TECOM DIRECTORY 2011

TECOM DIRECTORY

2011

26 ATTRACTIONS Visitor information

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MUSANDAM A COASTLINE TEEMING WITH AQUATIC LIFE AND MARINE MYSTIQUE

FJORDS OF ARABIA Barren rugged slopes drop 2,000 metres sheer into the sea to form the 'Fjords of Arabia', creating a stark contrast

between the austere landscape and the vivid colours of the un- derwater world where dolphins frolic and schools of tropical fish lurk around the corals. From Khasab it is possible to take dhow or fishing boat trips out into the fjords, visiting Khawr Ash Shamm to briefly populate the isolated beaches for a barbecue lunch.

On the way, dolphins will perform, fish will swarm and idle sightseeing is provided with views of small hamlets clinging to the vertiginous slopes. Virgin waters provide ideal conditions for dive and snorkel enthusiasts at sites such as Oakley Island, Lima Rock and Ghubbat As Shabbus.

Organised full-day tour with wide appeal to delegates 10 - 50

Allow a whole day

Make sure delegates carry a photocopy of their passports

GUARDING THE BUSY SHIPPING LANES OF THE STRAITS OF HORMUZ, THE MUSANDAM PENINSULA SITS AT THE NORTHERNMOST TIP OF OMAN, OFFERING MYSTIQUE

REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS

JABAL HARIM

The magnificent Hajjar moun- tain range dominates the land- scape of Musandam. It extends about 640 kilometres from Ras Al-Hadd in the south up to Khasab, and ends with Ruus Al-Jebal plunging dramatically and dizzily into the sea. Jabal Harim is Musandam's highest mountain at 2,087 metres.

KHASAB

Featuring winding roads that cut through rugged cliffs destined for peaceful waters, Musandam, just a six-hour drive or 45-minute flight from Muscat, is well worth a visit. Known locally as Ruus Al- Jebel, Musandam actually refers to just one island in the extreme north of the penin- sula but has become gener- ally accepted for the whole area. It is physically separate from the rest of Oman, with the east coast of the UAE coming between it and the rest of the Sultanate, and it is this isolation that has preserved its environ- ment in a pristine state.

oman 2011 The principal town of

of a 16 century Portuguese fort. Khasab Fort is a pictur- esque stronghold situated on the inner cove of Khasab Bay. The fort boasts a colos- sal central tower within its low crenellated walls, thought to pre-date the fort itself. It was restored in 1989.

Khasab boasts the remains th

Half-day tour 10 - 50

Saturday to Thursday, 9am &#xD0; 4pm; Friday 8am &#xD0;11am

Combine a visit to Khasab Fort with a walking tour of the city

Along the ridges are breath- taking views into the wadis and foothills. Small settlements balance precariously on the mountain sides.

Farms are enclosed by stone walls, protecting the crops from livestock and trapping the pre- cious water that runs off the rocky surfaces.

Mountain people grow their crops in the rainy season, usu- ally from December to March. In spring the range of wild flow- ers is surprising.

Full-day for active members

Start early to make the most of the cooler temperatures Provide an alternative activity at the mountain base for less active team members

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18 ATTRACTIONS Visitor information

AL-BATINAH

A FERTILE LANDSCAPE, NESTLED BETWEEN THE HAJJAR MOUNTAINS AND G MAKES AL-BATINAH THE COUNTRY'S BREADBASKET. ANCIENT CAPITALS AND MAKE EXCITING AND EDUCATIONAL STOP-OFF POINTS FOR VISITORS

SOHAR

The ancient capital of Oman and maritime stronghold, Sohar is named after Noah's great-grandson and famed for being the home of Sinbad the Sailor. Sohar was once a powerful trading hub and was known as the Gate to China be- cause of its role as a jumping- off point for Asian trade. The original city was destroyed in the 10th

century

and never regained its former pre-eminence, but has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as a vital commercial centre with the construction of a new industrial and container port. Sohar forms part of the fer-

tile Batinah coastal region, and is one of the most verdant cities in Oman. The drive to Sohar from Muscat along the coastal highway is characterised by a string of forts and castles in the foothills of the central mountain ranges. The Sohar Fort, built around century AD, is one of

the 1st

the major landmarks of this city. Built on a hilltop, it has five impressive towers and is the only Omani fort that is whitewashed. Wadi Heebi, lying 63 kilometres away from the city, is a good stop-off point for a picnic. The village of Heebi is a collection of ancient dwellings with an untouched rustic look. The neighbouring village of Al Ghudafary has an old falaj (irriga- tion system) supplying gardens that yield dates and papayas.

Full-day trip, perhaps with a beach stop en route

Make sure the group is prov- ided with water and snacks

SOHAR CASTLE

Sohar Castle was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 1993. Through its six sections, the museum tells the story of Sohar through the ages, including its period as the capital of Oman, and the critical role it has played in the history of the Sultanate. Also documented is the

ancient copper trade in Sohar as well as Sohar's overseas trade with the city of Canton in China. The mausoleum of the

late Sayid Thuwaini bin Said Al-Bou Saidi (1866), founder of

the castle, can be found in one section, while another sec- tion is dedicated to the long underground passage lead- ing to Al Buraimi in the west.

