Finding Beauty in the Boarders: A Personal Journey Through UAE and Oman

By Joanna Vidal

A road with mountain views in Oman

Exploring and discovering the cultures of other countries has always been one of my greatest interests.

Let me give you a brief background about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman. From what I’ve learned through conversations and online research, many years ago, the UAE was once a part of Oman. Due to certain circumstances, they eventually separated. Later on, the seven Emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—united and formed a federation, officially becoming the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

The UAE experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil, followed by rapid growth in trade and tourism. One of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the Burj Khalifa, was built as a symbol of its success. It is globally recognized as the tallest building in the world. Today, the UAE is one of the fastest-growing economies—not only in Asia but across the globe.

On the other hand, Oman holds a rich place in ancient Arab history, especially along its coastlines. Muscat, the capital city, is known for its charm and tradition. I’ve been deeply inspired by the beauty of the region. Each place in Oman carries historical significance, and its people are among the friendliest I’ve ever met. They proudly preserve and practice their traditional culture, which is evident in their historic castles—some of which were built centuries ago and still stand strong today. I often wonder how these structures were built to last so long. The mountain views, especially during sunrise or sunset, are breathtaking and make me feel grateful to witness such natural beauty. It’s moments like these that remind me of the greatness of God and the wonders of the world.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Oman several times. My first visit was when I had to exit the UAE to change my visa status. Since then, I’ve always looked forward to going back.

Before traveling to Oman, I used to visit their embassy to apply for a visa. This was necessary for the border immigration officers to allow entry. Nowadays, the process is simpler—you can apply online for around 50 AED (depending on your visa status in the UAE).

To reach the border, I traveled about 172 kilometers—or nearly two hours—by private vehicle from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain. The roads are wide and usually not crowded. As you approach Al Ain, you’ll see the majestic Jebel Hafeet, the highest peak in the area. From the top, you get a stunning view of Abu Dhabi, especially at night.

Once you arrive at the border, the first step is to go through UAE passport control. You’ll need to line up and wait for your turn. The officer will stamp your exit, and there’s a fee to pay (previously cash, now usually by credit card). After getting your exit stamp, you proceed to the Omani border, which is nearby. There, you’ll enter the immigration office for visa stamping. Any vehicle entering Oman must also have valid car insurance.

The drive into Oman is quite a journey. I was amazed by the scenery—sandy deserts, rocky mountains in various shapes that reminded me of dinosaurs and giant animals like elephants. Gas stations are few and far between, and houses are sparse, but certain areas have greenery that creates a peaceful view. I recommend traveling during winter when the weather is cooler and there’s a chance of light rain. It’s the perfect time to stop for tea or coffee while soaking in the mountainous landscape.

Visiting Oman has deeply inspired me to appreciate and adapt to the rich culture and hospitality of its people.

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