Journey Through Oman: Cities, Wadis, and Mountains Quiz

Answer: MCT

Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the main airport in Oman. The first airport in Muscat opened in 1973, and the current terminal opened in 2018. The terminal is about 35 km from Muscat's old town. It has a designed capacity of about 20 million passengers per year, with two runways and modern facilities for travelers.

Answer: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque features one of the largest handmade Persian carpets in the world, covering the main prayer hall. It also has a chandelier made from Swarovski crystals. The building sits on about 40,000 square meters of land and includes a library with Islamic texts. It is a key site for cultural and religious events in Oman.

Answer: Gulf of Oman coast

Muscat's old town is located on the Gulf of Oman, which is the northern part of the Arabian Sea. The area began developing as a settlement in the 11th century, eventually becoming an important port city facilitating trade with India, East Africa, and Persia.

The old town includes forts, marketplaces, and traditional houses that overlook the harbor, showing how the city grew around the sea.

Answer: Mutrah Souq

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, with origins stretching back about 200 years to the early 1800s. It developed around the Muscat harbor as a key trading place linking local and international merchants. The souq's narrow lanes are filled with spices, fabrics, jewelry, and frankincense, one of its most important traditional products, reflecting Oman's long history in the incense trade.

Answer: Bimah Sinkhole

The Bimah Sinkhole (locally called Hawiyat Najm) is a natural limestone formation filled with clear turquoise water. It formed when the roof of an underground cavern collapsed. The sinkhole is located near the coastal villages of Dibab and Bimmah, along the main road between Muscat and Sur.

Its refreshing water provides a perfect escape from the heat and city streets, and it is easily accessible for visitors seeking a scenic swim.

Answer: Sur

Sur is a coastal city in Oman famous for its dhows, traditional wooden sailing vessels. Shipbuilders here have crafted dhows for centuries using local timber and traditional techniques. The city's shipyards are still active today, producing boats for fishing, trade, and ceremonial purposes. Visitors can watch craftsmen at work and learn about Oman's maritime heritage.

Answer: Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands (also called Sharqiya Sands) is a desert region in eastern Oman known for its rolling red and golden sand dunes, which can reach up to 100 meters high. The area is inhabited by Bedouin communities who have lived there for centuries. Visitors often explore the desert in 4x4 vehicles, enjoying the unique landscape and learning about traditional desert life.

Answer: Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab, located near the coastal town of Tiwi, is famous for its turquoise pools, small waterfalls, and palm-lined canyon. Visitors hike a few kilometers from the parking area to reach the pools, where they can swim and enjoy the cool water. It is considered one of Oman's most picturesque wadis and a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.

Answer: Nizwa

Nizwa was Oman's capital in the 6th and 7th centuries and remains a center of culture and history. The Nizwa Fort, with its massive circular tower, dominates the city, while the traditional souq sells silver, spices, and handicrafts. Its old streets and mosques create a picturesque scene, especially at sunset, giving visitors a glimpse into Oman's past.

Answer: Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams, meaning "Mountain of the Sun," is the highest peak in Oman at about 3,009 meters. Its slopes feature a dramatic canyon known as Wadi Nakhr or "Oman Grand Canyon," with a depth of around 1,000 meters from the rim to the valley floor. While not the largest in the world, it is one of the deepest and most striking canyons in Oman and the Arabian Peninsula, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities along the cliffs.