10 For the music lover in you, reasons to visit Muscat this winter has to include one of the best Opera houses in the world. Most winter weekends there is a performance, perhaps of Opera itself or occasionally Ballet.
Arab singing stars are hosted most months, some are performers with a classic style reminiscent of Um Kulthum. others appeal to a younger audience these might include Sherine or Majid El Mohandes.
The best thing about the Royal Opera House in Muscat is that seats give you a view of the stage worthy of watching “La Stupenda” herself.
9 Winter is the time for the Muscat Festival, almost a month of tradition, fun & games between January 18 and February 10, 2018.
This a chance to see the old Oman that has rapidly slipped away from even the memory of many Omanis themselves, as the country speeds into the future.
Enjoy traditional music nightly and an extraordinary choice of freshly prepared, very local, food.
My guidebook is available on Amazon, along with my other books.
8 Despite having year-round sun it’s in winter when Oman’s beaches come into their own.
The seas are quieter after the summer monsoon, and the beach sand no longer is like a frying pan under your feet. The coast of Oman stretches for thousands of kilometres, and whats better you can choose from Sand, Pebble or Rock-pools.
Despite winter being peak travelling time, these beautiful spots might have no other people along their stretch, enjoy your very own Robinson Crusoe experience. You can read more about visiting Oman from my own books affiliated link.
7 The racing season in Oman run through the winter months.
Races in Oman are an exhilarating experience to watch and, remarkably, there are ones not only for Horses but also for Camels; how amazing is that. Search out these events for, although poorly publicised, they may well be a highlight of your time in Oman.
Camel Racing has 2 different varieties; one is a race with around 10 animals each with a ‘Robot Jockey’ to encourage speed; the other is a race of skill, where 2 Camels are carefully controlled by a Human Jockey to run in parallel to each other down a track.
Horse events are equally diverse; the traditional English style flat race will be familiar to many visitors.
However, there are also a number of ‘Traditional Horse’ events where elaborately caparisoned horses are more-or-less paraded in front of an admiring crowd, which should include you.
6 Winter will give you a chance to enjoy spicy Omani fusion cuisine. It’s a bit of Indian, some Iranian and a lot of Omani.
The main plate is based on Rice, with Meat (perhaps Chicken or Fish) and some Vegetables. It’s the spice used that creates the signature of an Omani dish.
To experience it consider fine dining at Al Angham or one of my favourites a very simple restaurant (which is more Indian in origin)in Tiwi whose menu hasn’t changed in probably 20 years, hows that for confidence in a menu! You can read more about restaurants in Oman from my own books affiliated link’ and here is number 5-1 reasons to visit Oman
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