Part of full-day itinerary 10 - 50

Saturday to Wednesday, 8am &#xD0; 1.30pm, 4pm &#xD0; 6pm; Thursday 9am &#xD0; 1pm; Friday closed

Providing your group with a short background of what there is to see at the museum will ensure they get the most from their visit

AL-HAZM FORT The fifth ruler of Al-Ya'aruba, Sultan bin Saif II, established his capital at Al-Hazm, in the Al-Batinah region on the sea- ward side of the mountains. Built in 1725, his fort

echoed the plan of Jabrin. The location of the fort was chosen on strategic defence grounds to guard the routes between the coastal and interior regions. It is charac- terised by its distinctive shape and massive construction. The fort makes full use of traditional Omani defensive features: secret escape tun- nels, dungeons and cannon towers. The central columns of its round towers feature ornate plaster work above the bronze Portuguese cannons brought from Al-Mirani Castle in the 19th century. Al-Hazm Fort was restored in 1996.

Part of full-day itinerary 10 - 50 Saturday to Thursday, 9am &#xD0; 4pm; Friday, 8am &#xD0; 11am Allow team members time to explore the fort at leisure

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MUSCAT

WITH TWO NATURAL HARBOURS THAT HAVE CREATED THE GATEWAY TO ARABIA FOR MANY CENTURIES, MUSCAT IS A CAPITAL CITY RICH IN HISTORY AND HERITAGE

MUSEUMS Several of Muscat's old houses have been converted to muse- ums offering a glimpse of life before the doors to the wider world were opened in the last century. Prominent among these are the Omani-French Museum and Bait Al Zubair, the latter converted from a private residence in 1998 and now fea- turing a collection of antiques, weaponry, jewellery, costumes, domestic utensils and a historic town house. It is also available for private visits and lunch or dinner in the gardens. The museum is situated

GRAND MOSQUE A tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat will provide any group with an insight into the Islamic faith, as well as exposure to impres- sive Arabian architecture. The site covers 416,000

square metres. The mosque complex covers 40,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The mosque complex is made up of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, covered passage- ways, a meeting hall and a library, which can hold up to 20,000 books. The interior is decorated

with off-white and dark grey marble panelling clothed in cut tile work. Ceramic floral patterns adorn arch framed mural panels set in the marble forming blind niches in a vari- ety of classical Persian, pre- dominantly Safavid, designs.

oman 2011 The mihrab in the main

prayer hall is framed by a border of Qur'anic verses and a gilded ceramic surround. The dome comprises a series of ornate, engraved stained glass triangles within a framework of marble columns, and a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold-plated metalwork hangs down for a length of 14 metres. The Imam will meet with small groups and, as well as taking them around the complex, will give a talk on the Islamic faith.

Small groups looking for a quieter activity 5 - 20

Tours are usually available Saturdays and Sundays, but check with a tour operator Visitors are expected to cover up before entering the mosque, and ladies must wear a veil

in Al-Zubair House, which was established by Sheikh Al- Zubair bin Ali in 1914. The museum has a compre- hensive and well-documented collection of traditional arte- facts from the past and pres- ent. It covers many aspects of Omani culture and customs found in the various regions of the country. Also on display is a set of rare photographic images of Muscat and sev- eral national occasions. The majority of the exhibits have been donated from private col- lections. Outside, a falaj runs through a reconstructed full- scale Omani village and souk.

Half-day indoor activity to escape the sun 10 - 50

Most museums open 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 7pm Providing your group with a short backgrounder of what there is to see at the museum will ensure they get the most from their visit

SOUVENIR SEARCH Muttrah Souk is the most famous traditional souk in the country and the oldest in the capital. Rambling over a large area behind the Muttrah Corniche, the souk is a paradise for souvenir- hunting tourists. Entering the souk, you feel

transported into an Arabian Nights fantasy, albeit a slightly modernised one. Frankincense, perfumes, spices, dates and antiques jostle for space with electronic products, fashion and toys. Exotic sounds, smells and flavours assails the senses. The warren-like covered

souk is a maze of alleys. Tucked away in one corner is the Gold Souk. Here, you can create your own jewellery, mixing and matching gold, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, or choose from an array of ready- made jewellery. However, if air-conditioned

shopping is required, head back to the malls in Muscat such as Qurum City Centre, the Al Harthy Complex, Bareeq Al Shatti and Muscat City Centre. Jawharat Al Shatti is the home of the Heritage Gallery, a treasure trove of authentic craft souvenirs.

CITY TOURS Taken as a Portuguese strong- hold, with the two sentinel forts of Jalali and Mirani built in the 16th century to guard the deepwater approaches, Muscat finally became the capital of a unified Oman in the 18th cen- tury. Today, visitors can stroll through the atmospheric lanes of the old gated city of Muscat in the area around the Sultan's palace. A guided walking tour or bus tour of the city provide a glimpse of ancient Arabia. From the heart of the city,

Muscat sprawls through mountains and along the coast, including the fishing port and markets of Muttrah, the Ruwi commercial district, the government and embassy area along the coast, the bays of Al Bustan and Barr Al Jissah, and plantations of Seeb.

