Oman Real Estate

Oman sits on the Arabian peninsula on the Tropic of Cancer, lapped by the waters of the Arabian sea to the southeast and the Gulf of Oman to the northwest. It enjoys strong relationships with both the United States and United Kingdom, and was listed by the United Nations Development Programme as being the most-improved nation over the last 40 years. Today, Oman enjoys a reputation as one of the most developed and stable countries of the region.

Most of central Oman is covered by a desert plain. Along the northern and southeastern coasts there are large mountain ranges giving the country two very different climates; hot and dry in the centre and humid along the coasts. Much Oman real estate can be found in the main cities and tourist destinations of the coast. The country as a whole enjoys a great many sunny days each year, with some areas having little or no rain at all. Average rainfall in Muscat averages 10 cm, mostly in January.

Oman has been settled since the late stone age, with archaeological artefacts found at Dereaze dating to 7000 BC. The country is believed to be named after Arab tribes who migrated from the Uman region of Yemen. Today, Oman covers 309,500 square kilometres, home to varied and affordable Oman real estate. There are also two exclaves called Musandam, which is separated from other areas by the United Arab Emirates, and Madha which is inside UAE territory. There is also the large island of Masirah off the eastern coast which can be accessed by a small car ferry. Most Oman real estate can be found along the more verdant coasts.

Whilst the official language of Oman is Arabic, the country has adopted English as a second language and almost all signs appear in both Arabic and English, making it easy for those buying Oman real estate to explore the landscape.

What is there to do in Oman?

The country has a wealth of popular visitor attractions.

Its 1700km coastline boasts dozens of stunning, clean beaches, few of which are privately-owned, giving owners of Oman real estate easy access for a day's relaxation. Many coves are perfect for snorkelling, with gentle shelving sands that are safe for youngsters. Qurum beach near Muscat is ideal for visitors, with picnic areas, lush palm trees for shade and is a haven for all manner of water-sports.

The clean, clear waters of the Arabian sea are perfect for scuba diving some of the most biologically productive seas in the world. The warm waters are home to 22 species of whale and dolphin, and attract sea turtles which breed on Omani beaches. Furthermore, it is probably the most important breeding site for loggerhead turtles in the world.

Away from the coasts, there is ample opportunity for anyone buying Oman real estate to try rock climbing and trekking in the mountains, a popular route for experience walkers being the 'Jebel Shams Rim Walk', which is the highest mountain in Oman at 3075m. Along this route are stunning panoramic views of Wadi Nakhr and Wadi Ghul. There are also caves to explore, the most famous being the 'Majils al Jinn' - the second largest chamber in the world - which should only be attempted with professional guidance.

There are also numerous verdant parks and gardens that astound visitors. What better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and sweet smells than from Oman real estate? Qurum Natural Park, the largest of the parks in Muscat, opened in 1993 and incorporates beautiful floral displays as well as a large boating lake.

Thanks to its long history, there are also many cultural sites to visit such as over 500 forts, castles and towers. The most famous forts of Jalali and Mirani stand at the entrance to Muscat bay, built in the 16th century.

Perhaps surprisingly, Oman has a varied wildlife population, thanks in part to strict laws banning hunting of endangered species such as the Arabian leopard and Arabian Oryx. Those who wish to buy Oman real estate can enjoy nature treks to see rare and exotic bird and animal species.

For those who like to shop, Oman’s many towns are often the home of ‘souqs’, a permanent marketplace for all manner of items and oddities, from gold and silver jewellery, ornaments, household goods, carvings and spices. While Mutrah, just outside Muscat, has one of the oldest preserved souqs, the Qurum and Al Khuwair suburbs of Muscat boast shopping malls for those who seek top Western brands. The largest mall, however, is in Muscat city centre.

Oman Real Estate

Oman real estate can be found in most areas of the country, with new developments springing up to tempt investors and prospective holiday home owners.

Salalah Beach

Salalah Beach, just outside the town of Salalah in the south west of Oman (known for its annual Khareef festival), will offer an integrated community of beautiful real estate, retail outlets, exquisite 5 star hotels, a large inland marina of 200 berths, restaurants and everything one could wish for. The resort will also boast a 36 hole PGA golf course.

Designed as a low density development, where 75% of the land remains in nature’s hand, Salalah beach offers the Oman real estate owner a peaceful, beachside lifestyle where shopping and nightlife are within an easy reach. An added incentive will be the freehold status of the Oman real estate, allowing 100% foreign ownership.

In July /August, the Salalah Tourism Festival brings music, entertainment and dance with a large carnival that winds its way along 3km of the town’s streets.

Jebel Sifah

Situated just 45km from Muscat is Jebel Sifah, a development set amongst the white sandy beaches and azure waters of the Arabian sea with majestic views of the Hajar mountain range. Its appeal is easy to see, with beautiful architecture set amidst blue skies – truly a place to get away from it all but with the knowledge that bright lights are a short drive away.