Muscat needs to set up good libraries

the batil and the larger mashuwwah, can also be seen at the finely restored old Khasab Fort.

Oman has been a seafaring nation for thousands of years; in fact, as far back as the 8th century AD, an Omani vessel is known to have reached Canton in China. Traditional dhows, including the Boum, Ghanjah,shu’i and Badan, to name but a few types, were used in trading and could weather most storms safely to reach ports in Iran, India, South East Asia and along the African coast to Zanzibar.

Oman is a tourist country with an ancient heritage and culture and dhow-making is a part of Omani heritage. Oman is always keen to protect and preserve its heritage.

— David D’souza

The strikingly beautiful natural scenery of Oman sets it apart from all other destinations in the region. What strikes tourists most is the way in which tradition and modernity combine to produce a beautiful spectacle, providing a mixture of awe and excitement.

The visitor in Muscat can see a pleasant contrast of images of Oman’s past and present. Sitting among huge serrated hills, Muscat is both a traditional and a modern city that has preserved its Arabian values, culture and architectural designs.

Other attractions of Muscat city are corniche, Qantab beach and Qas-re-alam flanked by Jalali and Mirani forts. The Capital area stretches over more than 50 km along the coast. Between the rugged mountains are snow-white settlements, splendid mosques and palaces.

— Harshad Damle

This year Muscat is named Arab Tourism Capital. British magazine Lonely Planet has chosen Muscat as the second best tourist destination in the world. Muscat indeed deserves these honours and in near future when a number of its major projects are completed it will be all the more beautiful and enjoyable.