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ISSAM
Portrait of Issam Albalushi, private tour guide in Oman

Private tour guide in Oman

Your private guide to Oman, in your language

Customizable days across Muscat, Nizwa, the Wahiba Sands and Wadi Shab, guided in the language you think in.

The Languages Ninja

12Languages spoken
15,000+Travelers hosted
  • Private, 1 to 45 travelers
  • Pickup wherever you stay
  • 12 languages, two on one tour
  • Tours from USD 200
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See the tours

In numbers

Languages spoken
12
Years guiding
10+
Travelers hosted
15,000+
Countries welcomed
15+

Seen on and worked with

ArriyadiyahAl Shabiba FMSBCIker CasillasPlácido Domingo
Nizwa under the HajarThe pools of Wadi ShabThe Wahiba turns redMuttrah lights up

Morning

Nizwa under the Hajar

Date palms and mud-brick forts below the mountains.

The story

Unique by choice

From between Sur and Sohar to guests from all over the world, each welcomed in their own language.

  1. Roots

    Between Sur and Sohar

    Issam grew up between Sur and Sohar, and on longer trips guests still get to see the places of his childhood.

    @languages_ninja

  2. 2016

    The first tours

    Issam started guiding in 2016. About 15,000 travelers later, guests still leave as friends.

    @languages_ninja

  3. 12

    Twelve languages

    A unique job needs a unique person, so Issam set out to learn languages. The hardest were Russian and German.

    @languages_ninja

  4. Ninja

    Why the Languages Ninja

    To Issam, a ninja stands for power, strength and extraordinary skill. His languages are that strength.

    @languages_ninja

The tours

Four days that show you Oman

Every tour is private and customizable. Start with one of these, combine them into a trip of several days, or ask about Muscat or Nizwa by night.

Map of northern Oman showing the four tour routes
Muscat Authentic City Tour01

Muscat Authentic City Tour

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the hidden gems of the capital, half day or full day.

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Nizwa Historical Tour02

Nizwa Historical Tour

An ancient Oman day trip to the old capital under the Hajar mountains.

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Wahiba Sands Tour03

Wahiba Sands Tour

Infinite landscapes of dunes by 4x4, with a camel ride, a quad or dune bashing if you want them.

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Wadi Shab Adventure04

Wadi Shab Adventure

Natural erosion and turquoise pools in the canyon of Wadi Shab, early in the morning.

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Follow along

Oman, every day

Language videos, daily stories from the road and the places that do not make the guidebooks.

Traveler reviews

What guests say

Real reviews in the guest's own words, with an English translation.

  • “Fuimos dos amigas, pero el viaje desde el día que le conocimos se convirtió en un viaje de 3 amigos.”

    English translation: We were two friends, but from the day we met him the trip became a trip of three friends.

    Two friends from SpainReviewed in Spanish
  • “Lo que empezó como un guía terminó en un buen amigo. Habla 12 idiomas. Sí, es cierto. ¡12!”

    English translation: What started as a guide ended as a good friend. He speaks 12 languages. Yes, really. 12!

    Traveler from SpainReviewed in Spanish
  • “Issam non è stato solo una guida, ma un compagno di viaggio, un narratore, un ponte autentico tra noi e la sua terra.”

    English translation: Issam was not just a guide but a travel companion, a storyteller, a true bridge between us and his country.

    Four days in OmanReviewed in Italian
  • “Fra tutti i tour guidati che ho fatto con la mia famiglia, questo è di gran lunga il migliore.”

    English translation: Of all the guided tours I have done with my family, this is by far the best.

    Family tripReviewed in Italian
  • “Ci ha fatto vivere l'Oman come se fossimo parte della comunità locale.”

    English translation: He let us live Oman as if we were part of the local community.

    Travelers from ItalyReviewed in Italian
  • “Fare un tour con Issam è un po' come tornare a casa dopo tanto tempo.”

    English translation: A tour with Issam is a bit like coming home after a long time.

    Muscat in Italian and GermanReviewed in Italian

Questions

Before you message

How much does a private tour cost?
Tours start at USD 200. The final price depends on the tour, on whether you need a car or a bus, and on the language. Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp for a quote.
Where do you pick us up?
Wherever you are staying. Issam picks up anywhere.
How long are the tours?
Muscat is a half day (8:00 to 12:00) or a full day (8:00 to 15:00). Wadi Shab takes about 6 hours, Nizwa and the Wahiba Sands about 8. Tours can be combined into a trip of several days.
Which languages do you guide in?
Twelve: Arabic, English, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Catalan, Chinese, Hindi and Balochi. One tour can mix two languages, so mixed groups are welcome.
How big can the group be?
Every tour is private, for 1 to 45 travelers. Small groups travel by car and larger groups by bus.
How do we book and pay?
Message on WhatsApp or send the request form. A deposit confirms your date. You can pay by card, cash, online, or by bank transfer as long as the money arrives before the tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
There is no refund after confirmation, unless the tour cannot be delivered because of a failure on our side. If bad weather or a flooded wadi stops a tour, you get an alternative, or a refund if there is none.
How far ahead should we book?
Booking is flexible. Message as early as you can, and last-minute requests are welcome too.
Can you help us book hotels?
Yes.
Does it rain in Oman?
Yes, it does. If the weather closes a route, Issam plans an alternative.
Can we pay by card in Oman?
In most places, yes. Taxis are the exception, so carry some cash.

Plan your tour

Tell me where you want to go

Message on WhatsApp, in your language

Hi, I'm Issam. Where would you like to go?

WhatsApp me

Also available

Interpreting, translation and business help

Interpreting and translation in the same languages as the tours, plus help with investing in Oman, buying real estate and legal matters.

Ask on WhatsApp