Holiday Experience in Oman: Check This Out

Located in the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is an exotic destination from the Middle East. The country has a varied relief with fertile plains, mountains, desert and sandy beaches. Besides seaside attractions, Oman attracts through its local culture, spectacular landscapes and interesting shopping centers for all shopping enthusiasts.  

The country's name is mentioned in the writings of a Roman historian, Yalainous (23-79 BC). He refers to the city of Oman, a city also mentioned in the writings of Ptolemy. Today, Oman is becoming a poplar luxury destination for travelers from all over the globe. Oman has amazing and fabulous attractions and activities that meets everyone’s yearnings and desires.  To experience this amazing luxury holiday in the Oman, you can book now with Emirates Holidays. Planning this kind of holiday experience in advance is highly recommended, especially if you plan a family holiday. So here are some of the unique things one can experience in Oman. 

Muscat - Modern, traditional and ancient

Oman's capital and the country's main tourist destination is the town of Muscat.  Being a Muslim city, Muscat does not offer a lively nightlife but it is a big and bright city with many festivals according to the Islamic calendar. The most famous festival is

Muscat Festival- a mixture of fun, adventure and entertainment.  The shopping enthusiasts can find here modern shopping centers and traditional markets with a wide range of products: fragrances, jewelry, rugs, clothes, spices etc (image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltercallens).

In Muscat it is worth seeing the old part of town, located between Port Sultan Qaboos and Al Bustan Beach. The old city walls are dating back to the first half of the eighteenth century.

Stunning scenery from somewhere ... from another reality

Geographically, Oman has quite varied elements and it is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the region.  This country has an amazing diversity of landscapes: mountains, desert and sea. 

The marine coast is 1700 km length and it is one of the cleanest beaches in the world. The gorgeous beaches, covered by smooth sand, are ideal for a relaxing holiday.  Oman has many magnificent beaches like: 

- Shell Beach - near Civil Aviation Club in Al Azaiba;

- Qurum Beach - a beach bordered by palm trees, near Crowne Plaza;

- Bandar Jissah - on the way to Al Bustan, near Qantab;

- Marjan Beach - near Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), a perfect beach for sunbathing and snorkeling.

Oman has also several islands and the largest of them is Masirah. Oman is bordered by large areas covered with sand, an arid land known as the Rub al-Chali. The desert will take you into the world of Arabian nights.  Mountain lovers will also enjoy the beautiful scenery, the highest mountain peak- Jebel Shams- reaches 3,004 meters above sea level.

Oman - a living piece of history

Oman, Arabian Peninsula jewel, is a warm and hospitable nation.  History and culture are valuable both by old, and by young people, making Oman a truly distinctive destination for any visitor.  Discover the cultural and historical heritage of this oriental state by its towers and forts, ancient ruins and hidden villages.  Here are some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Oman.

Oman castles

The castles of Oman illustrate the rich Arabic culture and history of these places.  The monuments are works of art made by famous architects and engineers of those times.Some of the castles that can be visited are AlHazm, Al Sulayf, Al Ainayn, Al Mintarib, Al Hillah, etc. Alhazm Castle is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Sur City

Sur is an old city that deserves a visit. The city is in the east of the country, on the gulf coast. Throughout history, Sur was an important port city in the region. Today, the city is valued for its nightlife, but also for its naval constructions (image by http://www.flickr.com/photos/40540792@N06).

Nizwa

Nizwa is the ancient capital of Oman. Today, it attracts travelers by its bazaars with silver handicrafts. To experience the local atmosphere, it is worth making a visit in one of the cattle fairs to see people doing business. People come from everywhere to buy and sell animals and the atmosphere is lively.

Forts

Oman has a variety of forts full of history:

- Jalali & Mirani - the best known fort Oman, 

- Rustaq - It has the tallest observation tower. It was built in the 13th century and it has many rooms, a mosque, an armory, a prison etc., 

- Bahla - fort included in the UNESCO patrimony.

