Oman is a remarkable destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a blend of thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. From exhilarating hikes and adventurous sandboarding down towering dunes to tranquil nights spent camping under a star-filled sky, the options are endless for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural world.

Turtle-Watching at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a fascinating ecosystem that showcases pristine coastlines, expansive golden deserts, verdant oases, and rugged mountain terrains. This reserve serves as a critical nesting ground for four different species of turtles: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. 

As a premier eco-tourism site in Oman, it provides an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to witness the nesting process of these ancient creatures without causing any disturbance. Additionally, the reserve features an interactive museum and research facilities where guests can learn more about turtle biology and conservation efforts, enhancing their understanding of these remarkable marine reptiles.

The Unique Nature and Wildlife of the Desert

Jebel Samhan, the highest mountain in the Dhofar region, is home to Oman’s Leopard Sanctuary, accessible only with special permission. The journey to this sanctuary is a visual delight, as the road winds through areas populated with majestic baobab, acacia, and frankincense trees, alongside traditional Bedouin settlements that offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. 

This nature reserve plays a significant role in protecting some of the last remaining wild Arabian leopards, along with other rare species such as the Arabian wolf and striped hyena. Wildlife enthusiasts will also have the chance to spot gazelles, foxes, and Nubian goats in their natural habitats.

For an unforgettable experience, visitors can set up camp on the mountain plateau, enjoying breathtaking views and the chance to cool off at the Tawi Ateer Sinkhole.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is celebrated as Oman’s largest and most beautiful oasis, featuring serene emerald pools surrounded by lush palm trees, all framed by dramatic desert cliffs and boulders. The area has been thoughtfully developed to enhance visitor experiences, boasting several bridges, seating areas, and a restaurant that harmoniously blend with the natural beauty of the oasis. 

Located a three-hour drive from Muscat and two hours from Sur, this scenic canyon is a worthwhile destination for those seeking tranquility and picturesque landscapes.

Sunrise Desert Yoga

Start your day with a refreshing sunrise yoga session on the soft sands of the desert. This unique experience allows participants to reconnect with nature and embrace a fresh beginning, all while enjoying the peace and beauty of the desert landscape as the sun rises.

Visit & Eat in a Bedouin House in the Desert

For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, staying at a traditional desert camp run by a local Bedouin family in Sharqiya Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, offers a unique opportunity. Guests can enjoy warm Bedouin hospitality, with options to sleep under the stars or in cozy huts.

Meals are served at an on-site restaurant, and various desert activities, including camel treks, are available. The camp is proud of its environmentally friendly practices and was awarded the Oman Green Award in 2013, highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism.

Dhow Cruise Along the Coast South from Muscat

Setting sail on a traditional dhow along the southern coast from Muscat provides a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains. This area is rich in marine life, and it’s common for playful dolphins to swim alongside the boats, with seasonal sightings of whales adding to the excitement. A variety of excursion options are available, from short trips to overnight adventures, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy this serene experience away from the urban hustle.

Wadi Al Shab Hike

Wadi Al Shab is one of Oman’s most popular gorges, known for its spectacular waterfall nestled within a cave. A short boat ride across a narrow ravine leads to this lush paradise, surrounded by towering cliffs. Visitors may spot Omani women in traditional dress gathering herbs from the cliffs, adding to the cultural richness of the area. 

The hike to the caves requires about an hour of trekking across varied mountainous terrain, with opportunities for refreshing swims in natural emerald pools along the way. The exploration includes several caves, culminating in the breathtaking waterfall.

Wadi Tiwi

Wadi Tiwi, named after the nearby village, is a serene oasis boasting lush plantations and farms, alongside a stunning natural pool bordered by date and banana trees, complemented by a picturesque waterfall. This deep, narrow gorge, carved through the mountains, runs between towering cliffs and descends to the sea.

Located in the Al Sharqiyah region, adjacent to the more famous Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi offers a more secluded experience, with a narrow road winding through traditional villages leading to its entrance.

Balcony Walk

Perched on Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain often referred to as the Grand Canyon, the Balcony Walk is a well-marked trail that follows the canyon's rim. This four-hour hike showcases some of the most breathtaking views in Oman, passing through abandoned villages and hidden waterfalls that provide fantastic photo opportunities.

The trail is moderately challenging but can be easily navigated in trainers, as it doesn’t require significant climbing.

