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.

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Public transport in Oman differs from that in Germany, for example. There is an extensive bus network only in the capital. Otherwise, public transport mainly consists of taxis, the white vehicles with the taxi sign on the roof. If you want to travel back and forth between cities in Oman, you choose the airplane or the coach. A railway line does not exist at the moment. By taxi through the city There is a phone number to order a taxi only in Muscat. In the other cities in Oman, you literally have to look for a taxi. However, this is not difficult, as they drive around everywhere in the city. ...

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When you explore Oman from the coastal roads you will continually encounter a typical natural attraction of the country. So-called wadis stretch along the coastal strip. Wadis are dry riverbeds that flow into the sea. These valleys are home to a unique flora and fauna and resemble dreamy oases. Wadi Tiwi is located just 3 km from the town of the same name. Wadi Tiwi is densely vegetated and its mountain formations contrast fascinatingly with the vegetation. Over a distance of about 10 kilometers, you can explore this palm-rich wadi from above and enjoy a great view of its shape. Several small ...