By Hasan Kamoonpuri -

The Capital City of Muscat scored spectacular double recently when it was declared the Arab Tourism Capital for 2012 and the world’s second best tourism destination to visit in 2012, according to the travel guide published by Lonely Planet.

For Muscat the New Year promises to be full of events not only because the city will soon witness the annual Muscat Festival, but also as it takes on the mantle of the Arab Tourism Capital for the year 2012, celebration of which will kick off soon.

The year 2012 will also witness the launch of some significant tourism projects that will enhance the prominence of Muscat as Arab Tourism Capital. During the year, authorities will hold a series of events that will highlight the rich heritage, culture and tourism potential of Muscat. This recognition did proud not only to the Ministry of Tourism but to all citizens and residents of the city. In 2006, Muscat was declared the Arab Cultural Capital.

Abdul Wahid al Farsi, VP Corporate Affairs, Omran, says one of the benefits of Muscat being Arab Tourism Capital for 2012 is that it will position Oman as an ideal and preferred tourism destination in the region. “I am very optimistic that Oman, Muscat in particular, will definitely see increased tourist turnout and greater business during 2012”, he adds. On what attractions Muscat holds for tourists, Al Farsi says, “Some of the fascinating attractions are: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat, and the Muttrah Souq”.

Azza Khalid al Habsi, Economics 3rd year student, College of Commerce and Economics, Sultan Qaboos University, says: “Of course, choosing Muscat as Arab Tourism Capital is an achievement for those who have worked hard to build and improve tourism in Oman and yes it will definitely increase the number of tourists not necessarily this year but even in the coming years because most of the tourists who visit the country hear about its distinguished features from those who have visited the country before”.

On what attractions Muscat holds as a tourist destination, Azza says “Cleanness, Muttrah Souq, legendary hospitality of Omanis, and the dramatic scenery of Omani mountains, seas and beaches all around in Muscat.

Mehdi Jaffer, Deputy Managing Director, Thrifty Car Rental Oman, says: “The significance of Muscat as Arab Tourism Capital 2012 is that it will promote the inflow of tourists in Oman with more Arab and Western countries discovering the wonders Muscat has to offer, be it the beautiful beaches and lovely coastline, or the mountains of Hajjar and Jabal Shams, or deserts such as Rimal al Sharqiyah”.

Some of the attractions for tourists in the city are Muscat Festival (January 26 to February 23), the Opera House Cultural Theatre Programmes, and water sports. Every year, during the period from December to the end of March, the Ministry of Tourism organises a number of cultural evenings at the ancient Al Flayj Castle Theatre, hosting popular groups from around the world, says Mehdi.

Bandar al Khayran, located near Bandar Al Rawdha and accessible via boat, is very famous for diving, snorkelling, and boating.

Al Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, located in Wilayat Al Seeb in the Muscat Governorate and Wilayat Barka in Al Batinah South Governorate, is a big attraction for tourists.

Muscat enjoys a large share of the country’s projects and services for the citizens, residents and visitors. In order to keep pace with the country’s economic growth, construction and tourism, increasing vehicular population, the capital city has embarked on many unique projects in recent times. As a result today its inhabitants enjoy prosperity, luxury and all the amenities of modern life. The government’s measured approach to expanding tourism and Muscat as a haven for holiday homes has further added beauty to the city.

For hoteliers, 2011 was a turnaround year but 2012 is set to be a spectacular year since Muscat is the Tourism Capital of Arab countries. This is the starting point for Muscat taking off as a major tourist destination in 2012, say hoteliers.

Muscat, a scenic gem of the Sultanate, is rapidly developing into one of the hottest tourist spots in the Middle East. It offers tourists a range of distinctive experiences — a largely-untouched coastline, deserts, mountains, a rich cultural heritage, ports, caves, castles and palaces and forts. Throughout the city of Muscat the network of sidewalks is impressive.

Muscat’s natural beauty and pristine coastal environment are great magnets for tourists. The khawrs (saline creeks), mangroves, and rocky coral reefs support an abundance of marine life including birds, turtles, fish, and invertebrates.

If you love to fish then Muscat will be like heaven. There is ample opportunity to take part in sport fishing tours where you can land game fish. Of course, there are also other activities available such as surfing, sailing, or simply just lazing the day away on one of the beautiful golden beaches that abound in the area, say hoteliers.

For those who love marine sports, boating and diving, Muscat has much to offer. Coral reefs are abundantly found in Muscat area, Dimaniyat Islands, Bandar Jissah, Bandar Khayran, Fahal Islands, Sharqiyah, Barr al Hikman, Masirah Islands, Dhofar, Musandam and Mirbat.
Muscat area is rich in corals but the centre of diversity is at Fahal Islands. Ras Al Hamra is known for a unique coral community. Exposed rocky shores facing north and east is the hub of soft coral growth, while south and west facing shores contain hard coral growth, for example at Cat Island, Cemetery Bay and Fahal Island.
Dr Charles J Olson, Associate Professor at Midwestern State University, USA, says a western traveller’s first impressions after arriving in Muscat is a mix of awe and excitement. The traveller is presented with contrasting but ultimately compatible images of Oman’s past and present. Muscat is a beautiful city, sitting among serrated gray hills.

Abdullah al Bahrani, Executive Manager, Future Tourism Development LLC, which opened its new four-star Waves International Hotel in Al Khuwair three months ago, says: “Muscat is one of the cleanest cities of the world. It also stands out for its world-class infrastructure of roads, flyovers, bridges, footpaths for pedestrians and greenery and flowers lining the roads”.

In the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one can see the world’s largest hand woven Persian carpet, and the world’s second largest chandelier with 1,128 lamps. Moreover, its architecture is a combination of designs from many Muslim countries and different periods of history.

For acquainting yourself with the basics of Islam and its roadmap for world peace you can visit Islamic Information Centre at the grand mosque, adds Abdullah al Bahrani.
Muttrah Sea Road is among other attractions of Muscat. This sweeping arc of old, balconied buildings and tiled mosque domes, souvenir shops and carpet vendors is punctuated with 18th century Muttrah Fort and ends with musical fountains overlooking the harbour: it’s a popular evening stroll for Muscat’s citizens keen on catching the sea breeze. For those feeling energetic, it’s possible to walk from Muttrah to Muscat along the entire length of the Sea Road, looking out for playful schools of sardines and leaping dolphins in the calm waves of the sea.

Muttrah Souk is a big attraction in Muscat. It offers everything from home-grown frankincense, gold and myrrh to plastic trays and Omani khanjar (ceremonial daggers). This is the place to look for strings of lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise, the semi-precious ‘gems’ of the region in bead shops that are festooned with handicrafts, Al Bahrani says.

Muscat is both a traditional and a modern city that has preserved Arab design in its new buildings, creating a pleasingly low-level city of predominantly soft sarooj (traditional Omani mud brick) browns and whites punctuated by the colourful flowers of the city’s immaculate freeway medians and spacious roundabouts artfully decorated with sculptures based on traditional Omani motifs such as pottery and teapots.

Originally Published on Thu. January 12, 2012

Link http://main.omanobserver.om/node/78924