Oman is a remarkable destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a blend of thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. From exhilarating hikes and adventurous sandboarding down towering dunes to tranquil nights spent camping under a star-filled sky, the options are endless for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural world.

Turtle-Watching at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a fascinating ecosystem that showcases pristine coastlines, expansive golden deserts, verdant oases, and rugged mountain terrains. This reserve serves as a critical nesting ground for four different species of turtles: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. 

As a premier eco-tourism site in Oman, it provides an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to witness the nesting process of these ancient creatures without causing any disturbance. Additionally, the reserve features an interactive museum and research facilities where guests can learn more about turtle biology and conservation efforts, enhancing their understanding of these remarkable marine reptiles.

The Unique Nature and Wildlife of the Desert

Jebel Samhan, the highest mountain in the Dhofar region, is home to Oman’s Leopard Sanctuary, accessible only with special permission. The journey to this sanctuary is a visual delight, as the road winds through areas populated with majestic baobab, acacia, and frankincense trees, alongside traditional Bedouin settlements that offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. 

This nature reserve plays a significant role in protecting some of the last remaining wild Arabian leopards, along with other rare species such as the Arabian wolf and striped hyena. Wildlife enthusiasts will also have the chance to spot gazelles, foxes, and Nubian goats in their natural habitats.

For an unforgettable experience, visitors can set up camp on the mountain plateau, enjoying breathtaking views and the chance to cool off at the Tawi Ateer Sinkhole.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is celebrated as Oman’s largest and most beautiful oasis, featuring serene emerald pools surrounded by lush palm trees, all framed by dramatic desert cliffs and boulders. The area has been thoughtfully developed to enhance visitor experiences, boasting several bridges, seating areas, and a restaurant that harmoniously blend with the natural beauty of the oasis. 

Located a three-hour drive from Muscat and two hours from Sur, this scenic canyon is a worthwhile destination for those seeking tranquility and picturesque landscapes.

Sunrise Desert Yoga

Start your day with a refreshing sunrise yoga session on the soft sands of the desert. This unique experience allows participants to reconnect with nature and embrace a fresh beginning, all while enjoying the peace and beauty of the desert landscape as the sun rises.

Visit & Eat in a Bedouin House in the Desert

For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, staying at a traditional desert camp run by a local Bedouin family in Sharqiya Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, offers a unique opportunity. Guests can enjoy warm Bedouin hospitality, with options to sleep under the stars or in cozy huts.

Meals are served at an on-site restaurant, and various desert activities, including camel treks, are available. The camp is proud of its environmentally friendly practices and was awarded the Oman Green Award in 2013, highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Dhow Cruise Along the Coast South from Muscat

Setting sail on a traditional dhow along the southern coast from Muscat provides a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains. This area is rich in marine life, and it’s common for playful dolphins to swim alongside the boats, with seasonal sightings of whales adding to the excitement. A variety of excursion options are available, from short trips to overnight adventures, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy this serene experience away from the urban hustle.

Wadi Al Shab Hike

Wadi Al Shab is one of Oman’s most popular gorges, known for its spectacular waterfall nestled within a cave. A short boat ride across a narrow ravine leads to this lush paradise, surrounded by towering cliffs. Visitors may spot Omani women in traditional dress gathering herbs from the cliffs, adding to the cultural richness of the area. 

The hike to the caves requires about an hour of trekking across varied mountainous terrain, with opportunities for refreshing swims in natural emerald pools along the way. The exploration includes several caves, culminating in the breathtaking waterfall.

Wadi Tiwi

Wadi Tiwi, named after the nearby village, is a serene oasis boasting lush plantations and farms, alongside a stunning natural pool bordered by date and banana trees, complemented by a picturesque waterfall. This deep, narrow gorge, carved through the mountains, runs between towering cliffs and descends to the sea.

Located in the Al Sharqiyah region, adjacent to the more famous Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi offers a more secluded experience, with a narrow road winding through traditional villages leading to its entrance.

Balcony Walk

Perched on Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain often referred to as the Grand Canyon, the Balcony Walk is a well-marked trail that follows the canyon's rim. This four-hour hike showcases some of the most breathtaking views in Oman, passing through abandoned villages and hidden waterfalls that provide fantastic photo opportunities.

The trail is moderately challenging but can be easily navigated in trainers, as it doesn’t require significant climbing.

Misfat Al Abriyeen

Nestled in the foothills, the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is renowned for its beautiful agricultural terraces, charming alleys, and ancient mud houses topped with palm frond roofs, all built on solid rock foundations. Often called a "mountain oasis," the village features stunning local gardens nourished by an intricate falaj irrigation system carved into the mountain.

Many villagers rely on these terraces for their livelihood, cultivating a variety of fruits, including bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus fruits, and dates, making it a vibrant hub of agricultural activity.

Oman is a remarkable destination for nature and wildlife lovers, offering diverse experiences from turtle-watching at Ras Al Jinz Reserve to the serene beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid.

