A minaret with a dome in a city surrounded by mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Modern Times

Modern Times

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

In 1970, Sultan Qaboos ibn Said deposed his father and became the new ruler of the Sultanate of Oman. After his death in January 2020, his cousin Haitham ibn Tariq succeeded him. With oil revenues as the basis, the Sultan managed to nearly revolutionize the country in just a few decades through infrastructure, education and health. To this day, citizens honor their head of state for his remarkable efforts.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A man dressed in traditional Bedouin attire walking through a desert landscape with sand dunes during sunset.

Bedouins in Oman

2 min read

Classically viewed, a Bedouin is a desert dweller who wanders as a nomad through the desert. Historically, nomads generally moved from grazing land to grazing land to ensure the survival of their herds and their respective tribe. The people in the coastal regions of Oman settled down long ago. In the fishing villages and smaller trading ports, people have lived as 'Hadr' for centuries—a term used to describe settled coastal dwellers. The Bedu (the term for desert tribes in Oman), on the other hand, have mostly settled down in recent decades. How many Bedouins are there in Oman? The country i...

Sunset over the Wahiba Sands desert with rolling sand dunes and a colorful sky.

The Deserts of Oman

7 min read

Oman's desert landscapes are true natural wonders, captivating with their vast dunes, serene beauty, and rich Bedouin culture. Whether it’s desert safaris, nights under the starry sky, or encounters with centuries-old Bedouin traditions, each desert offers unforgettable experiences. These landscapes are not just adventure playgrounds but also a testament to a deeply rooted culture. Below, we introduce the five most impressive deserts of Oman, each with its own unique features and adventures....

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with a spotted whale shark and colorful fish.

Diving in Oman

8 min read

Over the past few decades, Oman has transformed from a country with a deep historical connection to pearl diving into one of the world’s most fascinating diving destinations. With a diving tradition that dates back to the 6th millennium BC, the country was shaped by the brave pearl divers, known as “ghai ghawwas,” who dove as deep as 20 meters, equipped with nothing more than basic tools like nose clips and leather caps to retrieve the ocean’s precious treasures. Today, while Oman no longer draws divers with pearls, it offers unspoiled dive sites that captivate both experienced divers and adve...