Thanks. It's a question of opportunity costs. Given the length of flight and costs of time off, would you stack Oman against any other place one could visit for the same costs?
Gosh, that really depends on what your interests are and where you've already been.... and how bothered you are about risk (still kicking myself I've missed going to Syria, Libya, Iran and Chad which all look dodgy for the foreseeable future). We went to MCT very much as an add-on to DXB and did have a long think first. I wouldn't go to Oman in preference for example to Egypt (but maybe off limits now?), Jordan, Israel, Turkey or even Tunisia. But there's so much to see in these other places that sometimes I find going to a mellow place without a lot to do forces me not to worry about ticking off all the major sites/sights....YMMV.
If choice is constrained by the QR route network, it depends very much on the style/pace/vibe of destination you would prefer, and the prevailing weather in Feb.
The weather will be delightful in the Gulf in Feb. Further N or W (e.g. Med, Levant) will be distinctly cooler and possibly wetter.
You may have got the impression that those of us who've been to Oman have fallen in love with the place It is slower paced with less mass tourist infrastructure, and there certainly aren't 20 things to do before lunch. On the upside, the people are warm, generous and friendly, with time to chat to visitors, and there is a genuine feel of the traditional Arab culture not present in other over-developed locations. I can't remember many other places where I've had a laugh with an immigration officer (about my comedy attempts at Arabic )
Looking at the QR route map, do you have the option to travel slightly further to e.g. India, Sri Lanka or the Maldives ?
Given that any trip will involve a change in DOH, I'd still recommend MCT + DXB if you can get an open-jaw reward ticket.
You may have got the impression that those of us who've been to Oman have fallen in love with the place It is slower paced with less mass tourist infrastructure, and there certainly aren't 20 things to do before lunch. On the upside, the people are warm, generous and friendly, with time to chat to visitors, and there is a genuine feel of the traditional Arab culture not present in other over-developed locations. I can't remember many other places where I've had a laugh with an immigration officer (about my comedy attempts at Arabic )
+1
Oman can be intoxicating - the pace is slow, the historical architecture is lovely, and the weather in February would be lovely!
I think there would be plenty to do for four days, no question. For what it's worth, I found Dubai even less appealing than Vegas.
Thanks for all the suggestions. It's a work in progress. Egypt has always been "off the radar" as the last few trips we've done have involved piles of rocks (angkor, greece, italy). We loved each trip and we love the history. But ruin fatigue does set it and the rocks start to look the same after a few days. That said I am working a plan for Egypt now just to see what can be done. It really is one of those places to check off my list.
I'm not constrained by the QR route, but I'd sure like to use it before UA drops their arrangement in Sept.
Maldives was mentioned. We thought about it and Seychelles. I struggle to find how it could be much different than Anguilla, etc. But for and entire week, I think I'd go absolutely mad on a tiny island. Sitting. With nothing else to do but sit. And pay deserted island prices for drinks. And sit.
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Being based in AUH, I try to go to Oman as much as possible. The mountain scenery is just fantastic - I would rate the Wadi Bani Awf drive one of my top 5 drives in the world. Sayq Plateau, Nizwa, overnight boat trip from Dibba or Khasab into the Musandam. All great great fun.
Another vote here for Oman (not dull if you like gorgeous scenery) and also for Beirut (not dull in any way!) The two places are more or less polar opposites, but they are both great in their own way.
I didn't feel unsafe in Beirut, although there are a lot of security guards walking around with automatic weapons, which can be unnerving if you're not used to it. Overall it is a super vibrant, interesting, highly cosmopolitan place.
I was in Oman just for a long weekend, based in Muscat and staying at the Intercontinental. I rented a 4x4 to drive around, with only the Lonely Planet's atrocious road map as a guide. I had a great time. The landscape is beautiful in many places, and I stumbled on what had to be one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. Muscat itself can pretty much be done in 4 hours (it's very small), but there are good day/2-day trip opportunities.
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Is Oman dull?
I'd suggest the following:
The big jump into the pool at Wadi Sweih
The via ferrata in Wadi Bani Awf (Snake Gorge)
A drive on any of the mountain tracks
A drive on any main road
Any of these will get your adrenaline going without expending much energy (apart from the via ferrata)
I know people who have used the wires recently but with their own climbing equipment. This is definitely "at your own risk" as some of the bolting has been done incorrectly.
A write up here: http://adalpine.wordpress.com/recent...-ferrata-oman/
Situation today, 22 August, on Snake Gorge via ferrata:
The wires have been removed and are going to be replaced (or new routes?) by the Ministry of Tourism. There is no date for when the new wires will appear.
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We spent a few days in Muscat and really enjoyed it - found the people very friendly and laidback. We stayed at the Hyatt which was great (get the stay voucher for a much reduced stay).
If you need to buy flights between MCT and DXB, Swiss may be an option as their business class flights are pretty good value.
A visit to the Grande Mosque is a must, old Muttrah Souq was quite interesting and the scenery is much more interesting than Dubai, which we also love as a really fun city to go to.
Oman is more traditional and less brash than Dubai - the 2 places are a good contrast.
2 years ago we rented a car in Dubai and drove down to Oman for about 5 days.
Really enjoyed the trip. The roads are great, locals are friendly and helpful, lots to see.
Its as dull as you make it, if you like to stay in a western chain hotel and never leave, then yeah, its gonna be dull. If you get out and explore, its certainly not dull.
It is slower paced with less mass tourist infrastructure, and there certainly aren't 20 things to do before lunch. On the upside, the people are warm, generous and friendly, with time to chat to visitors, and there is a genuine feel of the traditional Arab culture not present in other over-developed locations. I can't remember many other places where I've had a laugh with an immigration officer (about my comedy attempts at Arabic 
