in the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history and diverse landscapes, from the coastal capital of Muscat to the desert region of Sharqiyah Sands. With modernization efforts initiated by Sultan Qaboos in 1970, the country offers a mix of traditional markets, historical sites, and natural beauty, attracting both tourists and expatriates.
Insights
- Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, underwent significant modernization and liberalization efforts initiated by Sultan Qaboos in 1970, transforming infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- Salalah, located in the south of Oman, experiences a lush green landscape during the monsoon season from June to September, offering a mix of modern city life and natural beauty with attractions like the Frankincense Land Museum and Wadis for hiking and swimming.
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Recent questions
What is the capital of Oman?
Muscat
What is the best time to visit Green Mountain?
Spring
What is the landscape like in Salalah during the monsoon season?
Lush green
What is the traditional activity for Amani's family on weekends?
Camping
What is the main economic reliance of Oman?
Petroleum
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Summary
00:00
Discovering Oman: History, Culture, and Modernization
- Oman is situated on the Southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, sharing borders with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen, with maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan.
- The country boasts a coastline of 3165 kilometers and two exclaves surrounded by the UAE.
- Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, has a complex history involving the Portuguese and Ottoman Empires.
- In 1970, Sultan Qaboos initiated modernization and liberalization efforts, transforming Oman's infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- Muscat, the capital, is best explored by renting a car due to limited public transportation options.
- Muscat, with a population of 1.3 million, features a mix of modern high rises, historical forts, and a ban on skyscrapers.
- Matrah district in Muscat houses landmarks like the Corniche, traditional markets, forts, and the Al Alam Palace.
- Muscat offers attractions like the Oman National Museum, Royal Opera House, and numerous mosques, including the Grand Mosque.
- Modern neighborhoods like Al Mouj provide peaceful living options with amenities like restaurants, hotels, beaches, and marinas.
- Nizwa, an ancient city in Northern Oman, hosts a popular goat market, traditional markets, and historical sites like Nizwa Fort.
17:22
"Exploring Oman's Green Mountain and Deserts"
- Green Mountain, also known as Jubel Akhdar, is famous for its unique pomegranates, apricots, and roses.
- Spring is the best time to visit Green Mountain when the Terrace plantations are lush and vibrant, and the roses are blooming.
- Princess Diana visited Green Mountain in 1986, sitting in a memorable spot.
- Al Segarra is a unique village carved into the Mountainside in Jubel Akhdar.
- Visitors to Jubel Akhdar mountains must have a four by four vehicle to access the top.
- Sharqiyah Sands, formerly known as Wahiba Sands, is a desert region in Oman where visitors can go dune bashing in a 4x4.
- The Mazda 6 is not suitable for the desert terrain, requiring a 4x4 vehicle for access.
- Salalah, in the south of Oman, is known for its incense, coconut trees, banana plantations, and Arabian Sea beaches.
- Salalah experiences a lush green landscape during the monsoon season, known as the Harif season, from June to September.
- Salalah is a mix of modern city life and natural beauty, with attractions like the Frankincense Land Museum, the Port of Salalah, and the Wadis for hiking and swimming.
36:46
"Exploring Oman: Family, Culture, and Adventure"
- Amani's typical family weekend involves camping with cousins and uncles near the beach in Bama, engaging in activities like cooking, playing games, and catching up.
- Amani is studying German at a university, alongside English and Arabic.
- Sur is a port city in Oman known for shipbuilding, with a shipbuilding factory, museum, and traditional boats like Al Ganja and Sunbook Al Badon.
- Sur features a fort with defensive towers and a courtyard, linked to the legendary sailor Sinbad from the Thousand and One Nights.
- Driving in Oman is on well-maintained roads with a maximum speed of 120 km/h, with caution advised for sand dunes and camels on the road.
- Renting a 4x4 car in Oman is recommended for desert and mountain driving, though more expensive than a regular sedan.
- Gasoline in Oman costs 62 cents per liter for premium, with the country's economy heavily reliant on petroleum, agriculture, and date production.
- Oman's local currency is the Omani Rial, valued at 2.6 times the US dollar, with the country experiencing a hot climate and little rainfall.
- Oman offers benefits like free education and healthcare for citizens, with a significant expatriate workforce earning varying salaries, including opportunities in tourism.
