Oman Warnings Or Dangers

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      Al Qurm Beach, Muscat
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Don't Ignore The Signs

by Ali&Steve

This is what happens if you think you can drive through a flowing wadi when the water has reached the red limit on the adjacent warning poles. This picture is from a wadi right in the middle of Muscat and the woman was very lucky to escape. The car is (was) a Toyota Land Cruiser. So, when you laugh at the signs that say "Stop If Water Is At Red" as the hot sun beats down on the dry gravel and sand, bear in mind that when it does rain the signs are there for your safety and heed what they say.

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Flooding in Oman

by victorwkf

This is really an irony but true. According to statistics, more people die in Oman due to floods than due to the desert ! This is because sudden heavy rain can cause severe flood because the shallow wadis (rivers) and drainage system were not built to handle such an event. As such, do travel carefully in Oman in the event of heavy rain.

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Taking photographs

by victorwkf

In Oman and other muslim countries, it is courteous to ask permission before taking photographs of the locals, especially the women who can be very sensitive. Generally, local men enjoy taking photographs and so are children. Also, you are not allowed to take photographs of embassies (in Muscat), military installations and other senstive locations. If caught, you camera and films could be confiscated so you have to be very careful.

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Ensure your vehicle is well equiped

by victorwkf

Because the countryside of Oman is rugged, huge and sparsely populated, you have to ensure that your vehicle (especially 4 wheel drive vehicle used for rugged terrain) is well-equipped before moving out e.g. first aid kit, extra tyre is properly inflated, condition of vehicle is OK, bring lots of water for drinking and in case of fire, list of emergency telephone numbers to call etc. Generally, the locals are very friendly and will help you if you encounter any problems with your vehicle.

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Dangers of the wadi (Part 2)

by victorwkf

If you need to cross a wadi (river) with running water using your 4 wheel drive vehicle, always check the warning pole. This pole is erected along the main roads with wadi crossings in Oman, and it has a white colour at the bottom and red colour on top. If the water reaches the red colour, it would mean that it is too deep even for a 4 wheel drive to cross.

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Dangers of the wadi (Part 1)

by victorwkf

Most of the wadis (rivers) in Oman are dry and it is very tempting to camp or have your picnic on the dry wadi bed or near to it. Please do not try this as it may be raining elsewhere and the water can rush down the wadi very quickly and powerfully (something like a tsunami). If you observe that dark clouds are gathering (or raining) somewhere upstream of the dry wadi (which could be far way), the best option is to stay away quickly.

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Driving in Oman

by victorwkf

It is not that easy to drive in Oman because there may not be an signboards at some junctions and you may get lost. One french couple whom I met in Oman were lost for a while when they took a wrong turn and went up the mountains. According to my Omani guide, always drive along roads when you can see the power lines running near the road (indicating people, towns and villages are nearby). If the power lines cannot be seen, it is time to check the map again.

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Camel rides

by victorwkf

Riding camels can be a fun and memorable experience, but you have to be careful especially when mounting and dismounting on the camel. During mounting and dismounting, you have to hold on tight as the animal will lift up and down very quickly. If not, you will fall onto the ground and may injury yourself as the camel is a rather tall animal.

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Driving in the desert (Part 2)

by victorwkf

Before you enter the desert, the tyres of your 4 wheel drive must be deflated to a certain extent to ensure better grip on the sand. This can be done at the numerous auto-repair shops at the few towns at the fringe of the desert area. After leaving the desert and back to normal roads, you can inflat the tyres at the auto-repair shops again. Also, do not drive a normal car into the desert.

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Driving in the desert (Part 1)

by victorwkf

If you are not experienced in desert driving, do not attempt to drive in the desert. This is because the sand in some areas can be soft and your 4 wheel drive (do not drive normal cars into the desert !) will be trapped if not careful. Also, driving up the sand dunes is not easy and require lots of experience. If you really need to drive in the desert, the best way is to follow the tracks made by other 4 wheel drives to ensure that the path is safe. Most tourists will get an experience guide cum driver to bring them into the deserts of Oman such as the Wahiba Sands.

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Safety Tips in Oman

Top 3 Hotels in Oman

InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat  Muscat

 16 Reviews and 186 Opinions  If you have a chance to visit this prestigious hôtel , you will not regret it. Outstanding... 

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Hilton Salalah  Salalah

 6 Reviews and 99 Opinions  The minute I entered this hotel I knew something was special and it did not take me long to discover... 

 Hotels in Salalah

Sur Beach Hotel  Sur

 4 Reviews and 23 Opinions  This hotel is a three star option and in my opinion the best you can choose in Sur. Having stayed... 

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78 Hotels in Oman
 
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Reviews and photos of Oman attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Oman sightseeing.

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Warnings Or Dangers: Cities in Oman
  1. Muscat Warnings Or Dangers
  2. Salalah Warnings Or Dangers
  3. Khasab Warnings Or Dangers
  4. Ibra Warnings Or Dangers
  5. Al Hajar al Gharbi Warnings Or Dangers
  6. Rustaq Warnings Or Dangers
  7. Al Hazm Warnings Or Dangers
  8. Barka' Warnings Or Dangers

More Cities in Oman

 

Popular Regions in Oman

Mintaqat Masqat Warnings Or Dangers  Muhafazat Zufar Warnings Or Dangers  Muhafazat Musandam Warnings Or Dangers  Al Mintaqah ash Sharqiyah Warnings Or Dangers 

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Questions and Answers

JOSERAMON6D profile photo

Q:  who could inform me about a really good local travel agency or tour operator in oman, in order to book with them a 15 days round... 

lynnehamman profile photo

A: I recommend Nomad Tours in Oman. We stayed at Nomad Guest House in Muscat- it was excellent, and Lorna (the owner) can organize any tour that you might like to... 

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