There is a veil hung over Saudi Arabia that distorts the reality that resides behind it. Lift the veil, however, and you will find that many conceptions of Saudi Arabia are misconceptions. It is a country with many areas of beautiful oases and dramatic mountain-tops, beaches and rivers. Its cities, although having no nightlife, do have plenty of cafes and restaurants. There are also shops galore, from the souk to the huge department store. Indeed, Saudi Arabia's major cities are generally very modern, with amenities of a high standard.
As the birthplace of Muhammad, Saudi Arabia contains the holiest cities of Islam. The Saudis take the responsibility for protecting the integrity of this holy land with utmost seriousness, and Islamic laws are strictly enforced by the mutawwa (religious police).

Muscat
Oman’s capital is divided into three main districts: Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi. Muscat, the old walled port town, is dominated by the Sultan’s palace, buildings of the Royal Court and Government offices. Two well-preserved 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, guard the entrance to Muscat, and the city walls contain three beautifully carved original gates. The town’s old houses and narrow streets are overlooked by the hillside Mutrah Fort. The Ali Mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
and the New Mosque beside the sea add to the district’s charm. Mutrah port is the capital’s commercial center and its fish market, souk and many bazaars are well worth visiting. Ruwi is the capital’s business district and has excellent streets for shopping. The National Museum, featuring fine displays of Omani silverwork, and the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum, which outlines Omani history, are located here. There are some stunning beaches, like Qurum Beach, Bandar, Al-Jissah and Yeti, as well as some beautiful gardens: Quram National Park, Riam and Kalbouh.

Salalah
The capital of the southern region is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The lush vegetation makes Salalah seem almost tropical, particularly as it is one of the only places in the Arabian peninsular that catches the monsoon. The Al-Balid and Samhuram ancient cities are a major tourist attraction. Nabi Ayoub (Jacob) Tomb and Tomb of Prophet Omran are interesting to visit. There are also a number of stunning beaches and springs, Ain Sahnot, Ain Rzat and Ain Hamran, with parks and gardens surrounding them.

Sur
Situated in the northeastern province of Sharqiya, Sur is a seafaring town a fishing village and a trading port all rolled into one. Famous for its traditional shipbuilding, the Sur Maritime Museum charts its history. Sur started trading along the African coast as early as the sixth century. It is an old town with winding streets, carved wooden doors and old Arabesque buildings. The nearby village of Tiwi is also worth a visit.

Sohar
There is a very large and functional souk (market) here, full of tailors, fruit-sellers and fishermen. An imposing four-story fort, Sohar Castle, with six towers, overlooks the bay. There is currently a new port under construction.

Matrah-Muscat
Archaeological excavation of the tumuli at the site of Souks Bausharios is fascinating.

Nizwa
Now the main town in the interior province, with an immense palm oasis stretching for 13km (8 miles) along the course of two wadis, Nizwa was once the country’s capital during the sixth and seventh centuries. Famous for its copper and silver handicrafts, the center of the town is dominated by the huge circular tower of one of Oman’s oldest and largest castles.

Jabrin
The 17th-century fortified palace situated here is notable for its painted wooden ceilings and the splendid view across the desert to the mountains.

Bahla
Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has seven miles of ancient defensive walls and is a World Heritage Site. There is a good souk here and the town is known for its pottery. The picturesque village of Al Hamra can be found nearby.

Jebel Akhdar
Literally ‘The Green Mountain’, and rising to nearly 3000m (10,000ft), Jebel Akhdar is noted for its date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages, including Bani Habib and Sharijah.
On the northern slopes of the Jebel Akhdar are the fortress of Al Hazm, built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq, containing the tombs of Oman’s early rulers. On the side of a deep wadi on the south slope of the Jebel Akhdar, sits Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman.

Qurum
Encapsulates Oman’s archaeology, history and culture. The National Museum has a collection of silver, jewelry, weapons and ancient stone artifacts. From here dhows cruise along the palm-fringed coast and there are excellent fishing grounds and beaches.

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