Wildlife Overview

Wildlife in Oman  

Oman has a surprisingly varied wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Strict laws have been established to ban hunting as a number of indigenous animals have now become endangered, such as the Arabian leopard and the Arabian Oryx. Nature reserves have been set up throughout the Sultanate to protect the natural habitats of mammals such as the leopard, Oryx, gazelle, taher, ibex, desert foxes and wild cats.

The warm waters are home to 22 species of whale and dolphin. Oman is a member of the International Whaling Commission and follows the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) guidelines in preventing the trade of endangered animals. Turtles are attracted to Oman's shores and turtle breeding reserves are located at Ras al-Jinz and the Dimaaniyat Islands. Oman has a profusion of exotic marine life and some of the best dive sites in the world. In particular, the Hallaniyat Islands and the Dimaaniyat Islands offer chances to see beautifully coloured tropical fish and unusual hard and soft corals.

The al-Saleel park is a nature reserve located in the town of al-Kamil wal-Wafi, in the Interior of Oman, and was established to protect gazelles and plantations of Samr and Ghaf trees (Acacia tortilis and Cineraria). The Jiddat al-Harasis Reserve is home to the Arabian Oryx and the area is listed on the World Natural and Cultural Heritage register by UNESCO.

Approximately 400 birds have been recorded in Oman during the seasons. Because it is located at the hub of three different geographical land masses, Oman is host to many foreign species, such as the Golden Oriole, Nightjar and White Stork. In the breeding season, public entry is prohibited to the Dimaaniyat Islands, where there is a bird sanctuary. During September to November, many eagles migrate to Oman, such as the Imperial Eagle and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

Parks and Gardens

Parks and Gardens in Oman

For what is typically considered a 'desert country', Oman astounds the visitor with its verdant gardens, and elaborate floral displays lining the highways and byways. All the parks are free to enter and usually have small snack shops or drinks stands.

Muscat embraces several parks that varied in areas and location.The main big parks are Qurum Natural Park, Riyam and Al Naseem. Generally the parks attract a lot of people because of the Muscat Municipality keenness for planting trees inside these parks and increasing the green areas, the matter which encourage more people to enjoy visiting them during official holidays. Some parks, in or near to Muscat district are as follows:

Qurum Natural Park

It was opened in 1993 and is 1715449 m², the largest park in Muscat. The park contains a large boating lake and fountain, 'Waterfall Hill', Sultan Qaboos' Rose Garden and meandering pathways, weaving amongst pungent-smelling shrubs and floral beds. The idea of its design depends on exploiting the nature and topographic features of the area to create wonderful and comfortable scenes for the visitors. Qurum Park succeeded in combining between the unique location and the suitable aesthetic and artistic design.

Al Naseem Public Park

It is the first park to be established in Oman and inaugurated during the celebrations of the 15th National Day in1985. It took about 11 months to be built, its gross area is 750,000sq.m and it is about 30km from Muscat International Airport. It is located on the highway leads to Batinah area. The park is equipped with all facilities of children's park as there are different games like the small train that tours the whole area, playgrounds for football, volleyball and tennis as well as a library. In 2000 the Japanese Garden, which was built by the Japanese Embassy in Muscat, was inaugurated in the context of the good relations between the two countries. Amongst many other features, an Arabic garden, Japanese garden, mini falaj system and a small train capable of holding 70 passengers which circumnavigates the park.

Riyam Park

Riyam Park overlooks the sea and designed on several heights that gives distinguished dimension for the park which covers an area of 100,000 sq. m. The park was designed in style that combines between the natural and architectural design and there are wide green areas, children games and playgrounds. The park, which is located in Muttrah, offers several services for the visitors. It is a favourite park with children. It is a huge, rambling place whose main feature is an enormous incense burner which, when climbed, provides stunning views of the nearby harbour and surrounding seacliffs. A static fairground is open from 4pm each day providing thrills and spills for the young and the young-at-heart.

Kalbou Beach Park

It is coastal strip extends from the Sea Road to the mountain edge, which is a distinguished location in the heart of Muscat City. It is an attraction spot for those who are willing to enjoy walking and fishing.

Al Wadi Al Kabeer Park

It is located on the road leads to Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat on an area of 40,000sq.m. The park consists of various facilities and services; also there is special division for electric games that attract children and families.

Al A'merat Public Park

It is located on the highway opposite the satellite station. It covers an area of 30,000sq.m and considered an entertainment attraction for the citizens.

Quriyat Lake Park

It was inaugurated in the early of 2002 on the road to the central market of the Wilayat and the Sea Road. The park is equipped with artificial lake and places for recreations.

The Park of A'Seeb Beach

This park is located on the beautiful sand beaches of A'Seeb where the sea - water are pure and clean. It is equipped wish water sports, artificial lake in addition to the children playgrounds_ and fast food restaurants.

Al Sahwa Park

Al Sahwa Park, with its lush landscaped settings, has been a major magnet for families — Omanis and expatriates alike — looking to make the most of Muscat’s delightful winter weather. Beautifully manicured gardens dotted by water fountains, gazebos and play areas add to the park’s popular appeal. Furthermore, its central location adjoining the equally famous Burj al Sahwa roundabout makes it easily accessible not only for visitors from Muscat Governorate but also the Interior and Batinah regions

Regions and Governorates of Sultanate Of Oman



The Sultanate of Oman lies on the south east corner of the Arabian Peninsula between latitudes 16˚40' and 26˚-20' north and longitudes 51˚50', and 59˚40' east. Its coast runs to a distance of 1,700 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north to the borders of the Republic of Yemen, thus overlooking three seas, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

    It is bordered to the west by the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to South by the Republic of Yemen, the Strait of I Hormuz to the North and the Arabian Sea to the East.

     The Sultanate occupies a total area of about (309,500) square kms and includes different terrains that vary front plain, to highlands and mountains. The coastal plain overlooking the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea forms the most important plain of Oman, the area of which amounts to 3% of the total landmass while the mountain make up 15% or the total area, paramount among which are two ranges: Al Hajr mountains which stretches in the form of an are from Ras Musandam in the north to Ras Al Had. The second is Al Qara mountain range situated in the far side of south west of Oman. Sand and desert cover the greatest area as they represent approximately 82% of the total area: most of it is the Empty Quarter.

    The Sultanate's climate varies from one area to another. In the coastal areas we find a hot and humid weather in summer while it is hot and dry in the interior, except for some high areas as the weather is moderate over the whole year. In the southern area the weather is more moderate. Rain in Oman is scarce and irregular. However, sometimes heavy rainfall is also reported. Governorate of Dhofar is an exception, where heavy and regular rain is registered from June to October due to monsoon.

     The Sultanate is divided administratively into Four governorates, Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam and Al Buraimi and five regions, Al Batinah, Adh Dhahirah, Ad Dakhliyah, Ash Sharqiyah and Al Wusta. These governorates and regions consist of' Wilayats amounting to 61 in number. Each region has one or more regional center. The total regional centers amount to 12.

source/ http://www.omanet.om/english/regions/oman.asp?cat=reg