Eco-Tourism :

• Bird Watching : Oman is increasingly becoming a significant destination for bird watching, attracting avid bird watchers and ornithologists the world over. According to Oman Bird Records Committee more than 460 different bird species have been recorded in Oman, out of which, 80 species have been classified as resident, while the rest are migrant and seasonal species.

  Oman offers a unique opportunity to watch birds from Europe, Africa and Asia in one spot. During their annual migrations in Spring and Autumn, millions of birds pass across the length and breath of Oman and an impressive selection can be seen in Muscat Capital Area. These migratory periods coincide with the cooler weather between October and April; the best time to watch birds in the Sultanate of Oman.

  Some of the common resident species one expects to see within or around Capital Area include: Herons (Striated and Western Reef), Ospreys, Swift Term, Laughing Doves, Egyptian Vultures, and Indian Roller.

  Common Migrant and seasonal species include: Cattle Egret, Little Stint, Greater Flamingo, Caspian Gull, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Heron, Dunlin, Sandwich Tern, Red and Green shank, Ruff and White Wagtail.

  Birdwatching Sites : In Capital Area, watching sites are within easy reach of all the major hotels. Some of these hotels are in fact good starting locations to watch birds, such as the gardens of Muscat Inter Continental and Al-Bustan Palace hotels.

  A better place would be Qurum Natural Park with its rich collection of resident birds enjoying their natural habitat. Nonetheless, Al-Ansab Lagoons stands high as the most exciting location of bird watching not only in Muscat but probably in the entire Sultanate.

  Outside the Capital Area, there exists a massive array of bird watching sites, ranging from Musandam in the north to Dhofar to the south.

  Eagles are popular in Musandam. Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Al-Wusta Region provides an excellent opportunity to watch desert species, notably Spotted Sand grouse, Golden Eagle and Houbara Bustard.

  Masirah Island in A'Sharqiyah Region is an ideal site being the home of thousands of birds especially in Winter, such as Greater Flamingo, Seagulls, Terns and Herons.

  With its diverse terrain, monsoon rains and lush vegetation, The Goverorate of Dhofar is a true paradise for birds, and African species in particular.

  Most sites are an hour drive from Salalah, with Al-Mugsayl and Rawri beaches being the most popular. Many resident species can also be seen in and around the springs of Ain Razat and Ain Hamran.

  Birdwatching Tours : Some tour operators arrange Birdwatching Tours like Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre, which operates Birdwatching Tours under the guidance of Hanna & Jens Eriksen; co-authors of "Birdwatching guide to Oman" and world renowned bird photographers resident in Oman.

• Dolphin & Whale Watching : Dolphins frequent the seas of the Sultanate on a regular basis and can be seen in close proximity to the coast from Musandam in the North all the way down to Dhofar in the South.

  Whales can also be found swimming in the waters of Oman, albeit less frequently, in particular the Humpback and the Orca.

  Fahal Island is a good site to spot Dolphins in hundreds roaming around or following the tuna. Spinner, Common and some Bottlenose dolphins are the main types. Orcas playing round the island have also been reported.

  Tourists as well as local residents can experience the fascinating trips organised by many diving agents to watch dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

  Trips are normally carried out using traditional Omani fishing boats fully equipped with all necessary safety equipment. Plenty of space, lots of shade and free refreshments all help to maximise the watching experience. Trips are usually arranged in early morning and at sunset.

  Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent animals. They are sensitive to disturbance and can easily be hit by vessels, including their propellers. Shall one decided to undertake the experience by self, he/she should be careful not to disturb or herd them in any way. If they approach the boat, or attempt to bow-ride, he/she should maintain a slow speed and course until they are clear.

Shopping : Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping as it amalgamates traditional and cosmopolitan living, offering an assorted selection of shopping venues, experiences and opportunities.

The snazziest shopping centres stand alongside the wonderfully quaint traditional markets, with their bustling roads and friendly shopkeepers. Visitors could buy carved hand-made distinctive Omani Khanjers, rose-water sprinklers, fragrant frankincense, incense burners, garments, rugs and saddles.

Women jewellery is probably the finest expression of the silver menting art, ranging from Kohl small silver boxes, to earrings and rings, bracelets, heavy anklets, necklaces and huge belts.

Traditional Souqs : The traditional Arabic market place is called the Souq and these are found in many towns throughout Oman. Household items as well as traditional handcrafts are on sale in the Souqs. In some Souqs like Nizwa and Sinaw livestock are auctioned and bartered. Beside its obvious economic purpose, the Souq has long been the fulcrum of social interaction.

• Ibra Souk : The women of the Wilayat of Ibra in the Sharqiyah Region formed the now popular souk many years ago, as a collective establishment where women from all areas could come to purchase all their traditional tools for beautification, fabrication and a whole host of others.

   

  Ibra Souk is an open shaded area. On Wednesdays the souk takes on a life of its own, becoming a living breathing entity, as women from the nearby regions make their way to Ibra Souk to obtain all their sewing, cosmetics, local perfumes, frankincense and traditional fabrics needs.

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