With opportunities for adventure, such as hiking and desert yoga, alongside authentic Bedouin hospitality, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the country's unique landscapes and rich culture. Oman invites all to explore its natural wonders and create lasting memories.

Travellers eyeing affordable summer getaways are in for a treat as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announces a 15% discount on select flights to and from the UAE capital. The offer is valid for bookings made for travel between May 1 and June 30, 2025.

The ultra-low-cost carrier, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) and Hungary-based Wizz Air, is rolling out the promotion to fuel summer travel demand. Bookings can be made exclusively via the airline’s official website and mobile app.

While Wizz Air hasn’t released a complete list of discounted routes, the offer includes several popular regional and European destinations, targeting budget-savvy flyers looking to explore more for less during the peak travel season.

The promotion aligns with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s ongoing expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to growing a cost-effective network out of the UAE capital. Since its launch in 2021, the airline has focused on short- and medium-haul destinations, aiming to make travel accessible for all.

Travellers are encouraged to act fast—discounted seats are limited and only available within the promotional booking window.

Qatar Airways Holidays, the leisure division of the award-winning Qatar Airways, has unveiled meticulously curated travel packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the largest-ever edition of the tournament spanning 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The historic event, featuring 48 teams and over 104 matches, will unite football fans globally, with Qatar Airways Holidays providing end-to-end solutions that include international and domestic flights, luxury accommodations, intercity transfers, stadium transport, and guaranteed match tickets.

These packages, available in phases leading up to the tournament, prioritize convenience for fans, offering four- and five-star hotel stays in prime locations, seamless airport-to-stadium logistics, and flexible booking options through a dedicated digital platform.

As FIFA’s Official Global Airline Partner through 2030, Qatar Airways will leverage its vast network of over 150 destinations and its Privilege Club loyalty program, allowing members to earn Avios points on every package component—from flights to hotel stays—redeemable for future travel or upgrades.

Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar, highlighted the company’s fan-first approach: “Our packages are designed to eliminate travel complexities, ensuring supporters can focus entirely on the tournament. From curated city-hopping itineraries to exclusive hospitality experiences, we’re delivering unmatched access to this global celebration of football.”

The phased release strategy aims to accommodate diverse fan needs, with early registrants gaining priority access to premium match tickets and hotel inventory. Qatar Airways’ partnership with FIFA, active since 2017, underscores its commitment to global sports development, complementing its portfolio of high-profile collaborations with entities like UEFA, Formula 1®, and the Brooklyn Nets.

The airline’s role extends beyond logistics, offering cultural immersion opportunities, such as curated stopovers in Doha, where travelers can explore Qatar’s heritage ahead of their World Cup journey.

Exclusive Member Benefits and Global Reach:

Privilege Club members enjoy double-dip rewards, earning Avios on flights and Qpoints on total package value, alongside exclusive Cash + Avios redemption rates for significant savings. Qatar Airways Holidays’ partnerships with over 300,000 hotels and 40+ cruise lines ensure tailored experiences, whether fans seek urban hubs near stadiums or tranquil retreats between matches.

The division’s 170+ destination network and multi-city flight options simplify cross-border travel across the three host nations, with dedicated customer support teams assisting in customizing itineraries.

Registration and Competitive Edge:

With demand expected to surge, early registration via qatarairways.com/fifa26 is encouraged. The first-come, first-served model prioritizes accessibility, while the platform’s real-time availability tracking and flexible payment plans cater to diverse budgets. Qatar Airways Holidays also guarantees price-match competitiveness, ensuring bundled flights and accommodations remain cost-effective compared to piecemeal bookings.

Legacy of Sports Excellence:

Building on its success as the official carrier for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Airways continues to champion global sports through partnerships with rugby’s British and Irish Lions, tennis icon Novak Djokovic, and motorsport events like MotoGP. Its 2026 travel packages reinforce this ethos, blending operational precision with fan-centric innovation, setting a new standard for mega-event hospitality.

About Qatar Airways Holidays:

Operating in 84 countries, the division specializes in seamless travel experiences, from curated stopovers in Doha’s cultural landmarks to event-centric bundles for Formula 1® and UEFA tournaments. Its integration with Privilege Club elevates loyalty rewards, while its focus on accessibility—including multilingual support and 24/7 assistance—ensures a stress-free journey for fans worldwide.

As the authorized provider for FIFA’s marquee event, Qatar Airways Holidays reaffirms its position as a leader in global sports tourism, transforming how fans engage with the world’s most beloved tournaments.

Oman Air has elevated its Muscat-Moscow route to a year-round service, marking a strategic move to cater to rising travel demand and deepen economic collaboration between the two nations. Starting in May, the airline will deploy its advanced Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft for three weekly flights during the summer season, with departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays in May and June, expanding to include Thursdays from July to September.

The winter schedule, effective October through April, will offer up to six weekly flights, departing Muscat in the afternoon and arriving in Moscow by evening, while return flights leave late at night, ensuring optimal connectivity. The aircraft’s dual-class configuration includes 12 spacious Business Class seats and 150 ergonomic Economy seats, all equipped with modern amenities such as USB ports and personalized entertainment systems.

