{"id":12533,"date":"2017-12-05T15:45:59","date_gmt":"2017-12-05T13:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/?p=12533"},"modified":"2019-01-21T12:11:05","modified_gmt":"2019-01-21T10:11:05","slug":"best-getaways-winter-holiday-gcc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/best-getaways-winter-holiday-gcc\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Getaways for a Winter Holiday in the GCC"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the winter season only a few days away, it’s time to start planning that much-needed break. If you happen to be living in or around the GCC<\/strong>, winter may just be your favorite season. The softer sun and cool breeze mean you can spend more time outdoors, exploring the regions vast expanses. Instead of catching a 10-hour flight, why not stay closer to home and take advantage of the region’s perfect winter weather. Get to know the best getaways for the winter holiday in the GCC<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

Saudi Arabia’s rough summer climate makes it almost unbearable. However, it is also home to some of the\u00a0best getaways for a winter holiday in the GCC.<\/p>\n

Hail<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Hail\"<\/p>\n

Known for its\u00a0Arab hospitality and generosity<\/strong>, Hail is also the hometown of\u00a0Hatem Al-Ta\u2019i. In this beautiful city, you will discover an ancient civilization<\/strong> that left behind a resonating culture and heritage. During the winter, the surrounding desert and valleys<\/strong> welcome adventure seekers who are looking for\u00a0mountain climbing, nature watching, and even Hail Rally racing.<\/p>\n

Taking a ride through the desert in a 4×4 vehicle<\/strong> is only the start of you Hail adventure. You can also go mountain climbing in\u00a0Nufud Al Kabir<\/strong> or even explore the peaks of Aja Mountain<\/strong>. Amongst the maze of\u00a0rugged granite peaks of\u00a0Aja Mountain, you will come across springs that descend into\u00a0cascades and freshwater lagoons<\/strong>. Wildlife<\/strong> is abundant and the natural setting, that of palm and acacia trees<\/strong>, is soft and tranquil.<\/p>\n

When in Hail, you need to visit\u00a0Jubbat Ha\u2019il<\/strong>, one of the\u00a0most significant archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. A series\u00a0of rock illustrations and inscriptions<\/strong> spread throughout Um Sanman Mountain and other nearby mountains, the Jubbat Ha\u2019il\u00a0inscriptions date back to three separate time periods<\/strong>. Located\u00a0on a dry lake surrounded by the sand dunes of Nufud Al Kabeer,\u00a0Jabbat Ha\u2019il boasts inscriptions that depict\u00a0animals, humans, plants, and symbols<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oman<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

Deciding to\u00a0Spend<\/strong><\/a> your holiday in Oman<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is so common when it comes to choosing a destination for\u00a0your winter holiday in the GCC. This beautiful nation has it all, from lavish resorts and stunning beaches to mesmerizing ancient cities.<\/p>\n

Musandam<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Musandam\"<\/p>\n

Separated from the rest of the Sultanate by the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula is also known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’<\/strong>. Famous for its\u00a0khors (rocky inlets), small villages and mountain-hugging roads<\/strong>, Musandam is a winter trip you cannot miss out on.<\/p>\n

Many tourists come to this peninsula for its lively marine life. A traditional dhow will take you on a cruise where you will meet dolphins leaping in and out of the sea<\/strong>. The cruise will also take you to small fishing villages<\/strong>, some of which boast makeshift homes that blend in rocky cliffs<\/strong>. Moreover, Musandam gives you the opportunity to engage in many water sports such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you are into history, try to visit\u00a0\u2018Jazirat al Maqlab\u2019, or Telegraph Island<\/strong>. This is where, in 1864, the British laid the first telegraph cable that ran from India to Iraq<\/strong>. You may even get the chance to visit the spot where\u00a0the stationmaster would send telegrams to different places as some remains of the building still exist<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Nizwa<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Nizwa\"<\/p>\n

If you’re seeking a historically rich<\/strong> winter holiday in the GCC, Nizwa is definitely the place for you. Also known as\u00a0the ‘Pearl of Islam’<\/strong>, this ancient city was the Omani capital\u00a0<\/strong>during the sixth and seventh century. Moreover, Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in the Sultanate<\/strong>.\u00a0Here, you will find many destinations to explore, all while walking amidst sturdy date palms.<\/p>\n

Built in 1668, Nizwa Fort<\/strong> is Oman’s\u00a0most visited national monument. The majority of the fort took almost 12 years to build. Furthermore, it features a\u00a040m tall round tower<\/strong> that offers unrivaled views of Nizwa’s\u00a0date plantations and the Hajar Mountains.<\/p>\n

While in Nizwa, you should also visit the souq which is famous for handicrafts and agricultural products<\/strong>. Nizwa Souq boasts items\u00a0from meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables to spices, dates, gold, and silverware. Moreover, Nizwa locals are experts at making unique curved daggers (Khanjar)<\/strong>, which are also available at the souq.<\/p>\n

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You can’t be in Nizwa and miss out on visiting Falaj Daris<\/strong>, a World Heritage Site and the largest falaj in Oman<\/strong>. Used to transport water to the surface, a falaj is a gently sloping underground channel. In Nizwa, it is used to provide the countryside with water for plantation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Dhofar<\/strong> <\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Dhofar\"<\/p>\n

The Dhofar Governorate is rich in natural scenery. From lush greenery and waterfalls to a lively wildlife scene. Located in southern Oman, Dhofar is the largest of the eleven governorates in the Sultanate. Make sure you give yourself more time while planning this trip.<\/p>\n

Khuriya Muriya<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Khuriya<\/p>\n

About 40km off the coast of Dhofar lies the\u00a0miniature archipelago consisting of four small islands<\/strong> known as\u00a0Khuriya Muriya. These islands will surprise you with their dive sites, unspoiled beaches,\u00a0birdlife, and turtle-nesting grounds<\/strong>. Moreover, you can dive to visit the\u00a0wreck of the British ship, The City of Winchester, which was\u00a0sunk by German forces in World War I. Unfortunately, there are no organized dive trips<\/strong> to the islands. You can, however, reach them by riding a fishing vessel from\u00a0Hasik, Sadah, or Mirbat<\/strong>.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Wadi Darbat and Khor Rori<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

\"Wadi<\/p>\n

A winter holiday in the GCC cannot be complete without visiting these mesmerizing locations. Around 7 km past Taqah, you will reach a cliff that transforms into a dashing waterfall<\/strong> where water spouts out from lush greenery. During the dry season, instead of water, you will catch views of\u00a0the pockmarked rocks of the cliff face \u2013 known as a \u201ctravertine curtain\u201d<\/strong>. The ‘travertine curtain’ is a\u00a0common geological formation in Dhofar where sandstone\u00a0has been dissolved by the force of the water<\/strong> into strange, wax-like shapes.<\/p>\n

The waters of Wadi Darbat pour down into Khor Rori<\/strong> below. Separated from the sea by a low sandbank, the creek’s mouth is outlined by two small symmetrical cliffs. Filled with fresh water<\/strong> from Wadi Darbat, Khor Rori is brimming with fish<\/strong>. Aquatic birds and camels<\/strong> are often seen around the creek’s softly splashy waters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the winter season only a few days away, it’s time to start planning that much-needed break. If you happen to be living in or around the GCC, winter may just be your favorite season. The softer sun and cool breeze mean you can spend more time outdoors, exploring the regions vast expanses. Instead of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":12560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[655,704],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12533"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17226,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12533\/revisions\/17226"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weetas.com\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}