Oman holds out lifetime geo-tourism experience

OMAN

is well-known for its spectacular scenery and geology. The Semail Ophiolite, the Arabian basement, the Jabal Al Akhdhar and the Sand desert are just a few of Oman’s natural gems. For geologists, the charm of Oman lies in its mountain ranges and ophiolites. The Semail Oman ophiolite is the largest, best preserved, best exposed, beststudied ophiolite in the world, widely recognised as a ‘world class’ example of its type.

According to the Geological Society of Oman, the geological heritage of Oman in combination with deeply rooted Omani culture and hospitality puts the country among the top destinations for geo-tourism.

The unique surface geology of Oman offers a golden opportunity for the development of outstanding geo-tourism industry in the country. Two main sectors emerged in recent times in Oman; scientific geo-tourism and cultural or scenic geo-tourism.

Oman’s geological heritage spans over 850 million years with substantial part of it exposed at surface. World class exposures of rocks and fossil combined with breathtaking scenery and culture make the perfect blend for lifetime geo-tourism experience.

— Shahzad Hussain Rizvi

Oman’s mountain, its scenic beauty and geology are spectacular. But it is important to realise that visitor attraction and tourism activity around sites of scenic and geological interest can result in environmental dam-