insight into Oman

fortresses and frankincense

In our series of destination insights we feature programme ideas, activities and venues that we believe represent the best that Oman has to offer. We hope that this provides a basis from which we can work with you to develop a programme that works best for your people, your business and fits your budget.
Remember that here at eventwise we pride ourselves in designing unique programmes and developing ground breaking ideas, so this insight is just a taster of what may be possible for your event.

Oman overview

The Arabian myth and legend lives on in Oman, desert forts guarded by white robed figures armed with ancient rifles and curved daggers, palm-shaded oases, the home port of Sinbad the Sailor, and fiercely independent but hospitable, courteous people. And oil is there too, although in modest quantities so that the income has permitted sensible development but little in the way of extravagance.

The history of Oman goes back to the very dawn of civilization. The coastal area fronting onto the Gulf of Oman is believed to have been the land known to the Sumerians as Magan, from which as early a 3,000 B.C they were importing copper.
Remains of the settlements and distinctive beehive tombs are the legacy of this early known culture. The Arab history of the country begins in the 2nd Century B.C, with the migration of tribal groups from the region of modern day Yemen.

Omani people were among the first nationalities within the Arabian Peninsula to embrace Islam, doing so during the lifetime of the Prophet in the 7th Century A.D The centuries that followed were a golden age, with Omani sailors and traders roaming from India to Africa.
Oman has remained true to its tradition and culture, and is sure to enchant you with its old world Arabian souks, majestic five-star hotels, golden beaches and dramatic mountain scenery. If you are seeking an experience of the true Arabian way of life, Oman is the place to visit. Muscat is the capital city and has many different tourism options available, catering for
everyone from adventurous thrill seeker to those simply searching for some rest and relaxation.
Themed as the jewel of Arabia, Muscat provides a unique blend of old and new with many grandiose mosques, forts, castles, souks and watchtowers.

getting there

Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman is served by direct scheduled flights from London Gatwick by Oman Air.

where to stay

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa *****
Exclusively located on the bay at Barr Al Jissah, Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman nestles against the dramatic backdrop of the rugged interior mountains and the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Oman, offering both the leisure and business travellers a fully integrated destination resort and providing the perfect gateway to discover this historic land of contrasts and culture.
The resort itself is set in 124 acres of beautiful scenery. The five star resort complex comprises of three hotels with a total of 680 luxurious bedrooms, a large variety of food and beverage outlets, including six main restaurants, seven casual dining outlets and pool bars, three lobby lounges, two bars and a night club, a CHI spa and three private beaches.
The Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is a fantastic self contained and completely self-sufficient property that truly offers something for everyone. And with the backing of the
Shangri-La Group and their fastidious attention to guest services we are wholly confident that your guests every last need will be exquisitely taken care of.

programme example

Day one

Guests meet a private check in desk at London's Gatwick Airport.

Optional enhancement - Goody bag to be handed out at the airport in logo'd bags to include, water, sweets, facial spray, magazine, wet wipes, sun tan cream, mints etc..

Guests travel to Muscat with Oman Air and arrive at 21:00.

Oman visas will be issued on arrival and luxury air-conditioned coaches will transfer guests to the hotel.

Hot towels and welcome packs will be handed out on arrival as guests check in.

Overnight at the Shangri-La.

Day two

Breakfast at leisure.

The ‘can we help' hospitality desk opens this morning and remains open through out the programme as a focal point of reference for guests.

Morning at leisure for guests to relax and discover this amazing resort.

Lunch will be served poolside.

Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner – Guests to meet at the Marina for a relaxing cocktail cruise on a Dhow ship.

Exclusive seafood BBQ at the Al Husn Beach with entertainment, lighting and enhancements.

Overnight at the Shangri-La.

Day three

Breakfast at leisure.

Guests will depart the hotel after breakfast in 4WD vehicles for a full day of adrenaline pumping action.

Cool boxes with refreshing drinks will be placed in each vehicle along with some snacks and fruit.

Guests will head into the dunes for some off road fun and games and then onto the Wadi river bed.

The convoy will stop en route for some Arabic coffee at a traditional Bedouin settlement. Once in the dunes each guest will have the opportunity to take part in some camel riding, sand skiing and quad biking.

Lunch will be served under the shade of the Bedouin tents on traditional Arabic rugs.

Finally no trip to Oman would not be complete without experiencing Wadi Shab which is an amazing Oasis full of palms, mango and banana trees in the middle of a rocky gorge, guests will then be taken on a gentle guided trek along lush wadi where they can either swim or paddle in the crystal clear waters.

Return to the hotel late afternoon.

Guests have some time to freshen up before departing for dinner.

Dinner – Guests will have a unique opportunity this evening to dine at a traditional Omani house. The house will be decorated in traditional Arabic style and an Oud player will entertain guests.

After dinner guests return to the hotel.

Overnight at the Shangri-La.

Day four

Breakfast at leisure.

This morning guests will be treated to a dolphin-watching cruise in the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf.

BBQ lunch on a private beach.

Afternoon at leisure.

During the afternoon traditional Omani costumes will be delivered to each guest's bedroom for this evening's spectacular gala dinner.

Gala dinner – We would propose to hire exclusively the Heritage Village area of the hotel. This area has been devoted to representing the traditional lifestyles of the Arabic people. Guests will become truly immersed in this evening's proceedings.

We suggest that musicians serenade guests from the hotel lobby to the Heritage Village, which is part of the Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort.

Pre dinner drinks and canapés will be served to guests as they arrive with a musical fanfare, camels and dancers.

Cushions and Arabic mats and decorations will be set up in one area for guests to relax.

During pre dinner drinks guests will be able to stroll through the village visiting the stalls and shops that have been set-up for the group, they will have the chance to smoke a hubbly bubbly pipe, ride a camel, taste some delicacies and truly get into the spirit of the evening by getting a henna tattoo.

Once guests have relaxed into the evening they will be able to enjoy a feast of Omani cuisine.

Throughout the evening there will be a full programme of entertainment including exotic belly dancers performing towards the end of the evening followed (if you wish) by a DJ.

Once the evening has closed, guests will return to their rooms where they will find a typical Omani farewell gift.

Overnight at the Shangri-La.

Day five

Breakfast at leisure.

Guests will this morning have the opportunity to choose from one of the following activities, caving, canyonning, abseiling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing or a shopping trip to the souks.

Lunch & afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel prior to departure for the airport.

how much?

An indication of the likely cost of the programme as outlined above is from £2500.00 + UK VAT per person based on the following criteria:

A group of 50 people.

Travel in May 2009.

Economy class air travel on Oman Air.

Sharing twin/double accommodation.

All activities mentioned above are included.

The group would be accompanied by one eventwise travel director.

Half bottle of wine p/p and soft drinks are included with meals.

For more information about Oman please contact our international event design team.

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