Oman has always had a quiet confidence, never needing to shout for attention, yet it captivates those who take the time to look closer. Muscat, with its balance of tradition and modernity, understated elegance, and natural beauty, is stepping into the spotlight without losing its essence. As the world turns its gaze toward Oman, it’s not a place rushing to keep up. It’s a place that has always known its worth.

I was taken aback by Qatar’s beauty and deeply humbled by my own ignorance. As an Arabic speaker and someone who considers herself partly from the Arab world, I had subconsciously absorbed the narrative that the Gulf was a homogeneous cluster of oil-funded microstates, their cultural depth overshadowed by gleaming skyscrapers. I was wrong. Realizing my misconceptions was uncomfortable, but necessary. Travel often teaches us hard truths, and this trip reminded me why it matters so much to engage with places deeply, not just pass through them.