Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Travel

Oman

Having wheelchair access is not yet obligatory for Oman's tourist facilities, and the further you venture from Muscat, the more challenging life becomes for travellers with mobility problems. However, the tourist industry is growing rapidly and this is having a positive influence on what is available for the disabled traveller. On top of this, the Omani culture is one of exceptional hospitality and friendliness, and therefore local people will always offer support and help.

Accommodation
Since most hotels have been built post-1980, access is fairly good. The government has been putting pressure on hotels to provide special facilities and many have responded well (especially in Muscat and in Salalah). This does not mean these hotels will all have roll-in showers and grab handles, but some have a small number of dedicated bedrooms, and lifts and access ramps make movement within the public areas of the hotel easier. Generally, access to the pool areas in these larger hotels is quite good, but many still only have ladder entry. One exception (albeit expensive) is the Chedi*, where pools have gradual steps. Access to beaches is never easy, but as always, staff are willing to help.

Getting around

In general - As with tourist accommodation, most public buildings have been built in the last 30 years, meaning that they are fairly accessible. In the cities, the situation is constantly improving and several modern shopping malls and pedestrian areas even have disabled toilets and access ramps.
The main mosques and museums don't cater especially for wheelchairs, but most are fairly flat with wide doors and level access. If you are intending to visit forts and castles, you can expect to find them as inaccessible as they were designed to be!
By road - I am unaware of any accessible taxi companies in Oman, so you may need help when transferring in and out of the vehicle. This will be even more likely if you are planning to venture off the beaten track as 4x4s are higher than normal cars. Drivers/guides are normally happy to assist, but are not trained in this skill, so you must thoroughly explain your needs and always stay in control of the situation.
Distances are great and but thankfully the condition of the roads throughout the country is excellent. However, if you plan to go off-road in any way, for example, a wadi trip, or a desert or mountain safari, then it will be bumpy. Anyone prone to skin damage should take extra care. Place your own pressure-relieving cushion on top of (or instead of) the original car seat and if necessary, pad around knees and elbows.
Anyone planning to use Oman's coach network should be aware that it does not cater for disabled travellers. Therefore, depending on your ability, you may need assistance to get on and off buses.
By air - 'Aisle chairs' are used for international arrivals in Muscat, making entering and exiting the aircraft easier for non-ambulant people, and Seeb International Airport has disabled toilets. The local carrier - Oman Air - is also reported to be of a high standard, though that is not to say that an aisle chair and full facilities are to be expected at every domestic terminal.

Activities
Depending on your abilities, local operators have assured me that the dolphin watching and desert and wadi visits should all be possible. More challenging activities like trekking or the via ferrata would obviously require more planning, but again, depending on ability and motivation, they are not out of the question.

Health
General healthcare in Oman is excellent. However, as with anywhere, you must understand and be able to explain your own particular medical requirements. Comprehensive insurance is essential, and be sure the insurance company is aware of any existing medical conditions.
Despite the fact that pharmacies are well stocked, it is always advisable to take all necessary medication and equipment with you, and to pack this in your hand luggage during flights in case your main luggage gets lost.
Oman is hot all year round, but every hotel is equipped with air-conditioning units for your comfort. Aerosol water sprays too are widely available these days at chemists, and provide welcome relief as an instant cooling aid, although a cheaper and more environmentally friendly device is a plant-spray bottle filled with water.

Security
Oman is a relatively safe travel destination and the crime rate is low. However, it is worthwhile remembering that, as a disabled person, you are more vulnerable. Stay aware of who is around you and where your bags are, especially during car transfers and similar. These activities often draw a crowd, and the confusion creates easy pickings for an opportunist thief.

Specialist operators
There are, as yet, no operators who specialise in disability travel to Oman. Having said that, most travel companies will listen to your needs and try to create an itinerary suitable for you. For the independent traveller, it is possible to limit potential surprises by contacting local operators and establishments by email in advance.

Further information
The most accurate and up-to-date information is available from tour operators. I found the following people most helpful:

Peter and Margaret at Omantravel Ltd (tel: +44 (0)1235 200444; email: margaret(at)omantravel.uk.com; www.omantravel.uk.com)

Sasha at Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre (tel: +968 24485663; fax: 00 968 24485774; email: sasha(at)holiday-in-oman.com; www.holiday-in-oman.com)

* Al Khuwair 232, Way 3215, Street 46, Muscat, 133 Oman

[Note June 2008]
Tony Walsh (Arabesque(at)OmanHoliday.co.uk) of www.omanholiday.co.uk wrote to say:

I visited Al Bustan Palace (the re-opening still about 4 months away) and their
pools (many now instead of 1 ) look as if they will be good for all except the
most severely disabled. All the best - Tony

[Note Feb 2007]
Tony Walsh (Arabesque(at)OmanHoliday.co.uk) of www.omanholiday.co.uk wrote to say:

Dear Gordon, I came across your web site and the page http://www.able-travel.com/guides/oman.htm.

Its so good that you cover information about Oman for disabled persons. May I point out a couple of areas where you may wish to correct the information you were provided with?

Muscat does have public transport - www.ontcoman.com - with wheelchair access not many but it’s a start (I’m not certain how it compares with European Countries).
Many tourist attractions do have ramped wheel chair access – including key attractions Bait Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souq (Market) and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
The government is also improving wheel chair access in some forts (lifts are not available) and improved access though handrails etc. – however Most Shopping Malls also have Wheel Chair Access through flat travelators and lifts (I do have friends in wheel chairs so am speaking not only as a tour operator but also from direct experience of living in Oman for 20 years ).
You will be interested that Oman does have a disabled association and it caters to the needs of the local residents in Oman – http://www.oadisabled.org.om – Arabic only - their contact page doesn’t work but this is the email webmaster(at)oadisabled.org.om
Pharmacies in Oman stock a wide range of branded pharmaceuticals and also Wheel Chairs and other aids including RoHo cushions etc.
Most hotels are also accessible – though as you say swimming pools are a problem; Al Bustan Palace Hotel is undergoing a full refit and the pools will be redesigned to improve access.