B ordered by the Indian Ocean , United Arab Emirates , and Saudi Arabia , Oman has for centuries been one of the Gulf region ’ s most important trading points . With surprisingly varied landscape ranging from jagged mountains , vast desert and tropical greenery , it is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Middle East . While the desert makes up most of western Oman , the country ’ s standout feature is its impressive mountains . They form a physical backbone , emerging out of the sand in the west and dropping sharply towards the sea in the north and the east . The capital city , Muscat , sits on the north coast with the Tropic of Cancer running straight through it . While the city is not short on luxury hotels and meeting venues , it represents only a |
snippet of what else Oman has to offer . Oman was a prosperous and important player in the Middle East for centuries , but the country we know today began to take shape in the early 20th Century . The defi ning moment in Oman ’ s history came in 1967 , when oil was fi rst exported , transforming the country into a vibrant and appealing destination . The Sultan continued to modernise Oman throughout the 1970s in what became known as the ‘ Omani Renaissance ’. In 1971 Oman joined the Arab League and the United Nations . Between 1970 and 2013 life expectancy in Oman greatly increased and women were granted the vote for the fi rst time in 2003 . Today , as global economics change , Oman is constantly |
evolving as a diverse nation , branching out into many different industries beyond raw materials . One of the key areas for growth in recent years has been the dramatic increase in meetings , conferences , incentives and exhibitions business heading to the country . Responding to the growing demand for events business , the government has invested heavily in developing infrastructure and facilities . The opening of the Oman Exhibition & Convention Centre and the construction of several new hotels , complete with meetings facilities , underline this investment . Business visits can be complemented with a raft of exciting activities which not only aim to inspire , but provide a memorable experience of what this beautiful country has to offer . |
Images above , top to bottom : From camel treks to 4x4 driving , |