Oman - Interesting facts and information's - part 2

OMAN CONSTITUTION Sultan Qaboos (in 1996) issued a Basic Law, that the government consider it to be a constitution. Among many other things, BL “clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens” (http://www.indexmundi.com.)

More about Oman constitution:
www.copac.org.zw/downloads/category/6-constitutions-of-the-world.html?download%3D101%253Aoman-constitution%26start%3D80+omani+constitution&hl=pl&gl=pl&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjoa9ThsQNVYTfZEKK8wuiwjBHWTzv7a_O6cg98PmQwiP1mXmklO-rw3P_kQkfcP-LeSyvottj7RS1ZvnjFXJFZj_dLJ9lEilHTuUEBVCwjOL0Qbk7iSzCq28yWlZ-i8-XJI_13&sig=AHIEtbSS7u11LRy7a3JweOv8wdAqKmhF7A&pli=1


ZANZIBAR From 1698, Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman. An economy was based on trade among Arab elite and cultivation of spices. Almost all plantations were converted into growing sipces, hence the term Spice Islands. Zanzibar became an increasingly important part of the Omani empire and in 1837 sutan of Oman - Sa’id ibn Sultan move his place of residence to the island and built there impressive palaces and gardens. Rivalry between his two sons was resolved by letting one of them, Majid, succeeded to Zanzibar and the other, Thuwaini, inherited Muscat.

Huge Green Turtles. Oman has some of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. Ras al-Jinz and Ras al Hadd, the eastern parts of the Arabian Peninsula, are very important turtle-nesting sites for the endangered green turtle. Over 20, 000 females return annually to the beach in order to lay eggs. The area is under government protection. The only way to visit the site is to book a place in Visitor Center and to join an escorted tour at around 9.30pm every evening. The cost of turtles watching is about 65 zl. July is a high laying season for the green turtles when over hundred females come ashore each night. From September to November there is a low season but at least one turtle arrives on the beach every night of the year.



Beautiful Beaches. With a coastline of 1700km, Oman offers some of the cleanest, most spectacular beaches I’ve ever had a chance to see. Almost all beaches are public, except some attached to the hotels or those belonged to military or official properties. Weekend picnics, barbeque's and camps are very common on the beach. Many coves located along the cost are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and searching for beautiful shells thrown by the ocean.



4WD. Oman is a haven for those who like adrenaline connected with spectacular off-road driving. Who tries once will want to veer off the tarmac again and again. I recommend to start the 4W trip from driving in wadis (unsealed valley roads in river beds) that are situated among hight mountains around even 3000 m. The roads in wadis are really made for 4WD cars!!! :) - Some part of the tracks are flooded and you need an elevated car to go on. Also at the end of the tracks it goes very (very) steep. You can see a lot of spectacular views such as natural pools covered by clean blue water, canyons, caves, green oasis. You will cross small villages inhabited by the natives. The Palm trees of these villages will make a good spot for picnic or camping. The wadis' visitors ought to notice that they can never be sure how the road will be and if it starts raining the wadis will turn into rivers quickly!!! Still - it is a GREAT ADVENTURE and if you have a chance to visit Oman, you can't miss it!!! There is one more very important thing - you don't have to worry about fuel costs, it is cheaper than water;)





Forts. Oman is famous for its historical forts which are the country's most impressing cultural landmarks. There are almost 1000 forts and towers which were the traditional defense and lookout points to deter potential enemies. They are dated from 15th century. Some of the best examples are located in Muscat, Nizwa, Barka, Bahla and Naghal and those ones I had a chance to visit:)



Diving. The Sultanate of Oman is a unique scuba diving travel destination. Hundreds of different marine animals of varying colors and incredible virgin reefs at Daymaniyat Islands - a nature reserve - are a paradise even for demanding divers. One dive with full equipment costs about 200 zl.

It’s time to submit my final review about Oman :
In brief, Oman is a great and welcoming country. People here are very friendly and open for visitors. They always offer you help when needed. In my opinion they are the nicest among all Arab nations that I‘ve got to know. I’ve seen many great places to visit around the country : beaches, mountains, caves, canyons, wadis, underwater life and many more. For tourists it is a wonderful place to spend two or three weeks vacation. Even for the expats like my parents there is always something to do during the weekends: driving a 4 wheel car in mountains, trekking, diving, motor-crossing in the desert and watching beautiful nature during wild camping on sandy beach. And the main point is that in this country sun shines almost 360 days per year!!! Not like here especially now...

http://www.ourworldtravels.com
http://wikitravel.org
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.servat.unibe.ch
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
http://www.omanet.om
http://www.historyworld.net
"Oman off-road", Explorer Publishing
"Lonely Planet Oman UEA & the Arabian Peninsula", Jenny Walker

Would you like to visit or move to Oman?
What could be the most interesting attraction for you in this country?