Oman gears up for peak tourism season

MUSCAT: A wave of enthusiasm is sweeping across hotels, shops, and tourism operators as Oman ushers in its peak tourism season this October, lasting through April — the most favourable time for visitors to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
With milder temperatures, the season offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities including hiking, wadi exploration, beach visits, and turtle watching. The cooler months also mark the best time for desert adventures in Rimal Al Sharqiya, Dhofar and Al Wusta, where visitors can enjoy dune bashing, camel rides and stargazing.
For businesses, the season brings both domestic and international opportunities. “We call this our autumn,” said Zahour Ahmed, a gift shop owner at a leading hotel. “A guest who visited last year returned and bought what he had admired before. Our contacts from Salalah have sent khojri frankincense, young jewellery designers from Sur supply their latest creations, and I travel across souqs to source unique pieces.” His silver collection now includes Omani-inspired cufflinks.
Ahmed added that Oman’s peaceful charm makes it an ideal destination to overcome stress.
The season also coincides with the arrival of cruise ships. In 2023, Oman received more than 200 cruise vessels, a sharp increase from 28 in 2021 and 81 in 2022. Over 321,000 tourists arrived on cruise ships alone last year, underlining the sector’s growing importance as a niche market.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, the Royal Opera House Muscat will launch its 2025-26 season with Sindbad: The Omani Sailor was held on October 3 and today, October 5.
A new grand opera co-produced with Müpa Budapest, it reimagines the voyages of the legendary Arabian adventurer. The work, composed by Hisham Gabr with an Arabic libretto by Nader Salah El Din, features Arab soloists and choirs performing alongside the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under director Casba Kàel.