Overview
We believe that the best way to get to know a country as diverse as Oman is to spend time in the company of real Omanis and are uniquely placed to able to offer you the opportunity to visit the area of Bidiyah as personal guests of Salim and his family and friends. Bidiyah is an area bordering the north of the Wahiba Sands, approximately 2½ hours by road from Muscat. Salim is the English teacher at the local Omani school and he is delighted to welcome you into his extended family for a day of fun and friendship.
A real Omani welcome
On arrival at Salim's house, you welcomed with traditional coffee, fruit and dates and have the opportunity to meet Salim's family whilst his mother prepares a simple but delicious Omani lunch. The ladies in your party can chat to one of his sisters about the traditional art of henna painting and might like to have their hands and/or feet decorated. Salim is also very proud to show you around his garden. Don't worry about the protocols and intricacies involved as Salim is always happy to show you exactly what to do!
Visit the local village
Traditionally, a visit to the local falaj system follows the henna painting in order to rinse off the excess henna. This ancient system of irrigation used a simple 'sun clock' to ensure a fair share of water for all the villagers. You may also wish to explore Salim's village with him. He will show you beautifully shaded date palm gardens, ancient date processing factories, small forts and oases. No visit is complete without seeing a camel farm, where, if you are lucky, you can see these valuable beasts being prepared for the famous local camel races.
At the end of the day
You can either return to Muscat after seeing the sunset over the dunes or stay at the simple but comfortable Sharquiyah Sands Hotel. Alternatively, you may wish to spend the night in the dunes of the nearby Wahiba Sands, sleeping under the stars or in tents (provided by us) chatting to Salim and his friends around a campfire, having enjoyed one of Salim's legendary barbecues.
Go camel racing!
If you are able to stay overnight you might be lucky enough to be Salim's guest at a camel races (subject to local conditions & timings). They usually take place over the Omani weekend (Thursday or Friday) and a very early morning start is needed! Great sums of money are paid for the top performing racing camels and they are all brightly turned out and immaculately groomed. After the racing has finished, you will have a light lunch before saying farewell to your new-found friends and gently head back to Muscat (or Nizwa).
Timings and Special Occasions
It is easier to plan your time with Salim before arriving in Oman. We generally recommend that your time in Bidiyah is on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, but we do have some flexibility. If you are fortunate enough to coincide your visit to Salim with one of the annual festivals such as Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha you will be treated just like one of the family and participate in these very special festivities.
