Best destinations for Dubai tourists to visit in Oman

• Places to Visit for Thrill-Seekers
• Romantic Get-Aways
• Family-Friendly Attractions

The Sultanate of Oman is an enchantingly unique country with some truly amazing tourist attractions. Visiting Oman means a chance to explore the desert landscapes, rugged wadis, markets and beaches, as well as the charming culture and traditions. If you have a long weekend coming up, maybe it’s time to plan a road trip to this jewel in the Middle East’s crown. Are you feeling suitably enticed? If yes, this guide on places to visit in Oman from Dubai represents essential reading.

Best places to visit in Oman from Dubai

There are numerous activities and things to do in Oman for tourists. Whether you’re an adventure buff, looking for a romantic getaway with your partner or just want to enjoy good times with family, Oman is the place for you. Read on to find out more about the top places to visit in Oman if you plan to travel from Dubai.

Top places in Oman for thrill-seekers

Oman is truly an adventurer’s paradise. Adrenaline junkies will find endless opportunities to explore the expansive sand dunes, vertical cliff edges, natural wadis, spooky caves and a lot more. Here are the best places to visit in Oman from Dubai if you’re looking for an adventure.

WADI ASH SHAB 

Oman is home to several wadis but the reason why Wadi Ash Shab is on our list of places to visit in Oman from Dubai is the truly thrilling experience it offers.

Wadi Ash Shab was also the host and final stop of the 2012 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. The cliffs of the wadi are ideal for treacherous, yet exciting cliff jumping. You can also visit the popular “keyhole”- a very narrow waterfilled cave nestled between rocks. You need to swim through a small opening to reach this last point of the trek.

Visitors also have to trek the mountains to reach the other picturesque pools in the wadi that have clear turquoise waters.

MAJLIS AL JINN CAVE

The Majlis Al Jinn Cave is a true wonder and the second-largest cave chamber ever discovered in the world. This colossal cave chamber is not for the faint-hearted as it has some hair raising and heart-pounding thrills. One of the activities that adventure junkies will enjoy trying here is abseiling down a massive cave with specially crafted equipment.

Majlis Al Jinn is popular for base jumping and rock climbing but you need to have some amount of physical preparedness in order to experience these adventures. A guide will help you to conduct both activities safely. 

The cave is lit up with an opening in the upper part of the cave, the light shines thickly across the massive chamber with the sound of the wind rustling through. This makes the visit to the cave a memorable experience.

Visiting Majlis Al Jinn or “spirits meeting place” is a surreal experience and a popular location, especially for base jumpers. Opt for Oman tour packages from Dubai or plan your own road trip to the country for the best adventure trip of your life.

SNAKE GORGE AT WADI BANI AWF

If you love trekking, hiking and cliff diving, the Snake Gorge at Wadi Bani Awf should be on your list of different places to visit in Oman from Dubai.

Locally Snake Gorge is known as Wadi Bimah and is located in the Wadi Bani Awf area in the Al Hajar Mountains.

The trek and 3-kilometre swim through a winding narrow channel end with a dive right into the bright green pools of the water-filled caves.

Natural water slides scrambling through huge boulders, land you into the turquoise water pools. As the name suggests, there are snakes in the waters, particularly in the narrow nooks and crannies, but most are non-poisonous and harmless. We still suggest that you proceed with caution while you are swimming.

Note: It’s best to avoid the area during heavy rainfall because Snake Gorge is prone to flash floods during heavy rains.

JEBEL SHAMS

No adventure itinerary in Oman is complete without a visit to Jebel Shams– the highest peak in the country.

Jebel Shams means “Sun Mountain” in Arabic. The peak is usually the first place in Oman to receive sunlight at dawn, according to the locals.

There are many hiking and trekking locations such as the Al Nakhur Rim Hike or The Balcony Walk through the W6 route. This route is the best way to explore the Al Nakhur Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. Another popular hiking route for adventure buffs is the Al Khiyam to Wadi Ghul via the W6A route.

Quintessential romantic getaways in Oman

Couples looking for romantic places to visit will enjoy our top picks for the best romantic honeymoon destinations in Oman, particularly those travelling from Dubai.

