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

Modern Era

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

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 reemerge before Ahmad ibn Said successfully pushed them back. Since 1746 and until today, the Said dynasty has ruled with the current ruler Haitham ibn Tariq. In 1798, Great Britain gained influence in Oman through a treaty with the Sultan of Muscat and the East India Company. In 1840, Sultan Said decided to move his seat of government to Zanzibar. Despite British influence, this was a flourishing time in history, but after his death, there were disputes in the succeeding generation, leading to the division of the realm into Oman and Zanzibar in 1856. From that point on, the economy went downhill. Maritime trade collapsed, aided by the opening of the Suez Canal and the advent of steamships. Until 1970, the father of the current Sultan kept his country in isolation.

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

Sunset over a town nestled between rugged mountains in Muscat, Oman.

The Regions of Oman

10 min read

Oman captivates travelers with a breathtaking variety of landscapes and cultures. Each region of the country has its own unique characteristics – from rugged mountains and idyllic coastlines to vast deserts and lush oases. In this article, we introduce you to four of Oman’s most fascinating regions, each offering an unparalleled travel experience....

A brown and white goat standing on rocky terrain in a natural outdoor setting.

Oman’s Fascinating Wildlife

7 min read

Oman is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes and historical sites but also for its incredible diversity of wildlife. From the arid deserts to the lush coastal regions, the country is home to a captivating array of animals that enchant travelers from around the world. Whether on land or in the sea, Oman’s wildlife offers unique encounters that make your travel experience truly unforgettable. In this article, we introduce some of the country’s most impressive animals and explain where and how you can best see them....

Seating area with cushions on a boat overlooking a calm body of water with distant mountains.

Fjorde & Dhow

2 min read

One of the most famous images from Musandam is the fjord-like bays that can be found in many places along the steep coast; breathtaking cliffs that plunge into the sea and create pictures that inevitably remind some travelers of Norway. No wonder that Musandam has earned the nickname 'Norway of the Middle East'. These beauties can be experienced and learned about in various ways. Experience the fjords up close Anyone visiting Khasab will quickly notice that the capital of Musandam has quite a bit to offer, but is not necessarily suitable for a longer stay – unless one wants to use their acco...