Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Budget Airlines
The arrival of budget airlines in the region has recently revolutionised intercity transport on the Peninsula. As in Europe,
the airlines tend to use less-frequented cities as their hubs to avoid the high taxes of major airports. This minor incon-
venience is worth considering for the cheap travel they offer.
Air Arabia
( 06-508 8888;
www.airarabia.com
)
Al-Jazeera Airways
(
www.jazeeraairways.com
; Kuwait)
Bahrain Air
(
17 463 330;
www.bahrainair.net
)
Bicycle
The Peninsula offers good cycling opportunities, cyclists are made welcome (the annual Tour of Oman attracts interna-
tional cyclists including celebrities like 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins) and police are helpful and
friendly to all road users. Repair shops are easy to come by, and local expats are able 'bush mechanics'. Post any queries
on the Thorn Tree on lonelyplanet.com under the Activities branch. Some difficulties to consider are as follows:
»
In most cities, especially in the Gulf, it is very hazardous to cycle as car drivers are not used to anticipating cyclists.
»
Most bicycles in the Peninsula are simple machines: spare parts for mountain or touring bikes are only available in
major cities.
»
The heat is a major challenge and cycling is not recommended from June to August or during midday at other times of
the year.
Cyclists Touring Club
(CTC;
www.ctc.org.uk
) UK-based organisation offering good tips and helpful website. Useful
information sheets on cycling in different parts of the world.
TRAVELLING BY LAND IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA
Travelling between the countries of the Arabian Peninsula is challenging but not impossible. Check the following table
for an overview of border crossing and visa information.
TO/
FROM
FROM/
TO
VISA OBTAINABLE AT
BORDER?
BORDER CROSSING NOTES
Saudi Ara-
bia
There was no border crossing open between
Oman and Saudi at the time of writing
Oman
n/a
Oman
(mainland)
The Wajaja border crossing is the most com-
monly used
UAE
yes
UAE
The Al-
Darah
Oman
(Musandam)
Tibat border crossing was the only one open
at the time of research
yes
The Sarfait border crossing was closed to
tourists at the time of writing
Oman
Yemen
n/a
Saudi Ara-
bia
The border crossing is on King Fahd Cause-
way
to Saudi: no
to Bahrain: yes
Bahrain