ISLAND OF MASIRAH

Couples driving from Dubai to Muscat will definitely enjoy a visit to the secluded island of Masirah. This remote and unspoiled island in Oman is accessible through a ferry from Muscat. You can stay at any good hotel on the island or stay in a luxury Masirah beach camp for the ultimate outdoor adventure.

The island is popular for turtle nests where you can watch the tiny baby turtles hatch. Moreover, the waters around the area are popular for blue whale sightings. You can try a diving course to see these majestic creatures in action.

JABAL AL AKHDAR

Jabal Al Akhdar has to be on your itinerary if you plan to travel to Oman from Dubai for your honeymoon or a romantic getaway. The Anantara Jabal Akhdar Resort is one of the best ways to make the most of the trip. The remoteness and serenity of this incredible mountain is the perfect backdrop for a romantic holiday.

WAHIBA SANDS

The next honeymoon destination on our list of places to visit in Oman from Dubai is the Wahiba Sands or the Sharqiya Sands, located in the eastern part of the Sultanate.

Couples who love a little adventure and like to step out of the clichéd romantic holiday would love dune bashing on the colossal sand dunes in a 4×4. Camel rides and sandboarding activities are other exciting attractions in this romantic Oman destination that will make your holiday a truly memorable one.

SALALAH

The lush-green destination of Salalah is the perfect spot for couples travelling to Salala from Dubai. Salalah gets its serene greenery from special climatic conditions known as the Khareef, where the monsoon winds develop their full force and the temperatures drop to a cool and moderate 20c. You can also take a Dubai to Salalah road trip for an exciting adventure.

The area has waterfalls and subtropical oases riddled with banana plantations, something unique to Oman. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is amongst the best places to stay for a romantic getaway.

BIMMAH SINKHOLE WADI TIWI

Another popular destination to visit is the Bimmah Sinkhole at Wadi Tiwi located at Hawiyat Najm Park. The Bimmah Sinkhole is just a short drive away from the magnificent Wahi Ash Shab if you wish to include it on your Dubai to Oman road trip. The naturally formed sinkhole has clear blue waters perfect for swimming or snorkelling.

KHORS OF MUSANDAM PENINSULA 

The gorgeous fjords or Khors – as they are called in Arabic – are one of the best places to visit in the country. The Khors of Musandam are fondly called the “Norway of Arabia” because the exclave on the Hormuz strait offers picture-perfect and awe-inspiring views of the meandering coastline with crystal clear waters.

A cruise on the traditional dhow boat is the perfect way to explore the picturesque coastline and fjords. Keep an eye out for dolphins and Socotra cormorants while cruising. Don’t forget to go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters followed by a safari on the rugged winding mountain roads. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT IN OMAN FROM DUBAI

Now that the cooler months are here, it is perfect to pack your bags and visit Oman from Dubai by road with your family. Here are the best destinations in Oman for a family holiday.

ATTRACTIONS AND PARKS IN MUSCAT 

Families travelling from Dubai to Oman with kids should allocate at least two days to spend time in Muscat. Some of the best parts of Muscat city to explore are the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Shatti Al Qurum beach, the Muttrah Corniche and the accompanying Muttrah Souk.

SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE 

The stunning Sultan Qaboos Mosque is a prominent choice in the list of things to do in Muscat for kids. Not only can they take in the fantastic sights, but they will also get to learn more about Islamic traditions and the history of Oman.

The biggest attraction at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is a huge carpet that adorns the main prayer hall. The giant carpet is made with an amalgamation of classical Kashan, Persian Tabriz, and Isfahan designs. It weighs over 21 tonnes and features 1,700,000,000 knots. The main square-shaped prayer room can accommodate 6,500 worshipers and has a central dome which rises 50 metres above the floor. 

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque timings: The Mosque is open for Non-Muslims every day except Friday from 08:00 am to 11:00 am

MUTTRAH BEACH AND MUTTRAH SOUK

The Muttrah Corniche is a popular family-friendly attraction in Muscat. The sweeping seafront is one of the oldest commercial areas of Muscat. Visit the Muttrah Fort which isn’t too far from the corniche. The colours and excitement of the Muttrah Souk are also sure to keep kids happy as they pick their favourite souvenirs to take back home.

