Oman Tour Guides

Oman Ministry of Tourism Oman Posters for a Lecture

It was nice to be able to attend a presentation by Professor Ross Dowling.

It was organised by the Oman Ministry of Tourism and was designed to give an overview about ‘Enhancing Visitor Experiences’

Ross Dowling being introduced for his Talk on Role of Guides

Cruise from Salalah Oman

This time next year I hope to be on board the MS Island Sky for a wonderful cruise from Salalah along Oman’s coast and on up to Sir bani Yas in Abu Dhabi – plenty of subjects for talks.

Its 10 year since I joined the Shearwater when it undertook Nobel Caledonia’s first Gulf Cruise in 2000 – we ventured from Muscat up to Bahrain .

Shearwater in Musandam

Cruising in the Gulf has become more popular since then – warm winter sun might be a factor! But the Island Sky  will go where other ships cannot reach and add in spectacular scenery, extraordinary birdlife along the coast, the historical monuments in Oman and of course the fabulous Omani’s themselves and it should again be a journey to remember.

Jan Gehl talks about People Friendly Cities

Jan Gehl, whose company is advising Muscat Municipality, gave a talk last night on creating people friendly cities.

Jan Gehl talks about people and Muscat

He gave examples of New York’s Broadway being pedestrianized, and how Melbourne in Australia moved away from being a ‘DoughNut’ city (one with an empty hole at its core) into a vibrant people oriented city.

The new Chairman of Muscat Municipality seems to be keen on creating a city where vehicles are given less priority and pedestrians and cyclists more (as I live in one of the more walkable areas of Muscat and have cycled round it for over two decades that emphasis will be great)

Royal Opera House Muscat

Royal Opera House Muscat

With 24 hour work the impressive Royal Opera House in Muscat is beginning to show how it will look.

In the ‘in vogue’ monumental style with beige coloured stonework – it will be in keeping with the latest government buildings throughout Muscat. The opening is going to be a spectacular occasion – hopefully including the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra.

Queen Mary 2 in Muscat

Gliding in and out of Mina Sultan Qaboos – the Queen Mary 2 showed not only her size – but also her maneuverability. She span around on her axis to berth in the harbours longest quay.

Her size dwarfs the old QEII which I photoed in those far off pre-digital days of 1997 – but as the trend is for size the QM2 is exceeded in tonnage by other ships

QE II Muscat

Oasis of Oman

The launch of the book ‘Oases of Oman’ was held today.

Professor Andreas Buerkert talks about Oman's Oasis

Professors Andreas Buerkert & Eva Schlecht gave a very interesting supporting presentation which focused on the historical nature of them and the various pressures they are under today.