Wadi Shuwaymiyah

A Khanjar is a traditional ceremonial dagger, as still worn in Oman today. Originally, the dagger, whose blade is shaped like a J or a hook, was intended as a weapon for attack or defense, but today it is more of a ceremonial garment and a status symbol. Materials used The art of weapon smithing was highly perfected in the Arab countries during the Middle Ages. Just think of famous swords like the Damascus or other masterpieces of sword and dagger craftsmanship, and it quickly becomes clear that Arab master blacksmiths have made weapons like a Khanjar into one thing – a work of art. It also ...

When the first cargo ship loaded with oil set sail from Oman in 1967 and headed out into the world, a new era began for the country on the Persian Gulf. Once a trading superpower that traded with China and maintained its own trading posts in Africa, Oman had become a simple and impoverished desert state where people lived off agriculture and livestock farming in the few arable areas. There were hardly any other sources of income, leaving the population poor and largely uneducated. The vast land was barely governable, leading to regular tribal conflicts and sometimes civil war-like conditions. ...

In Oman, a blend of basic language skills and cultural sensitivity can unlock more profound travel experiences. While Arabic is the official language, English facilitates communication in many areas. Often, though, it’s the simple Arabic phrases that bring smiles to Omanis and enhance encounters. This guide demonstrates how apps, phrasebooks, and an awareness of local customs can help travelers connect authentically with the country and its people....