Modern Era
Modern Era
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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Camels in Oman
The Arabian camel and favorite of the population of Arabia is actually a dromedary. The one-humped Camelus Dromedarius differs from the also well-known two-humped Bactrian camel. Both species belong to the family of Camels. The habitat is found in large parts of Asia and Africa. As a wild animal, the dromedary is extinct and only exists domesticated as a beast of burden. No matter how abandoned a camel looks in the vast desert, it always has an owner. There is evidence from Arabia that dromedaries have been domesticated for about 3,200 years. The one-humped camel has a body or shoulder height...
Life in Oman
Oman is quickly emerging as a hidden gem for independent travelers. With its unique blend of ancient culture, breathtaking landscapes, and modern comforts, the country is drawing more visitors who crave off-the-beaten-path adventures. This rise in popularity is reflected in the latest travel trends, positioning Oman as an ideal destination for custom-tailored experiences and authentic encounters. ...
Oman Tourism
The Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula is continuously developing its tourism in a sustainable way. The philosophy here is fundamentally different from that of the neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates. In Oman, there are few hotels, which are, however, of very high standard. The image is shaped by a few luxury hotels while simple hotels or guesthouses are rarely seen. A study by the World Economic Forum (published in April 2017) ranks Oman ninth in terms of tourism growth. The character of gentle tourism remains, as the hotels adapt to the traditional image of Oman a...