The latest news round-up from Oman including Property for Non-Nationals, Resort Developments, Adventure Trips and Events...

Property for Non-Nationals Property Available for Non-Nationals to Purchase for the first time Oman is set to become the next property hotspot following the recent announcement from the Sultanate of Oman that non-national ownership of real estate will be allowed for the first time. This will give both the property owners and relatives of the first degree the right to reside in the Sultanate.

With its varied and breathtaking scenery including dramatic mountain ranges and deserted beaches, high standard of living, ancient culture, wildlife (including dolphin and the rare Arabian Leopard), welcoming people and of course wonderful weather, Oman is sure to attract those looking to purchase a second or main home and escape to the sun.

With two-bedroom properties at The Muscat Golf & Country Club costing from just �130,000 through Hamptons International (00 968 245 63557) a slice of Middle Eastern heaven could be closer than you think. New Hotels and Resort Developments � The Wave, Muscat Work on the first phase development of RO 310 million �The Wave�, Oman�s top tourism and seafront residential development project in Muscat, is expected to begin in May 2005 and involves infrastructure works, a marina and 18-hole golf course. The second phase will entail the construction of hotels, villas and condominium towers together with retail outlets and restaurants.

The integrated residential and tourism resort due is to be built on 7.3 kilometres of pristine coastline near Muscat on the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Coral Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Al Barka Due to open in 2005, Coral Al Nahda Resort & Spa consists of 109 bungalows set in 30 acres of botanical gardens just north of Muscat providing an intimate setting for relaxation, rejuvenation and fun. Owned by the Al Bahja Group of Companies and managed by Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Coral Al Nahda General Manager Julian Ayers commented �The Resort has been conceived to stimulate, revitalize and pamper both body and mind in an ambience of unstinting luxury combining both ancient traditions of Ayurveda and modern skills, disciplines, rituals and therapies.�

Blue City, Sawadi A private Bahrain-based investor is due to develop a resort covering an area of 33 square kilometers in Sawadi, north of Muscat. This extensive development dedicated to education, health and sport in addition to hotels and residential properties. First-phase investment exceeds $1,000 million.

Orascom Projects, Salalah, Al-Sawad and Muscat Egypt based Orascom Projects and Touristic Development are the latest company to announce that they have been granted approval from the Oman Government to develop three resorts in Salalah, Al-Sawad Island and Muscat.

Shangri-La�s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat Opening at the end of 2005 the 5 star resort complex comprises of 3 separate hotels (Al Waha, Al Bandar and Al Husn) with a total of 680 accommodation rooms, an Omani Heritage Village featuring activities and exhibits which proudly reflect the local culture and a 1000 seat amphitheatre to enable extraordinary events under the Arabian sky.

The resort will include a fully comprehensive �Chi Spa� with 12 treatment rooms, offering guests traditional Himalayan & Chinese treatments promoting balance and harmony. Other activities include a variety of water sports including a Dive School, a fully equipped gymnasium, tennis courts, direct access to private beaches and a lazy river which connects two of the swimming pools.

Set in 124 acres of landscaped gardens, the resort is located on Oman�s magnificent coastline, just 20 minutes drive from Muscat and 40 minutes from the airport.

All bedrooms are seafacing and have private balconies or terraces. Room facilities include broadband internet access, satellite TV, electronic safes and bathrooms with separate shower cubicles.

The resort will boast 19 distinct food and beverage outlets offering a broad range of styles from Middle Eastern to South American.

Salalah - New Hot Spot, discovered by over 1000 British holiday makers this Winter The lesser known region of Dhofar including the capital Salalah, is set in the extreme south of Oman. Dramatically different from anywhere in the Gulf; the Khareef monsoon in July and August creates a lush landscape with waterfalls alongside high dunes, unexplored caves, tropical vegetation and plantations and numerous sinkholes set into the steep mountain vales.

