OMAN through the eyes of MICE&more subscribers
You open the Internet and are surprised to find out that Oman is one of the few remaining sultanates on earth, that it is the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor, that the Portuguese ruled here for almost 200 years, and after their overthrow, the official territory of the state grew to ... Somalia and Mozambique, and they were to blame real pirates in power.
Oman gave the world incense and nutmeg. Oman borders on a great desert, but sheikhs come here to “cool off” in the rain (such are the surprises of the local climate). Fantastic and very expensive Amouage perfumes are produced in Oman... In general, there are a lot of surprises.This is an excellent reason to choose Oman as a destination for the event: after all, people go on trips, first of all, for impressions and sensations. Even if the trip is purely business, a new exotic setting will definitely increase your influence on participants and business processes.
THE MAIN QUESTION IS WHEN?
Oddly enough, this is a priority issue for the groups, because in Oman not only the khat is hot, but also the ilim is very humid. Therefore, come from October to April. At the beginning and end of this period, you may be offered better prices.
MUSCAT FOR BUSINESSMEN
However, if you come to the capital of Oman on a business trip or for a business conference, you will not notice the heat at any time of the year, as the hotels provide all the facilities for work at the most modern level, and, of course, with reliable air conditioning.
OMAN FOR TRAVELLERS
If you are flying to another country, it is strange to limit yourself to the walls of a conference room. Be sure to go on adventures — to the sea, to the mountains, to the desert. Keep in mind that the territory of Oman (unlike the UAE, Qatar or Bahrain) is large, so you need to be prepared for long journeys or even domestic flights if you want to transfer part of the program to southern Salalah, where the Omani "Maldives" and the rainforest are located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
FOOD AND ALCOHOL
Omani cuisine is very tasty and the composition of dishes is close to Iranian, but all the ingredients are more spicy, spicy, that is, you can feel the influence of India, so you need to be careful when choosing a menu. A lot of fruits and sweets, which will definitely please. Be sure to try the signature Omani halva (which is more like jelly) and wash it down with cardamom tea.
The point "alcohol" also needs to be commented on, as it invariably raises questions among the groups. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants. It's expensive. If you have an event at the venue without an alcohol license, you can pay for it for one day (the cost of the license is symbolic).
WHAT WAS IN THE PROGRAM OF OUR TRIP
Sunset cruise around the bay on a traditional dhow boat. There are also morning cruise options — "to meet dolphins", but the evening one seemed to us as romantic as possible: when the heat has subsided and twilight has fallen, you want to prolong every moment.
Acquaintance with Muscat. We visited the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, the Royal Opera House, the Corniche and the old Souq Matrah market. Recommendations:
» To visit the Mosque, it is necessary to observe a strict dress code (national clothes can be rented here, but you need to leave a personal document as a deposit)
» It is ideal to come to Souk in the evening, at 8-9 o'clock it is already not hot, trade is brisk, and do not forget to bargain (discount up to 50%)
» It is highly recommended to include a visit to a performance at the Opera House in the program (from October to April on weekends, see the schedule on the website), it is also possible to rent rooms for events in the theater
A WHOLE DAY IN THE DESERT.
Here you can dash along the dunes in jeeps, ride camels, take part in a workshop on making bread, decorate yourself with a henna drawing. For the evening program, they offer traditional Bedouin dances, a magic fire-eater show, oud playing, belly dancing, cover bands and even watching a movie in the open air.
WADI
Wadis are dried-up riverbeds and reservoirs that fill with water from time to time. Essentially oases: cool emerald lakes surrounded by cliffs and palm trees. If you are invited to a wadi trip, it means that you are going there to swim, dive, look into caves. Be prepared and bring your bathing suits.
HISTORICAL MUSCAT
For those interested in history, ethnography, centuries-old culture, the country has numerous forts, Bedouin villages, and the impressive National Museum of Oman, which opened in 2016.
AND FINALLY, LET'S GET TO KNOW THE HOTELS!
The hotel base of Oman made such a favorable impression on us that I would like to say a few words about each hotel or resort that hosted our group.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A RESPECTABLE CLASSIC: AL BUSTAN PALACE, AND THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL
The hotel is famous for the fact that the 8th floor is the residence of the Sultan. A large beautiful area with swimming pools, fountains, palm trees, green lawns (including for events) and, of course, a beach. A hall of fantastic beauty (like from an oriental fairy tale). Impressive state-of-the-art facilities in numerous meeting rooms.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A MODERN HOTEL RIGHT OFF THE BAT: JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY
The hotel is only one year old. It stretches beautifully along a picturesque bay between bizarre cliffs and the glittering Arabian Sea. A well thought-out design space, two swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Two stylish meeting rooms and an impressive ballroom "Pearl" with 1000 seats. Guests can dine in the green garden overlooking the sea (up to 100 guests).
IF YOU NEED THE BEST MICE RESORT HOTEL: SHANGRI-LA
This resort complex (located in the same places as Jumeirah) has already become legendary for Oman. A huge area along the bay. It unites 3 hotels.
SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN, MUSCAT 5* — luxury adults-only, it is called The Castle here, as it is located on a high cliff. Groups are not accommodated here, the regime of respectable silence is observed, but the hotel is ideal for settling the tops
LA BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA 5* — with a coastline of half a kilometer occupies two separate wings: Al Waha "Oasis" and Al Bandar "City". Al Waha is family-friendly, Al Bandar is ideal for MICE. 460 rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and bars, 6 swimming pools, a variety of water sports and the Lazy River attraction (the only one in Oman). It should also be noted the large number of halls on a separate floor, the presence of open areas for up to 1000 people (one by the sea, the other with a view of the garden and an amphitheater).
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS STANDARD IN DOWNTOWN MUSCAT: CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT
There are many advantages: 15 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes to the city center, the best view of the bay, a private beach in the city, a location close to the walking area with cafes and restaurants, food systems up to Full Board+ (with alcohol). The hotel managers are well versed in the needs of MICE groups.
IF YOU HAVE A REQUEST STRICTLY FOR A BUSINESS EVENT: HORMUZ GRAND MUSCAT, RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL
The hotel is located next to the airport. The beautiful MICE facilities for which the Radisson Collection is renowned, the designer pool and the restaurants, all modern and sophisticated. The hotel as a business hub that is in high demand among the Omani business community and their guests.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A WOW EFFECT: KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT
Kempinski is located in the waterfront complex of Al Muj, which has been called the "new heart of Muscat". It offers state-of-theart 11-room business and meeting facilities, world-class bars and restaurants, an in-house bowling and entertainment centre, a fully equipped fitness centre and an authentic spa. With an area of 1,100 square meters, the Ballroom Muscat is admired, it is shaped like a diamond and has the best projection equipment in the city.
IF YOU'RE DREAMING OF A NIGHT IN THE DESERT
We recommend Thousand Nights Camp 3* and Desert Nights Camp 5*. A space that combines desert activities, team building, a romantic night show under the stars, a beautiful vacation and even a business part!
Hopefully, after you've read our article, you have the answer to the question "Why Oman?".
We would like to thank DMC Perfect Journeys and Oman Air for arranging the trip.
