Oman is a stunningly beautiful country with a rich history and bountiful heritage set in a breathtaking landscape. As an ancient seafaring country, Oman has always been open to the world, and is now increasingly popular with discerning travellers and tourists. Since the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970, Oman has thrived, adopting the best features of modern technology while keeping its own heritage and unique culture very much alive.

In 1874 an expedition set out overland from Saint Petersburg, to travel through China. Their route took them to the important cities of Peking and Shanghai as well as to unexplored interior regions, and culminated in a perilous return to Russia via part of the Silk Road on a route banned to foreigners.

“It is not asking for much – we just want to live like human beings. We want to be able to take our kids to school easily and not for it to take all day. We want to send our father and mother for medical treatment, not for them to die at checkpoints.”

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of man’s relationship with the Creator. Mecca is located in an arid land where nothing grows, and few, if any, earthly distractions exist. The pilgrim is therefore left alone face to face with God.