The Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman, is home to a stunning hand-woven carpet that, until the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, surpassed in size, held the record for the most enormous rug in the world. Compared to other countries in the area, Oman doesn’t have many “firsts” or “biggest,” making this all the more significant. What it does have is a strong sense of identity, thanks to its illustrious history and welcoming culture, pride in its ancient, frankincense-trading past and optimism about its bright, educated future.

This unique opportunity for tourists to interact with the Arab world without the skewed perspective of extreme affluence. Traditional Bedouin traditions are at the core of an Omani welcome, and Oman’s low-rise cities have kept their rustic allure. Oman has stunning mountains, windswept deserts, and a pristine coastline, making it the ideal destination for anyone interested in seeing the contemporary side of Arabia while getting in touch with its historical essence.