Oman Holidays

Hotels & Resorts in Oman

Below is a selection of hotels for holidays in Oman. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call on 066 7164400 (Tralee) or 01 6649999 (Dublin) to discuss your requirements, alternatively you can view our holidays in other Middle East destinations.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temperature (Celcius)	24	25	28	32	37	39	40	40	39	35	31	26
Average Rainfall (Inches)	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Flight Information

Flights from Dublin to Muscat International Airport Oman are approximately 8 hours 40 minutes and operate via London. Indirect flights may stop over in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with varying stop-over times. If you have prebooked transfer arrangements with us you will be met on arrival by our Tropical Sky representative who will guide you to your transfer vehicle.

Shopping

Muscat is a great place to shop with modern malls and traditional market places.

Geography

Much of the country is an inland dessert plain which has a hot dry climate. The coast which tends to be much more populated has a higher humidity and cooling breezes. To the far south around the city of Salalah the Indian Oceans influence brings monsoons in the months of May-Sep. There are mountains to the far north and south. There is also a town of Madha which is found in a small territory within the UAE to the north.

History

Local tribes occupied the territory with the wealth of Frankincense to trade until the 16th century. Before this there is considerable history of Omani tribes conquering neighbouring states and fierce exchanges to capture back.

Language

Arabic is the official language although English is also widely spoken and understood.

Currency

The official currency is the Rial (OR), which divides into 1000 Baisas.

Electricity

220/240 volts AC 50 Hz with 3 pin UK style plugs.

Banks

Opening hours Sat-Wed 8am-12pm, Thur 8am-11am.

Driving

Driving is on the right. Roads are in good condition. Taxis are widely available.

Time difference

GMT +4 hours.

Tipping and local customs

Tipping is not usually expected, however more modern and expensive hotels and restaurants tend to add on 10-15%.

Water

Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist information

www.mocioman.gov.com

Visas

British citizens do not require a visa, though British passport holders must obtain an entry visa upon arrival. A minimum six month valid passport is required along with a return or onward ticket. Visitors staying up to 9 days in Oman pay 5 Omani Rials (approximately £8), visitors staying between 10 days and 1 month pay 20 Omani Rials (approximately £33).

What makes it so special?

Oman is a wonderful authentic destination unspoilt by tourism in any way. The year round climate makes it a great place to visit and choose a modern or modernised hotel to have all the comforts we normally expect on our leisure trips. The interior is a vast hot and dry plain which is great to explore in a 4x4 vehicle on any of the great excursions available.

Where to visit

Shopping in Muscat markets as well as main modern malls.

Most popular tours

Muscat City Tour

Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan will be celebrated from the 20th July - 18th August 2012. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. As a result hotels in Oman have restrictions on alcohol, food consumption and entertainment between sunrise and sunset. At nightfall these restrictions are lifted and normal eating, drinking and entertainment policies are resumed.

Weather

The best time of year to visit Oman is between the months of October and April when temperatures are more pleasant with highs of 35 and nightly lows of around 15 Celsius. April to September bring very hot and humid temperatures, which can at times be overwhelming for those not used to such high heat.