ADO2404 Dubai & Oman
I am about to leave the winter wonderland in Germany behind me to start another tour of the Emirates and Oman over the next two weeks. There is already so much to see in Dubai alone that, after my first tour, I decided to choose a different sight each time I am in Dubai. After my visits of the Expo, the Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future, and others, I'm finally taking the elevator up to the top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, this time. My combined ticket also includes a visit to the aquarium within the gigantic Dubai Mall. Of course, in the city of superlatives, this can't just be a simple aquarium. Of course, it's an underwater zoo of no less than a 10 million liter water tank with over 140 different animal species! I'm already looking forward to it and will post more pictures soon!
Our international mix of riders (Canada, USA, Switzerland, UAE, Germany) ventured out from our desert hotel near Dubai this morning, and together we made our way to the highest pass road, Jebel Jais, in the United Arab Emirates. We covered the distance on faster roads. Riding up the impressively winding road was great fun for everyone. In the evening, we arrived in the Emirate of Fujeira and enjoyed our fantastic luxurious hotel.
What a relaxing morning this was in our beautiful hotel right on the beach! After the morning briefing, we were headed straight for our first highlight - the small Al Bidya Mosque. Built around 1446, it is the oldest mosque in the Emirates that is still regularly used for prayer today. Soon after, we continue on unpaved paths for the first time on this tour. Without exception, everyone in the group really enjoys this. After our visit to the water and electricity park in Hatta, we continue directly to the Omani border. Today we are changing countries, i.e. there are border formalities to complete. Normally this is relatively easy. However, a somewhat more time-consuming version of our border crossing suddenly arose when we realized at the Omani border post that the UAE border official had accidentally inserted the ID of a complete stranger into one of our passports when we left the country. In the end, however, everything was fine and we made the rest of the journey to Sohar.
Today we have a long riding day ahead of us. For a large part of the day, we ride through the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, which stretch from the north-east to the south-east here in Oman. It is unbelievable - yesterday it had rained in this area. So we had to ride particularly careful through the dips in the road, which potentially collect the water. But the tour guides Angela and Ibrahim had everything under control. Markus (Switzerland) likes to take photos and Mike (USA) enjoys every kilometer of this beautiful route. Towards the afternoon it gets very warm, so we gladly accept every shady spot for a short water break. We will spend the next two nights in Muscat and will of course also take a look around the beautiful city. At our luxurious hotel, we were warmly welcomed with Omani tea.
Our rest day offers a tour of the most important sights by motorcycle. Jolanta, Laureen and Markus went on a tour together with Angela and Ibrahim. First we visited the famous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, then the Royal Opera House Muscat and then the Muthra Souk. We rode past the government district, along the Corniche and finally back to the hotel via Muscat's first paved road.
Well rested and relaxed, we start into a new day, which takes us along Oman's coast to the giant tortoises in the east of the country. First, however, it gets a bit dusty again for a change. We start out from Muscat direction Sur through a very scenic landscape. We pass a sinkhole which has been formed by seawater. Here we take the opportunity to eat our picnic lunch. A few of us are brave enough to dip their feet into the refreshing water. Once we have arrived in Sur, we visit the last boat workshop in Oman, which still produces the traditional dhow boats that can be seen all over the Middle East. Before everyone disappears into their glamping tents for the night, we venture out for a night-time walk along the beach to see one of the rare green giant tortoises nesting here. A few newly hatched baby turtles also make their way into the sea from their nest in the sand.
First cool water, then dry sand - sounds like the perfect title for our today's riding day. From the Turtle Resort, we make our way to one of the most beautiful wadis that Oman has to offer. Wadi actually stands for 'dried-up riverbed'. However, the Wadi Bani Khalid carries water all year round, transforming its gorge into a green oasis. Some of our group are happy just dangling their feet in the water, while others enjoy swimming a little deeper into the gorge. Every once in a while you can hear someone giggling. The small fish at our feet are tickling us. We are not far from our parking lot on the edge of the desert. In order to enjoy a relaxed time and to enjoy the sand dunes, we switch to 4x4 vehicles. What a breathtaking end to a beautiful day! The sun leaves us in awe with its perfect sunset.
Sorry guys, but you have to wait outside for us ladies. This morning is dedicated to women, as our first highlight is the very traditional women's market in Ibra. It is another wonderful opportunity to broaden our minds and senses. Because here at the women's market - contrary to what women might imagine - only traditional Omani things are traded. In any case, it is quite a colorful experience. Afterwards, we take a detour into the mountains, past date groves to the small, deserted village of Birkat al Mouz. The small village is like an open-air museum inviting you to wander around between the adobe houses. We then ride up the fantastically winding road to Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain. Starting at an altitude of around 800 meters, we wind our way up to an altitude of over 2000 meters, arriving at our beautiful 5-star hotel. Sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful here in Oman.
Unlike yesterday, it's the men's turn again today :) Tough decision: the hotel is simply too beautiful for the majority of the ladies not to want to take advantage of it. Laureen, though, came along in the car with Ibrahim, to enjoy the ride up the mountains with the rest of the group. From here we marveled at the breathtaking view over the mountains of Oman. The group then split up, as our strong knights also wanted to enjoy the hotel's amenities. Only Laureen and Markus continued with Angela and Ibrahim to explore a new highlight. A new museum had opened just outside the city of Nizwa. For me, the Oman Across Ages Museum is without doubt the best museum I have ever visited.
Even if it's hard to leave our nicely decorated hotel on Jebel Akhdar - it is time to move on again. The morning has a traditional theme. We first visit the inside of a traditional Omani adobe house and then ride up to a typical Omani mountain village. Here we learn about the distribution of water to the various fields, some of which are far apart. These water channels are called faladj. There are many tracks leading into the vast mountains of Oman. On one of them we ride up to the Grand Canyon of the Middle East - the gorge of the highest mountain, Jebel Shams. In the evening, we once again enjoy the sunset from our hotel on the Mountain of the Sun.
Today is our last riding day in Oman. And that's why we want to spend as much of it as possible on the fantastic dirt roads in the hinterland. Before we set off on the highway through the gigantic 'Empty Quarter', we visit the beehives, which are over 5000 years old. Before, as well, we have a healthy lunch in an Omani restaurant. In Oman, it's not unusual to sit on the floor in a small 'séparée' eating your meal with your hands. Of course the restaurant also provides tables and cutlery, but if you want to try it out, it is a good opportunity to experience the local way. We enjoyed it :) One last stop to fill up petrol in Oman and then we cross the border back into the UAE.
The road between Al Ain and Dubai leads us through the desert again. Once we arrived in Dubai, we get a thorough cleansing experience - in addition to the mind-boggling view over the Palm Jumeira and over Dubai's Skyline. Our lunch had the befitting name 'The Palm Tower'. Well, what to say about it - a perfect experience with an out-of-this-world delicious meal! Thanks again to all riders of this tour through Oman! You are all great riders and made for a very enjoyable tour!