This post may contain affiliate or Amazon Associate links to in which we would recieve a small compensation on purchases. Read more
When I told everybody I was traveling to Oman for a 24 hour layover all I heard was “WTF is Oman”. *as they pulled out their Google maps to see where that is*
For the average American who doesn’t really keep up with travel blogs or YouTube, it’s pretty intense seeing a country in the same part of the world as Yemen and Iran. It’s not their fault…they just don’t know. You might be one of them. But the reality is, Oman is essentially the Switzerland of the Middle East.
After some time in the Doha airport (and a little bit of chaos), I boarded my short Oman Air flight at around 3am. The flight was pretty empty. 99% of people in traditional Omani hats….. and 1 tourist. Immediately after landing I think “wow this airport is immaculate” and get $100 USD worth of very cool money if I’m being honest. I was stamped into the country before the agent could even read V.I.S.A.
After a quick stroll I’m HIT with the heat, it was suffocating and mind you it was 5:30 in the morning. The Otaxi arrives and we are off to the local Hyatt. Very minimal English from the driver but as always, we communicate and laugh after I mention the only local dish name I know. (thanks Bourdain)
During the drive out you notice one thing, it’s not like Dubai, Riyadh, or these mega cities. EVERY building is low. There is actually a law in place to protect the heritage and traditions, it’s pretty amazing. The government is very competent from what I have learned.
After being blessed with the morning check in (thank you Hyatt) I immediately passed out. At around noon I went for a walk, and it truly felt like the Middle East with the architecture and vibe…loved it. Due to it being ACTUALLY 120° F it was dead silent, I literally thought I was the only one in the country, extremely peaceful.
This is where it gets scary *youtuber thumbnail shocked face*:
I was essentially held hostage in a business. Why? Because of the hospitality. I couldn’t leave until I finished my Arabic coffee. They were so friendly to me I literally felt uncomfortable leaving, they really wanted me to enjoy the coffee and chocolate. That is how you will be treated in Oman.
I went to the mall, went to a shawarma resturant, went to starbucks, and walked the coast. Qurum beach was very quiet, but as time passed, more and more families came out with kids playing everywhere. The thing about the middle east is that people don’t go outside until later in the day due to the heat.
I didn’t really “DO” anything per se. But I discovered I need to return. It’s one of those places where you feel like you teleported back in time. The way of life is something very rare, just peaceful living. Hard to imagine that any drama exists there. If you like the outdoors and natural scenery, you need to rent a car and explore Oman. I cant speak on those sights, but am infuriated I wasn’t educated before going.
That’s an important part of travel in my opinion, you don’t HAVE to do anything. Just interacting with people while living a normal day showed me everything I needed to about this country. Also, it was pretty amazing to have no tourist traps or scammers on the street anywhere.
Due to jet lag, I woke up at around 1am dying of thirst (possible heat stroke, you’re not supposed to walk 10 miles in 120 degrees) so I went to the desk and asked if there’s any way to get a water. 5 minutes later someone came to my door with 7 water bottles and multiple juice options. Keep in mind I literally just asked for 1 water in the middle of the night….the people are so nice here.
The reason of my visit was to try out the Oman Air First Class product, which they have recently replaced. You can read my stream of consciousness here.
For those who have never been to the Middle East, I would recommend Oman for sure.
The catch? I don’t think Oman wants to be like their neighbors. don’t show up here and expect it to be like Dubai, I think they are trying to protect the traditional values and lifestyle. I’m not saying it’s a good or bad thing, that’s just what it is.
