A view of rugged rocky terrain and deep canyon walls with winding paths and steep cliffs.

Mountains and Rocks

Mountains and Rocks

Written by: Luca Krohn , Philip Eichkorn and Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Like hardly any other Arab country, Oman can be proud of a whole series of impressive and exciting mountain ranges. Indeed, these regions are one of the reasons why Oman is becoming increasingly interesting for more and more tourists. For spending a vacation here does not mean lying on the beach for 14 days and lounging around. Rather, one can discover a wide variety of things and natural wonders here. The mountains and rocky landscapes of Oman definitely belong to these natural wonders.

Jebel Shams – the highest mountain of the Arabian Peninsula

Jebel Shams (translated: Mountain of the Sun) is the highest mountain on the Arabian Peninsula, standing at 3009 meters above sea level, and is located in the Hadjar Mountains, which frame the Omani coastal region like a crescent moon. Jebel Shams features a variety of wonderful slopes and smaller peaks that offer a magnificent view. The mountain is equipped for tourism and designed in such a way that even inexperienced hikers can reach the summit on a mountain tour. However, it is advisable to take a knowledgeable guide along. Other exciting mountains include Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, which is famous for its extensive plateau just below the summit. The climate at Jebel Akhdar is more comparable to that of the Mediterranean region. In the winter months, it can even snow on the mountain's plains. By the way, the pomegranates grown here are among the best in the world.

Special Rock Types in Oman

In some parts of the world, one can find true wonders. This is also the case in Oman. In the Hadjar Mountains, for example, rock layers are exposed that are usually only found at depths between 35 and 70 kilometers beneath the continents. In addition to the so-called Molo rock, various other fascinating rock types and sediment layers can be found in Oman that would never be discovered on the surface in other regions of the world. Thus, it is no wonder that Oman is also referred to as a wonder of geology.

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

Terraced fields on the slope of a mountain in a dry, rugged landscape in Oman.

Oman's Mountain World

7 min read

Oman's mountain ranges captivate with a breathtaking variety that appeals to both nature lovers and adventurers alike. The rugged peaks and deep gorges of Jebel Shams, the lush terraces of Jebel Akhdar, and the pristine wilderness of Jebel Samhan offer unforgettable experiences. Whether hiking along secluded trails, enjoying spectacular views, or encountering rare wildlife – Oman’s mountains are a paradise for travelers seeking to experience nature and culture in their purest form. In the following sections, we’ll explore four of the most fascinating mountain regions in the country....

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman with lush gardens in the foreground and mountains in the background during sunset.

Sultan Qaboos

2 min read

Sultan Qaboos ibn Said al Said ruled from July 23, 1970, until his death on January 10, 2020, in Oman. His successor is his cousin Haitham ibn Tariq. As an absolute ruler, the Sultan is the chairman of a cabinet, holding the most important positions himself in this cabinet and appointing other ministers according to his will. There are no free elections for the people, no parliament with political or personnel powers, or other democratic institutions in Oman. The Sultan unites the executive, judicial, and legislative branches in himself. Qaboos held absolute power in his sultanate, which is co...

A person dressed in traditional attire standing at the steps of an ancient architectural structure, viewed through an arched doorway, with warm lighting.

Modern Era

1 min read

The Portuguese began to establish small settlements, which were exemplary of the strategy in the Middle East. Yet even here, the Portuguese struggled to establish them long-term. Time and again, they had to defend themselves against the Ottomans, English, Persians, and Dutch. In 1650 AD, it was the Yaruba dynasty that initially unified Oman and expelled the Portuguese. This dynasty had a significant influence on East Africa, bringing great wealth through the slave trade and trade with India. A civil war, lasting about 25 years and resulting from power struggles, allowed the Persians to reemerg...