May can often be Oman’s hottest month and temperatures over 40c are frequent. This means that Oman’s Top 5 things in May activities need to be selected to take the heat into account. Also consider that in 2019 Ramadhan runs from 5th May – 4th June.
Though spending time in one of Oman’s almost innumerable shopping complexes would be an easy suggestion there is one that far more healthy, the Ice Rink. Fun Zone at Al Qurum is over 1000sqm of chilled bliss. From 9 in the morning to after 11pm (more details page 100 Bradt Guide to Oman) at night the rink offers 90-minute sessions where beginners and the skilled can enjoy themselves. With a cost little more than a coffee and cake this great for your health and wallet. The rink welcomes people at any stage of their ice skating ability.
The Royal Opera House has performances that continue in May. On 3rd & 4th of May is an Arabic Opera, by ‘Opera Lebanon‘, of Antar and Abla. This is based on a historical tale about the love and bravery under difficult circumstances of Antar, who was regarded as a slave – despite his father being free and his mother being an Ethiopian princess, for Abla in pre-Islamic Arabia. This has a happy ending due to Antar’s bravery.
Your meal will need to be planned carefully, however good availability of seats in the opera should mean that you can get your preferred choice.
Despite the heat outdoors, there are still places in Oman that offer a comfortable environment for outdoor activities. The drive up to Oman’s Grand Canyon is a well-tested route. I suggest that instead of taking the turn to the canyon’s edge read page 233 of my 4th edition of the Bradt Guide to Oman for a more interesting option, by 4×4. There are old walking tracks and some spectacular views, though neither are quite as good as at the Grand Canyon, however the plus – you might be alone. However, there is another distinct advantage at this time of year; the elevation is about 300meters higher than the highest part of the Grand Canyon’s rim of around 1900m and noticeably cooler.
An alternative high altitude getaway will be to visit the marvellously located tombs listed on page 250 of the Bradt Guide. These are set on an undulating plateau of around 1700m with clusters overlooking vast horizons. Without doubt, this route needs a good condition 4×4 vehicle and is perhaps best visited with overnight camping on the plateau. The reward will include, as well as the scenery, dark skies to views the heavens above.
Unlike the two other outdoor locations, the 5th activity is very much at sea level. Masirah island will ideally need at least a couple of nights spent on the island as it is several hundred kilometres away from Muscat (read from page 285 in the Bradt Guide with accommodation on page 287). There are options for the route to drive to the island, including a journey through the Wihibah Sands. The island benefits from its maritime location which is enhanced from May through to September by the Monsoon; the period called in Oman, the Khareef. The wind cools the island by as much as 10degrees, making this a tempting destination. There are a few hotels and of course camping is an excellent alternative.
My rewrite of the Bradt Guide to Oman is available in eBook here and paperback through Amazon worldwide here.
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