In photos: the beauty of Oman

Posted by Hannah Moore on 15 March 2013

In a recent re-branding effort, the Omani Ministry of Tourism adopted the tagline, ‘Oman – Beauty has an address’, which it now uses in reference to the Sultanate (A catchy marketing strategy is necessary, I suppose, when many foreigners confuse your country with Amman and your capital with Moscow). But what I initially dismissed as simply that – clever advertising – began to resonate with me on a much deeper level after venturing into the desert and mountain regions of this fascinating Gulf country.

There was much internal debating over how best to share with you what I mean. Blame it on a writer’s block, laziness or a simple lack of time and talent, but I’ve decided that a written account would probably fall very short.

So, I’m hoping that you’ll enjoy and understand these photos, despite an accompanying narrative; and that one day when you visit Oman, you will grasp why I am reluctant to be too wordy in describing what, in my opinion, is one of the most captivating and fascinating places on earth.

Drive from Fins to Muscat through the mountains

The scenic route back to Muscat from Fins

Scenic drive through the mountains near Muscat

These rocky mountains stretch on for miles just outside of Muscat.

Ruwi was once Muscat's commercial hub and business district, but land is limited here and much of the city's development is now taking place in its northern parts.

Oman Dive Centre, Muscat

Jebel Shams is Oman's highest mountain and is located roughly 240km outside of Muscat. Forming part of the Al Hajar Mountains range, this is a fantastic spot to set up camp for the night. There never was a more glorious setting for an early morning coffee.