Oman Geotourism Guide
The /// followed by words like ///rigs.flurry.brusque is a 3 word address. It’s a simple way to pinpoint locations, accurate to a 3x3m square.
To find the exact spot, download the free what3words app and click the navigate button. It’s easier than street names in a city you don’t know!
We have included a 3 word address with every geological point of interest. This will support you with navigating to the spot, in particular in remote areas.
Published under the auspices of The Ministry of Tourism (2019)
P.O. Box 200, P.C. 115, Sultanate of Oman. Call Centre 800 777 99, Fax: 00968 24 588855, E-Mail: info@omantourism.gov.om, Website: www.omantourism.gov.om
The spelling of place names on these maps are authorized by the National Survey Authority Sultanate of Oman. Due to space constraint, we cannot include all place names on the maps.
The maps are not an authority on international boundaries.
Al rights reserved (2011) according to Royal Decree No. 37/2000 promulgating copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in a retrieval system, in any way or form, by any means; whether electronically, recorded or otherwise, or photocopied without prior permission of the Ministry of Tourism.
Map sources: Sultanate of Oman (NSA, October 2009); SRTM 90m DEM Digital Elevation Database; Field work data collection 2009-2019; OPEN STREET MAP
Caution: Four Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended for travelling to any site located on a graded road or track. Road conditions can change very quickly. Care should be taken before entering any wadi; check weather forecasts before leaving home.
Tracks & graded roads through desert areas are subject to continuous changes.
Please respect local traditions and culture. Wherever possible, stay on trail and footpaths. Avoid any disturbance to the environment. The collection of geological and botanical samples is strictly forbidden.
Always carry plenty of drinking water!
Geotourism has been described as a form of natural area tourism that specifically focuses on geology and landscape. It is based on the magic of discovery and the power of authenticity experienced through contact with the natural heritage of the land. In Oman, geological stories can be found everywhere. Some of these are presented on a dramatic scale such as in the massive folding and faulting that can be seen on parts of Oman’s 700 km long mountain range, or the huge piles of pillow lava in Wadi AI-Jizzi which are evidence of underwater volcanoes releasing magma to be rapidly cooled deep on the ocean floor. Others stories are found in smaller detail, such as how the fossils of sea creatures can be found deep inland or the story of once mighty forests in areas that are now barren deserts.
These stories can even be found in the hustle and bustle of urban areas. For example visitors to Muscat Corniche need only to stand and face the ocean in order to imagine the scene back in time around 90 million years ago, when a several kilometer thick slab of the oceanic crust started to push its way over the top of the northern coastline of Oman. This unusual over thrusting continued for around 20 Million years, pushing rocks originating from deep within the ocean hundreds of kilometers inland.
In Oman, geological stories can be found everywhere. Some are presented on a dramatic scale such as in the massive folding and faulting that can be seen on parts of Oman’s 700 km long mountain range. Echoes of momentous geological events can even be found in the hustle and bustle of urban areas. For example visitors to Muscat Corniche need only to look at the surrounding hills in order to imagine the scene around 90 million years ago, when these Ophiolite rocks were part of a several kilometer thick slab of oceanic crust slowly being pushed over the top of the northern coastline of Oman. This unusual over thrusting continued for around 20 Million years, pushing rocks that originated from deep below the ocean, hundreds of kilometers inland.
30 geoheritage sites have been selected in the Muscat region for you to explore, and on the way to learn more about the history of our planet. Each site can be visited either on its own or as part of a discovery trail. Wherever the topography of a location allows, you will find sign boards with illustrated information about the site. Free of charge i-tourguide applications for smart phones can be downloaded from either the link below or the bar code on the signboard. These enable guidance utilizing satellite navigation (GPS) and provide multimedia information to give you a better understanding of the geological processes.