Small groups, spouses' excursions 10 - 20 Late afternoon is the best time, avoiding the midday heat Set a meeting point with group members in case some split off

BARKA BULLFIGHTS Barka is a small town about an hour's drive northwest of Muscat that is famous for its bullfighting. However, the bulls at Barka are not subjected to the same fate as those in Spain. Rather, the Barka bullfights usually consist of two Brahmas bulls going head to head in a makeshift ring for about five min- utes, and the beasts are rarely seriously hurt. The attraction is the whole

atmosphere that goes with the fights. Crowds of Omani men and boys gather, and while betting is strictly forbidden in Islam, com- petition still remains high. The bullfighting is also big business, with a winning bull being report- edly worth up to US$2,500.

Small team building event 5 - 10

Friday afternoons from November to March

Divide your group into two and choose which bull each team will support &#xD0; but don't bet on the winner

AL-MIRANI FORT

The impregnable fort of Al-Mirani tops the western rocks of Muscat Bay, flanking Al-Alam Palace. It is thought to be named after one of its Portuguese inhabitants. The fort was originally built in the early 16 century by the Portuguese, who used it as their major headquarters during the 60 years of their occupation of Oman. Towards the latter half of the century they added more for- tifications and towers to the fort. In 1610 a dock was constructed at the base of the fort, equipped with a low-level battering ram to repel attacks from passing ships. In 1650, Omani forces expelled the Portuguese, and gradually rebuilt and strengthened the fort into its present form.

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Notable features of the fort are its oval-shaped artillery tower, soaring upwards to a height of 26.5 metres from its rocky base at sea level, and a complex network of passages. The fort and its twin Al-Jalali, in conjunction with the formi- dable defences of Muttrah fort and a number of other fortified structures and watchtowers along the bay, made Muscat virtually unconquerable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences, the rocky hills surrounding the bay.

Half-day tour 10 - 50

Sunday to Thursday, 8:30am - 3:30pm

Good shoes to walk the passages around the fortress oman 2011

16

ATTRACTIONS Visitor information

DHOFAR

COVERING THE SOUTHERNMOST REGION OF THE SULTANATE, DHOFAR IS SURPRISINGLY VERDANT, THE ONLY SPOT IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH A MONSOON SEASON AND HOME TO A CITY THAT WAS LOST FOR 1,700 YEARS

WADI DARBAT

In addition to its dramatic cliffs, extensive white beaches, caves and grottos, Dhofar also boasts some fascinating wadis, with Wadi Darbat being the most popular. Wadi Darbat carries the larg- est water supply in the region through the hills, finally arriving at Khawr Rawri and into the sea. However, its main contribution is to the subterranean water supply of Dhofar and it is also the source of the waters found in Teiq Cave. A pretty and relaxing spot, the

wadi is known for its green and unspoilt surroundings, caves and its wildlife. During the khareef (monsoon) season, the waters of Wadi Darbat become waterfalls cascading down the valley. As well as diving and water

sports, the coast has a wealth of sites, many of them linked to the region's fabled past as a home to the Queen of Sheba, such as the ruins of Khawr Rawri, rumoured to be one of the ruler's palaces.

Part of a full-day itinerary 5 - 30 All day Make sure delegates can tackle demanding terrain, and provide an alternative

LOST CITY OF UBAR One of Dhofar's most romantic- sounding sites is the Lost City of Ubar, which disappeared from maps around 300AD. The city's ruins were discovered with the help of a NASA satellite less than 20 years ago. In 1992, an American satel-

lite discovered what seemed to be the remains of a city submerged beneath the sands in Shisr, Wilayat of Thumrait, in the Omani section of the Empty Quarter. Initial speculation indicated that

this was the legendary city of Iram Dhat El-Emad, distinguished by its imposing columns and high walls, which is mentioned in the Qur'an. The site has been subject to much exploration and study by archae- ologists who have dated excavated items at around 100BC. It has also been ascertained that the city sank under the sands due to what has been deemed a 'light earthquake'. This could be the 'clamour' which is also referred to in the Qur'an.

Half-day tour 10 - 50 Go in the mornings to make the most of the cooler temper- atures and clear skies Make sure delegates have comfortable shoes, suitable for desert terrain

SALALAH Watch the desert green oasis right in eyes at Salalah in D Salalah is a one-h

from Muscat Interna port. Regionally renow its annual summer mo (known as the 'khareef misty rains fuel waterfa foster the growth of a sh green canopy for the coa mountains, Dhofar covers one-third of Oman stretch from the border with Yeme the sands of the Empty Qua While Gulf travellers prefe

visit Salalah in the summer to revel in the cooling rains, mos tourist and incentive travel is done during the winter months when the seas are calm and the sands have dried out.

Small incentive groups from Muscat 5 - 10 Allow all day, or arrange to stay overnight Why not plan a hike and picnic to enjoy the green oasis?

oman 2011

ATTRACTIONS KEY

Ideal for

Group size Timings Top tip

ATTRACTIONS KEY

Ideal for

Group size Timings Top tip

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