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Phone: 800-748-6262 | Email: aia@studytours.org | Website

Oman & the UAE

Crossroads of the Indian Ocean & Arabian Gulf

Oman & the UAE:

Crossroads of the Indian Ocean & Arabian Gulf 

February 6-24, 2025 (19 days | 16 guests)

with anthropologist & architectural historian Trevor Marchand


with an optional extension to Qatar February 4-7, 2025


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"Trevor Marchand is an excellent leader: thoroughly knowledgeable, enthusiastic, personable; and the itinerary offered a wide range of experiences, from important archaeological sites (such as Al Ayn) to old villages to modern architectural splendors (such as the Grand Mosque in Muscat) to wadi driving...to the absolutely marvelous Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve." - Ann, Ontario

Delve into the cultural and geographical diversity of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the company of seasoned study leader Trevor Marchand. Our custom-designed itinerary highlights ancient sites and historical monuments, and helps illustrate how influential geography has been on the region’s history and how the region’s maritime history has linked it to elsewhere in Arabia and as far as Africa and southern Asia.


Today, Oman takes pride in sharing its rich history with visitors, as demonstrated in its world-class museums.


Altogether we will learn about these countries’ histories, cultures, art, and architecture while witnessing their great geographical diversity, from spectacular deserts and wadis to pristine coastlines, including a reserve for the endangered green sea turtle.

Learn more...

Phone: 800-748-6262 | Email: aia@studytours.org | Website

Did you know?

 
  • Oman is known as the “Switzerland of Arabia.” Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Oman has acted as the mediator of the Middle East.
  • Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said (sultan from 1970-2020) developed and modernized the undeveloped country, adding infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and houses. He stabilized the economy, and increased literacy and employment in Oman while he was in power.
  • Homelessness and begging are rare, and most people have their own houses and a source of income. Oman now ranks second in the world in terms of home ownership rates, and it is also one of the few countries that provides land for housing without discrimination between men and women.
  • Children are guaranteed access to schools and free healthcare.
  • Women comprise more than 50% of university students, and can vote, run for office, and serve in ministerial positions.
  • Although located in the oil-rich Middle East, Oman is among the leaders in the development of green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel of the future.
  • The United States and Oman have enjoyed a long and stable relationship, dating back over 200 years.
  • The UAE created the world's first government ministry for artificial intelligence, according to the World Economic Forum.
  • Dubai has the world's longest driverless metro system, with more than 46 miles of track.
  • The UAE's population has one of the greatest shares of expatriates. By U.S. government accounts, Emiratis account for less than 12% of the nation's population.
 
 

Travel with AIA Tours

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America. The AIA seeks to educate people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery. For more than a century the AIA has been dedicated to the encouragement and support of archaeological research and publication, and to the protection of the world’s archaeological resources and cultural heritage. By traveling on an AIA Tour you directly support the AIA while personally gaining the benefit of the AIA’s network of scholars and worldwide contacts.