Misfat Al Abriyeen

Nestled in the foothills, the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is renowned for its beautiful agricultural terraces, charming alleys, and ancient mud houses topped with palm frond roofs, all built on solid rock foundations. Often called a "mountain oasis," the village features stunning local gardens nourished by an intricate falaj irrigation system carved into the mountain.

Many villagers rely on these terraces for their livelihood, cultivating a variety of fruits, including bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus fruits, and dates, making it a vibrant hub of agricultural activity.

Oman is a remarkable destination for nature and wildlife lovers, offering diverse experiences from turtle-watching at Ras Al Jinz Reserve to the serene beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid.

With opportunities for adventure, such as hiking and desert yoga, alongside authentic Bedouin hospitality, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the country's unique landscapes and rich culture. Oman invites all to explore its natural wonders and create lasting memories.

Etihad Airways and TAP Air Portugal have officially launched a comprehensive frequent flyer partnership as of May 14, 2025, marking a significant expansion in loyalty benefits and global connectivity for travelers. Under this new agreement, members of Etihad Guest and TAP Miles&Go can now earn and redeem miles seamlessly across both airlines’ networks, greatly enhancing travel flexibility and reward options.

For Etihad Guest members, the partnership opens up the ability to redeem miles not only on flights but also on worldwide hotel stays, holiday packages, and a wide range of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. TAP Miles&Go members enjoy similar flexibility, with the option to use their miles for flights and a variety of exclusive offers, including items from the TAP Store.

This integration means that both frequent and occasional travelers can accelerate their rewards and enjoy a more comprehensive travel experience, covering everything from airfare to accommodation and curated holiday packages.

The partnership builds on a strategic codeshare agreement established between the two airlines in 2023, which had already enhanced connectivity and destination choices for passengers. The combined route networks now span North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, allowing members to access a truly global array of destinations.

For example, Etihad Guest members can earn miles on TAP-operated flights to cities such as Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, and Cancun, while TAP Miles&Go members can now earn and redeem miles on Etihad’s growing network, including new destinations like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, and Medan.

The partnership also emphasizes improved customer experience through streamlined booking, mileage tracking, and the potential for joint promotions, tier benefits, and personalized offers. According to Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, this collaboration offers members even more ways to earn and redeem miles across the Americas, Europe, and Africa, reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to rewarding loyalty wherever members travel.

Pedro Flores Ribeiro, Director of TAP Miles&Go, highlighted the excitement of offering TAP members the opportunity to redeem miles on Etihad flights and welcoming Etihad Guest members to experience TAP’s renowned Portuguese hospitality.

Both airlines bring strong reputations and extensive networks to the partnership. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is recognized for its award-winning service and global reach, while TAP Air Portugal, a Star Alliance member since 2005, operates one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in Europe and has been ranked the safest airline in Europe for 2025.

This alliance is expected to drive cross-brand loyalty, attract new customers, and set a new standard for frequent flyer benefits in the competitive airline industry

India’s budget airline powerhouse, IndiGo, is making bold moves to expand its international presence, with the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah starting May 15. This milestone makes Fujairah IndiGo’s fifth UAE destination and its 41st international route, strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint across the Middle East.

To enhance connectivity beyond Fujairah, IndiGo will also offer dedicated bus services linking Fujairah with Dubai and Sharjah—adding to its existing UAE network that includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

“As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE, these new flights will further enhance regional connectivity,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

Wider Horizons: Dreamliners and Europe-Bound Ambitions
The Fujairah announcement comes as part of a broader international expansion push by the airline. On Friday, IndiGo revealed it is increasing its wide-body fleet by acquiring two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, adding to an existing damp-lease agreement that already includes four aircraft.

Currently, one Dreamliner (registration LN-FNC) has been flying under IndiGo’s banner since March 1, 2025, with three more set to be deployed later this year. The two newly announced aircraft are expected to join the fleet by early 2026, with the lease potentially extending to 18 months, pending regulatory approval.

These long-haul aircraft will play a pivotal role in IndiGo’s upcoming routes to Europe, including new services to Manchester and Amsterdam Schiphol set to launch in July 2025. The airline will initially operate these routes using Norse aircraft before transitioning to its own fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is expected in 2027.

With growing momentum in both regional and long-haul markets, IndiGo’s latest moves signal a clear intention: to elevate itself from a domestic leader to a formidable global player.

Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian startup airline backed by the Public Investment Fund, has expressed its willingness to purchase Boeing aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines, should those deliveries be blocked due to the intensifying trade war between the United States and China.

CEO Tony Douglas stated at the Arabian Travel Market conference in Dubai that the airline had made it clear to Boeing that it would be ready to take all available jets if China’s suspension of Boeing deliveries persists, a move prompted by reciprocal tariffs between the two economic giants.

China recently ordered its airlines to halt the acceptance of new Boeing jets in response to the U.S. imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports. In retaliation, Beijing levied 125% duties on American goods, including aircraft, making Boeing jets financially unviable for Chinese carriers. This standoff has left dozens of Boeing planes undelivered, with some already repatriated to the United States, and has prompted Boeing to seek alternative buyers in a tight global jet market.

Riyadh Air, which plans to launch operations later this year, has been rapidly expanding its fleet and workforce. The airline has already placed orders for up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo jets, and intends to announce an additional wide-body aircraft order this summer.

With nearly 500 employees hired and plans to double its staff within a year, Riyadh Air aims to capitalize on regional demand, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council, and is positioning itself as a key player ready to absorb aircraft sidelined by global trade tensions.

Riyadh Air is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans, having recently secured 11 strategic agreements during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These partnerships will allow the airline to extend its operations to 125 countries, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Collaborations with established entities such as DNATA, Discover the World Momentum, Aviareps, and Satguru Representation Services aim to enhance the airline's global footprint and streamline travel experiences for customers.

Osamah Alnuaiser, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, stated that these agreements reflect the airline's commitment to becoming a true global player. “These partnerships will push the boundaries of travel for our guests and reinforce our determination to offer exceptional service,” he noted.

The focus will be on improving customer experiences across key regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, and Africa, showcasing the rich hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for.

In addition to enhancing connectivity, Riyadh Air is also focused on technological innovation. The airline has partnered with Loyalty Juggernaut to develop a next-generation loyalty program, which will utilize advanced analytics to deliver personalized rewards and engagement opportunities for travelers. This initiative is aimed at fostering customer loyalty and enhancing overall satisfaction.

Furthermore, Riyadh Air is working with major travel technology distributors like Amadeus and Sabre to implement cutting-edge retail solutions that will streamline the booking process. These technological advancements are intended to modernize the airline's digital strategy and improve the overall customer journey.

As the airline gears up for its inaugural flight later this year, it plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 international destinations by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and significantly boost the tourism sector.

The establishment of Riyadh as a major global aviation hub is expected to attract millions of visitors, contributing to economic growth and positioning the country as a vital player in the international travel market.

In summary, Riyadh Air is poised to transform the landscape of air travel with its extensive partnerships and innovative strategies, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.

Qatar Airways is reportedly preparing to place a substantial order for about 100 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the possibility of securing options for an additional 100 jets, according to a detailed Bloomberg report. This significant purchase is expected to be officially announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, underscoring the deal’s importance both commercially and politically.

The order will primarily feature Boeing’s newest widebody models, including the 777X and 787 Dreamliner, which are designed to enhance long-haul operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and overall fleet modernization.

The Boeing 777X, available in the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, offers seating capacities ranging from approximately 395 to 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, with impressive ranges of up to 8,745 nautical miles for the 777-8 and 7,285 nautical miles for the 777-9. This aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technology such as advanced aerodynamics, composite wings with folding wingtips, and the latest GE9X engines, resulting in fuel savings and emissions reductions of around 10% compared to previous models.

Additionally, the 777X boasts a wider cabin with larger windows, higher ceilings, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, all contributing to a more comfortable passenger experience.

Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet that includes 64 Boeing 777s and several 787 Dreamliners, both recognized for their spacious interiors, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and premium business class offerings like the Qsuite. The 787 variants provide business class seats that convert into fully flat beds up to 80 inches long, personal entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi, and innovative features such as electronically dimmable windows.

The 777 series accommodates up to 42 business class seats and nearly 400 economy seats, delivering a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers.

This forthcoming order will allow Qatar Airways to phase out older 777s and Airbus A380s, supporting the airline’s ambitious plan to boost its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million within the next five to six years. By investing in the latest aircraft technology, Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as a leader in long-haul travel with one of the most modern and efficient fleets worldwide.

If finalized, this deal would represent one of the largest widebody aircraft purchases in recent history and reinforce Boeing’s position in the competitive global aviation market.