Arabian wildlife

Oman also enjoys an abundant wildlife.  Huge tortoises with an impressive age (over 100 years) come to lay their eggs on the beaches Ras Al Had, Al Junayz and on the Masiraj island beaches. Around the capital, from December to February, you can also see the dolphins passing by the Oman coast. The dream to be near dolphins is very real. As Saleel Nature Park is also a living proof for the abundant wildlife of the Oman.  As Saleel Nature Park is a natural reservation in the Sharqiyah region. The reservation covers an area of ​​220 square kilometers and is covered by forests and acacia trees.  In As Saleel Nature Park are rare animals like Arabian Gazelle.

In addition, Oman offers its visitors a range of natural wonders like Majlis al Jinn Cave. It was discovered in 1983 by a geologist studying water resources in the Sultanate of Oman. The access is difficult and is made through a narrow hole in the ground. It is a sensational underground location, a real wonder of nature.

Crowded mountain villages, figs, a strip of sand blown by the wind across the dunes, a solitary camel galloping on a territory without limits, the ruins of the palace of Queen Sheba and incense trees - these are the images offered by the enigmatic Oman, a place filled with Arab mysteries, a place that reminds of a history ... faded somewhere sometime.

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6 Perfect Cultural Gifts to Take Home from Israel

Israel is a country that has so many unique attractions in its culture that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. When you visit this magnificent country you would definitely want to pick some of the most popular cultural gifts from this country to your home that you can gift to those whom you love a lot. To help you in this task here is a list of 6 perfect cultural gifts that you can take to your home from Israel.

Wine Israel

1) Wine : wines from Israel are world famous for its ultimate test and great quality and it is very difficult to find same quality wine anywhere else. So on your next visit to Israel; make sure you buy some of the best wines for yourself and for your loved ones but before that do cross check with authorities if you can bring it to your country.

2) Yemenite Shofar : this musical instrument is one of the oldest kind of musical instrument and it is a cultural music tool in Israel. In Israeli culture this instrument is a symbol of faith and by playing this musical instrument for other people hope it will bring more success, joy and growth in loved ones life. So we can say this is one of the best cultural gifts that you can bring as a lucky charm or as a souvenir with you.

3) Kiddush Cups and Goblets : In Israel you can get Silver Kiddush cup and goblets with silver plates in different size and shapes. These souvenir items looks extremely amazing and you can use them as a show piece in your show case or you can use them to serve drinks to your guest in a royal way. And no need of say this is one of the most popular cultural items that people take with them from Israel.

4) Sculptures : Israel has had a great history of arts and it offers some of the most fantastic sculptures that demonstrate vivid color, and amazing artistic skills. With these sculptures you can decorate your home, office or any other space and you get buy sculptures from best Israeli artists in very affordable price.

Kabbalah Jewelry Israel

5) Kabbalah Jewelry : It is native Jewish jewelry that includes pendants, necklaces, rings, Amulets, bracelets and many other items. This jewelry look amazingly good and attractive and your friends and family will love to have such gift from Israeli culture. So we can say this is another cultural gift that you can take to home from Israel.

6) Textiles : Israel is one of those countries that offer best textile materials and its unique cultural designs make it more attractive. From its local shops you can buy some indigenous linen, bed sheets, towels, bathmats and other textile material that has unique and very attractive embroidery or pattern on it. You can use it for yourself or you can gift it to your friends and family.

The best thing about these gifts is that most of these gift items are very affordable and all of them reflect the native culture and tradition of Israel.

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6 Fascinating Attractions in Dubai

If you and your family are looking for the ideal vacation this year, then there is no better destination than Dubai. Dubai is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it offers a variety of luxuries and attractions that are perfect for couples looking for a romantic get away or if you are looking for an adventurous vacation for the whole family. These 6 Fascinating Attractions In Dubai will make your families vacation one of a kind and completely unforgettable.