SHATTI Al QURUM BEACH

Shatti Al Qurum, the longest beach in Oman, is a must-visit place if you have kids. Located on the northern coast, the Shatti Al Qurum district is one of Muscat’s upscale residential areas, known as the Diplomatic District. The area and beach are close to several luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants. Include a visit to the Royal Opera House in your itinerary for a completely different experience. 

Muscat has a plethora of theme parks and other attractions for kids as well. For affordable outings in the evenings, try some of the top parks in Muscat. here’s a list of the best parks in Muscat Oman for kids.

• The Wadi Kabir Park
• The Riyam Park
• Qurum Park
• Naseem Park
• Al Sahwa Park

WADI BANI KHALID 

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the perfect wadis to go swimming with kids in Oman. The wadis’ natural pools and ponds have clear water. It will prove to be a fun activity for the entire family.

RAS AL JINZ TURTLE RESERVE 

If you plan to take an Oman tour from Dubai with kids, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is the ultimate kid-friendly activity in Oman. The Turtle Reserve is like small green oases with an unspoiled natural landscape and a long shoreline nestled between rugged mountains.

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the nesting of the endangered green turtle and Ras Al Jinz is popular across the globe for being the perfect spot for green turtle nests.

It is one of the biggest natural nesting concentrations in the Indian Ocean. The entire family, including the kids, can learn about the turtle nesting tours at Ras Al Jinz as they watch the baby turtles hatch under the moonlight and make their way towards the sea for their epic journey.  

• Tickets:
  • Tourist Adult: 08 OMR per person
  • Tourist Child (03 to 10 Years Old): 3 OMR per child
  • Free for children below 03 years
• Timings:
  • Night turtle viewing: 9:00 pm | For non-inhouse guests 08:30 pm
  • Dawn turtle viewing 05:00 am | For non-inhouse guests 04:45 am
• Contact: +968-9655-0606 | +968-9655-0707

*Please note that timings may change depending on the season. Kindly reconfirm prior to your arrival.

FAQs

CAN WE DRIVE TO OMAN FROM DUBAI?

Yes, UAE residents can drive to Oman from Dubai. But if you’re driving to Oman from Dubai make sure that you and all other passengers have their valid passports. It is quite easy to travel to Oman from Dubai. It takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes via road.

DO UAE RESIDENTS REQUIRE A VISA TO ENTER OMAN?

Most UAE residents and Emiratis are not required to carry a visa but do check with the local Omani embassy if you need an Oman visa on arrival from Dubai. However, you might need an Oman visa from Dubai in some cases. Check the Oman Police E-visa portal for more details.

You might need an e-visa if you travel to Oman from Dubai by road. Remember that you will be crossing an international border. You need to follow the rules and regulations. It might take some time, especially if there are many cars awaiting immigration and other security checks.

HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT FROM DUBAI TO OMAN?

You can find an affordable flight from Muscat to Dubai. The flight takes an hour at most and is one of the most cost-effective ways to visit Oman from Dubai. Selected passport holders can also visit Oman visa-free.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

Just like Dubai the sultanate of Oman faces scorching temperatures in summers. The best time to visit Oman from Dubai is in the winter months from October to early March.

That’s all for our guide to the best places to visit in Oman from Dubai. Make sure to check the list of UAE holidays and plan on visiting Oman from Dubai for a trip of a lifetime. You can also take Oman bus from Dubai but make sure to check if tickets are available before making your travel plans.

If you prefer to take a flight to Oman from Dubai, you need to be aware of the list of banned food items in Dubai. Go through the list thoroughly before you plan your trip to Oman. Regulatory bodies in the UAE prohibit the use of drugs and controlled medication to enforce the right treatments and prevent drug use in the country. Be sure to check the guidelines for carrying medicines to the UAE before crossing borders. 

If a trip to Oman is on your mind for a while but you don’t have the time to make up a suitable itinerary and other travel arrangements, take a look at the list of the best travel agents in Dubai to help you find the best tour package to Oman from Dubai.