Oman, down in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula, is a country often overlooked by visitors to the area. Although much of it is desert, it contains several places of interest that are definitely worth exploring. It is also, arguably, a rather more visitor-friendly country than its neighbor Saudi Arabia, having as it does many fewer religious-based laws governing personal dress and behavior. The local version of Islam is considerably more moderate than its Saudi equivalent, and
hotels and restaurants may be licensed to serve alcohol, though they remain limited in number.
If you visit Oman you can hardly avoid the city of Muscat - the country's capital and one of the most beautiful urban spaces on the Arabia peninsula. Thanks to a very thorough program of irrigation it's a surprisingly greem city, with many parks and boulevards lined with palms. The combination of the greenery and the low, white buildings give Muscat a very chilled-out feel - also, being by the sea, it escapes the worst excesses of the desert heat that afflict inland regions.
Over the years Muscat has flourished because of its position, which is ideall suited for two activities: fishing and trade. The city's location virtually at the mouth of the Persian Gulf gives its fishermen access to excellent fishing ground, and has for hundreds of ears made the city a trade crossroads between Arabia, Persia (modern-day Iraq/Iran), India and Africa. One of the most interesting things to do, even today, is explore some of the city's markets. If you can hack the marine odors, the fish markets are particularly interesting and lively.
There are also several sites of architectural interest to look at. The dramatic sixteenth century twin castles of Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani are particularly impressive, sunk as theyare right into the rock the city is built on. Although you wouldn't think it to look at them with their distinctive Arabic decorative architecture, these forts were actually built by the Portuguese - former imperial masters of Muscat. There are a number of interesting and attractive mosques (sorry ladies - for the guys only, or at least for the most part). For those who are seeking sun and sand rather than bits of old stone, Muscat also has some great beaches - probably the best being Qurum beach.