Tony Walsh – author on Oman & Arabia
Oman’s Top 5 things to do in April often includes outdoor activities – but add in some indoor options as it gives a range of options.
A visit to the Amouage Perfume Showroom Continue reading “Oman’s Top 5 things to do in April with a little bonus option – making this 6 things“
It was good to take a day at sea and travel up from Khasab to Kumzar in Musandam and see Socotra Cormorants in Oman.
Scattered all along the coast Continue reading “The Black Birds – Socotra Cormorants in Oman”
In what must be one of the more intriguing diplomatic agreements in recent years – Oman, UAE and Iran seem to have made various agreements regarding various pieces of territory . The Christmas Eve visit by Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyen (the effective leader of the UAE – though his brother is President) into Oman may have been the critical discussion period between Oman and the UAE – if true.
The interesting claims in the link below – rest on a high-level source in the UAE – who may be trying to bounce the agreement along. Oman has held on to its Musandam territory against fierce opposition – so if true it would be extraordinary. The islands in The Gulf – the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, (were immediately occupied by Iran under the Shah when Britain pulled out ‘East of Suez’ – & the might of the USA was not interested in readjustment) – will have their above-sea land occupied by the UAE and the seabed by Iran. Possibly as a means of getting agreement on that island release, Oman is said to have been willing to grant Iran a base in Musandam, Oman’s northern peninsula. Iran will supply Oil and Gas to Oman via a pipeline – to be constructed.
Oman could use the energy for many reasons mostly for re-export I guess – though it does have gas via the Dolphin pipeline from Qatar. Iran presumably wishes an oversight across the Straight of Hormuz, and it has found a way to effectively occupy land on both sides. The UAE is going to be happy at its increase in real estate quite apart from the diplomatic agreement.
Oman centuries ago occupied various ports in Iran, including what is now Bandar Abbass. Sultan Qaboos made a visit into Iran in 2013 and it seems the two countries are maintaining the pace of diplomatic entente. Oman and Iran seem to be quite comfortable in their long-term relationship – the result of millennia of contact – and population mixing.
The USA is claimed to be accepting of this, but one wonders what Oman’s neighbour, Saudi Arabia will make of all this – indeed Oman has yet to make a comment. Its a nebulous piece of journalism.
Waking early enabled me to enjoy sunrise over Musandam as we entered Khasab on the Clipper Odyssey.
It was a treat to visit Continue reading “Sea and Sun in Musandam”
Dust Storms in Oman occasionally come from the north,
we will sponsor this years batch
I enjoy watching turtles on the Beaches of Oman so much that, last year, decided to ‘adopt’ one. The Turtle chosen ‘Havda’ was tracked as she swam up up to the Straights of Hormuz. Unfortunately the transmitter has stopped its signal – so we will miss her future travels
Good news for car drivers
Oman’s Transport & Communications Ministry has confirmed that it will build two ferry terminals in Khasab and Shinas .
These will take the Ferries, enabling cars to be taken on board. Certainly getting to Khasab in Musandam is not the easiest of places to drive to – it involves 4 border posts each way and a dreadful drive through Ras al Khaimah .
I presume Mina Sultan Qaboos’s quays are good to unload and offload vehicles.
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