Burj Khalifa

On your unique vacation to Dubai, you can catch a part of history as you and your family get the opportunity to see the world's tallest building. This impressive piece of architecture holds more than 17 world records. It stands at an impressive 2,772 ft tall and is full of rental space, an observation deck, and even hosts fireworks for the new year. (image courtesy of pjmbarlickoz)

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This incredible and one of a kind aquarium and underwater zoo will make your trip memorable for the entire family. Your children will have the opportunity to learn about the exotic animals under the seas as they get a first hand glimpse at the animals in their natural habitats. You can do more than just look at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, you can get close to the animals with unique scuba and cage diving experiences. (image courtesy of drkrishi)

The Iconic Artificial Island Of Palm Jumeirah

If you want to see all the incredible sites that Dubai offers, then you need to see the The iconic Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, in addition to many other attractions. When you get the chance to see this iconic island, you are also getting to see a piece of history because it is the largest artificial island there is. (image courtesy of lexich_76)

Camel Market

artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. This is a man made island that

was made by the government of Dubai. This island, from top, has a very unique feather-like shape inside a coin and has many resorts and hotels , including the luxurious

The Camel Market is a great way to add a little culture to your trip. When you go you can get the chance to see camels of all ages and sizes. The haggling can be entertaining as you watch the sales and trading of these unique animals. This is one of the oldest attractions that Dubai has to offer. (image courtesy of artefaque)

Grand Mosque

If you are looking for site seeing than you have to see the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the largest Mosques in Dubai. This incredible mosque was originally the main school for studying the Qur'an. This incredible architectural landmark will educate you a little about the history of religion in Dubai. (image courtesy of memphistours_1955)

Lost Chambers

Lost Chambers is one of the most mysterious and fun aquariums in Dubai. You can experience all the beautiful water life and have the chance to feed the fish. Not only will you get to interact with some of the beautiful creatures under the water, but you will also get educated about various myths and history of these incredible animals.  (image courtesy of fotorene )

Take a vacation like never before and come and experience all the incredible attractions and luxuries that Dubai has to offer. Dubai can offer your family culture, fun, adventure, and an incredible learning experience. Make Dubai a part of your next vacation plan, for an incredible experience you won't forget.

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Header image courtesy of Eugene Kaspersky

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Tips on Discovering Luxurious Dubai

 Dubai is famous for being one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. What's more, it's also among the most varied in terms of attractions, with everything from vast shopping centers and water parks to nature reserves and fine dining on offer. Today, we'll be taking a look at some of the best things to do and see while you're here.

 

Stay in a lavish hotel

Now, being synonymous with luxury, Dubai is somewhere a stay in a lavish hotel is a must. In fact, it's famous for being home to the world's first seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab.

You don't have to go up to seven-star standard to experience utter luxury, though. There's a huge array of five-star establishments here that are just about as luxurious as you could imagine - so much so that it's hard to envisage just exactly what else seven-star could give you!

Among the hotels you can book through luxury travel specialists like Sovereign is the One&Only Royal Mirage, which is perched on the ever-popular Jumeirah Beach. A five-star resort, it's nestled in an impressive 65 acres of beautiful gardens, with plenty of sea-facing, Arabian-style rooms and suites that are perfect for really getting into the spirit of the place.

Visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

When thinking of Dubai, high-rise buildings and man-made beaches usually spring to mind - but there's another side to the city. Head to the end of Dubai Creek and you'll reach Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans around 6.2 sq km.

Created to preserve the local natural ecosystem, it is home to more than 500 species of flora and fauna and in winter more than 20,000 water birds can be spotted here.

Dine out in style

Dubai has as strong a reputation for fine dining as it does for luxury hotels, so you really can't miss treating yourself to a meal out at an upmarket restaurant. One of the interesting things about eating here is that there's such a wide range of choice when it comes to cuisine, with food from all over the world available.

Among the establishments to look out for are those that have just received praise from the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2013, including Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, which won the much-coveted Restaurant of the Year. Japanese restaurant TOMO, meanwhile, snapped up Best Newcomer and was applauded for its authenticity.  And if you are a wine lover, this post is a great one.

Hit the shops

Because of the sheer wealth of Dubai and the staggering array of stores its home to, hitting the shops is a must.

It's best to aim for a mixture of shopping centers and traditional souks to get a comprehensive image of the destination's culture.

For the ultimate mall experience, head to Dubai Mall, which is the largest in the world - and is, in fact, also being expanded so it's able to welcome even more visitors than before. There are well over 1,000 stores here, as well as around 160 places to eat and drink. And, just in case that wasn't enough, there's also a cinema, an aquarium and an ice rink - and much else besides!

Deira Gold Souk, meanwhile, gives you a slightly different taste of the city. Here you can see dazzling jewellery; go to Sikkat al-Khail Street to find it.

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