Central Oman - endless, deserted expanses

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The vast wilderness of central Oman, the province of Al-Wusta, begins just south of the Hajar Mountains. For 800 kilometres, all the way to the Dhofar Mountains in the south, there is hardly any vegetation - and there are hardly any people in this hostile environment.

In the west - on the border with Saudi Arabia - tower the enormous sand dunes of the Empty Quarter, the Rub Al-Khali. Its foothills are lost in the rumours of the Djiddat al-Harasis. Here, in the endless, deserted expanses, is the sanctuary for the Arabian Oryx antelopes.

The dual carriageway from Muscat to Salalah passes through the small village of Hayma. The coastal strip is much more varied. Long sandy beaches such as at al-Khaluf or Ras al-Duqm, rugged coastal mountains such as at Ras Madrakah or magnificent lagoons and wadis such as in Shuwaymiyya alternate with each other, albeit at great distances of several hundred kilometres.

The region of al-Duqm is currently being developed into a new industrial centre with a large harbour and dry docks. This is also where most of the hotels are located.

► More pictures from Central Oman

►  Overnight stays on the coast