The region offers visitors a huge diversity of activities many of which revolve around the unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches of Salalah which are ideal for watersports or dolphin watching. Culture and history in the form of ancient ruins and archaeological sites abound such as those found at Samhurum: the city dates back to 3000BC where inscriptions are still visible on the walls and columns of the citadel and the ruins of Al-Balid, site of the ancient city of Zafar. Zafar was an active trading port in the 11th and 12th Centuries and coins from as far away as China have been found at the site.

The region has also been well known since Biblical times for its frankincense trees, known locally as luban, and camel trains while Job�s Tomb is a well visited site. Salalah�s frankincense market is the ideal place to pick up beautiful pottery, frankincense burners and high quality frankincense and myrrh. The two five star hotels: Crowne Plaza and the Hilton offer excellent facilities, beachside restaurants and pools.

Adventure Diving - Musandam (set in the extreme north of the peninsula) offers some of the best virgin diving. Dive sites include Lima Rock, Oakley Island, Umm Al Farrayan, PC Rock, Red Island and Ghubbat As Shabbus which offer a huge variety of marine life including dolphin, exotic reef fish, schooling barracuda, turtles, sunfish, sharks � hammerhead, reef, nurse and whale sharks.

Rock Climbing �as a destination for rock-climbers Oman is unmatched in the region. More than 160 climbs have been pioneered for climbers of all levels. Climbs include the Jebel Misht in Nizwa, the largest rock face in the Arabian Peninsula suitable for seasoned climbers and Jebel Ghul in the Al Dakhiliyah region which towers to 300 metres and offers Alpine-style climbing at its best.

Wadi Bashing � Wahiba Sands with its endless stretches of desert, wadis and dry river beds provide superb 4x4 driving experiences.

Caving � Oman boasts numerous underground caves including Majilis al Jinn, the second largest cave chamber in the world, complete with subterranean lake.

Canoeing the fjords � Musandam provides numerous sheltered fjords perfect for canoeing and visitors can explore small isolated fishing villages and small inlets from the sea.

Wildlife Arabian Leopard � Join Biosphere Expeditions to conduct a survey of the number of the rare Arabian leopard in the Musandam Peninsula where this majestic animal survives amongst the breathtaking mountains, fjords, deep gorges and untouched wadis. Travelling by Landrover and on foot, participants will look for tracks, scratch marks and other pieces of evidence of leopard presence and talk to local people raising awareness of this unique creature. Prices start from �1150 for participation on project from 15 to 27 January 2006. For further information visit www.biosphere-expedition.org

Events 35th Anniversary of the Sultan of Oman 2005 sees the 35th Anniversary of the Sultan�s reign which will be celebrated around National Day on 18 November.

Ramadam Ramadam is celebrated at a different time each year. In 2005, it lasts from October 4 to November 2. During this time you should not eat, smoke or drink in public outside the hotels from dawn until dusk. Eid Al Fitr is a 3 day feast to mark the end of Ramadam.

-Ends-

Note to Editors: Other ideas for features include: Myths and Legends Alexander The Great � Masirah, Oman�s largest island is said to have been his base from which he launched infamous campaigns. Today the main industries remain much the same as in his day that of weaving and fishing. Queen of Sheba � The ruins of Khawr Rawri in Dhofar are reputed to be the former Palace of The Queen of Sheba. Sinbad the Sailor- The maritime town of Sohar is said to be the home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor. He used the ancient port as a base for his voyages.

Souks not Shopping Malls Muscat � the Capital City of Muscat offers a blend of old and new with numerous souks selling a variety of Arabian handicrafts.The Muttrah Souk in the heart of old Muscat is one of the oldest traditional markets with its winding alleys selling rugs, pashminas and frankincense. Culture Oman�s rich cultural heritage boasts a number of ancient sites (including over 500 hilltop forts and castles), five of which have been granted protected status by UNESCO and are listed as World Heritage Sites.

Other Wildlife Bird Watching � Al Wusta provides the ideal destination for bird lovers where more than 130 species including the bustard and sand grouse.

For press information contact: Georgina Corry georginacorry@representationplus.co.uk Tel:0208 877 4504