MidEast 7-9 2/11/09 14:05 Page 66
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In Oman, culture vultures can follow the ancient trading route known as the Frankincense Trail, which crosses Muscat (above) as well as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt among other countries
Myth-busting
Middle East
Shamira Kaumaya-Hatt, Sunset Faraway Holidays
head of product for the Middle East and Indian
Ocean, debunks some common misconceptions
WEATHER. Shamira says: The official language in the our planned guided trips advise our clients
The weather is always unbearably hot, Middle East is typically Arabic but English is accordingly in advance what to wear. There
I’ll melt! widely spoken in practically all resorts and is so much history and culture and so many
Shamira says: Most visitors come to travel in hotels, at the airports and in taxis. It is very beautiful religious sites to see and visit,
the winter season, between November and rare that we have a private transfer and and it seems only natural to follow local
March, when the weather is warm and guide who will not speak English. customs. In resort, the rules are far more
sunny without being unbearably hot. relaxed.
Winter temperatures are around 23C in COVER UP.
the daytime, while nights are cooler. Having As a woman I have to cover up head to CLOSING UP.
said that, some sun-lovers are still travelling toe out of respect There’s no point travelling in
in the summer months. Shamira says: This is a common misconcep- September as everything is closed
tion. Although you must show respect to the for Ramadan
LOST IN TRANSLATION. local culture and traditions, it is only when Shamira says: Actually this year we saw
I don’t speak Arabic and won’t be able visiting local religious sites that woman are good growth in this period. There may be
to make myself understood advised to cover up shoulders and knees. All certain specific rules and tradi- Turn to 68
66 06.11.2009
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