Oman, a nation on the Arabian Peninsula, has terrain encompassing desert, riverbed oases and long coastlines on the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Wahiba Sands is a region of dunes inhabited by Bedouins. The port capital, Muscat, is home to the massive, contemporary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the old waterfront Muttrah quarter, with a labyrinthine souk and busy fish market.

Also in Muscat is the Corniche seaside promenade, which has views of 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani that loom over the harbor. Other fortresses dot the country, including the adobe stronghold of Bahla and the cylindrical castle tower of Nizwa. In the north, Jebel Shams, the country's highest mountain, overlooks Wadi Ghul, a gorge with vertical cliff faces. Coastal attractions range from turtle nesting grounds on Masirah Island to the beach and diving town of Salalah, also known for its banana plantations and lush vegetation during monsoon season.

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