The initiative aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 framework, as highlighted by His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, who emphasized the route’s role in advancing tourism, trade, and cross-cultural engagement.

Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis reinforced Moscow’s status as a high-demand hub, enabling the airline to bridge Russia with key markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Muscat’s strategic location. Beyond passenger travel, the expanded service bolsters cargo operations, facilitating the transport of high-value goods and perishables, thereby boosting bilateral trade.

Travelers on the route will experience Oman Air’s signature hospitality, including regionally inspired cuisine and a curated selection of entertainment. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader network growth, which includes recent additions like Chittagong and the Maldives, alongside increased frequencies to Indian cities such as Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram.

By transitioning the Moscow route to year-round operations, Oman Air not only addresses seasonal travel spikes but also supports Oman’s economic diversification goals, positioning itself as a pivotal player in global aviation connectivity.

 

Etihad Airways has unveiled its Summer Sale for 2025, giving travelers the chance to save up to 30% on flights to a broad selection of global destinations. This limited-time offer is available for bookings made through April 18, 2025, with travel dates spanning from May 1 to September 30, 2025—ideal for summer vacations.

Discounted fares start at just AED 995 (approximately USD 270) on select routes, making international travel more accessible. Travelers can find attractive deals to sought-after destinations like Tel Aviv and Amman, while business class tickets to cities such as Bangkok begin at around AED 9,995, providing premium comfort at a competitive price.

This year’s sale introduces new routes to Prague and Warsaw, launching in June 2025, alongside discounted fares to popular seasonal destinations like Santorini, Antalya, and Nice—each celebrated for their scenic beauty and lively summer atmosphere. Etihad is also expanding its reach with 15 new destinations, offering travelers even more choices.

Families are a central focus of this promotion. Etihad provides dedicated family check-in counters, priority boarding, and a ‘Little VIP’ program featuring themed activity packs and child-friendly amenities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for families. The airline’s inflight entertainment system includes a wide range of family-friendly content to keep all passengers entertained.

Additionally, Etihad’s complimentary stopover program in Abu Dhabi offers up to two free nights at select hotels, inviting travelers to experience the city’s cultural and leisure attractions. With increased flight frequencies to major cities and leisure hotspots, Etihad’s Summer Sale 2025 delivers value, convenience, and enhanced service for both vacationers and business travelers.

Key destinations featured in Etihad’s Summer Sale 2025:

• Prague, Czechia (new route)

• Warsaw, Poland (new route)

• Antalya, Turkey (seasonal)

• Santorini, Greece (seasonal)

• Nice, France (seasonal)

• Paris, France

• Milan, Italy

• Rome, Italy

• Manchester, UK

• Frankfurt, Germany

• Munich, Germany

• Zurich, Switzerland

• Barcelona, Spain

• Madrid, Spain

• Malaga, Spain (seasonal)

• Atlanta, USA

• Nairobi, Kenya

• Bali, Indonesia (daily summer flights)

• Sydney, Australia (increased frequency)

In a move to boost travel enthusiasm and offer more affordable options to its customers, Wizz Air UAE has launched a significant promotion, providing discounts of up to 20% on flights to a variety of popular destinations. This enticing offer began on April 1, 2025, and applies to select routes, allowing travelers to explore exciting locations at reduced fares. The discounted travel period spans from April 28 to June 15, giving passengers ample time to plan their trips during the spring season.

The promotion is available for bookings made through Wizz Air's user-friendly website or mobile app, ensuring a seamless booking experience for all travelers. Members of the WIZZ Discount Club enjoyed exclusive early access to this offer starting March 31, while the general public could begin booking from April 1. This strategic move not only rewards loyal customers but also attracts new travelers looking for budget-friendly options.

Wizz Air UAE's network expansion is also noteworthy, with the introduction of new routes from Abu Dhabi to Varna, Bulgaria, and Bucharest Băneasa Airport in Romania. The Varna route operates three times a week, while Bucharest Băneasa sees four weekly flights, enhancing connectivity to these culturally rich destinations.

Varna, often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, is renowned for its stunning beaches and historical landmarks, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration. Bucharest Băneasa Airport, on the other hand, offers convenient access to Romania's vibrant capital, known for its architectural beauty and lively atmosphere.

The airline's extensive network spans across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, catering to a diverse range of travelers. Popular routes include connections to major cities such as London, Milan, Abu Dhabi, and more, making Wizz Air a preferred choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable yet efficient travel options. The promotion covers both one-way and round-trip flights, providing flexibility for passengers to plan their trips according to their needs.

Travelers are advised to book their flights early due to limited seat availability under this promotion. Wizz Air UAE continues to reinforce its commitment to providing affordable travel options while expanding its reach through strategic route additions and attractive promotions, further solidifying its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the region. This approach not only benefits travelers but also contributes to the growth of tourism in the destinations served by the airline.