About Oman
Area 309,500 Km2.
Population (2005) 2,509,000 inluding 666,000 Expatriates.
Language Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff).
Capital City of Muscat.
Natural Resources Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Fishery, Agriculture.
Local Time GMT +4.
Currency Omani Rial, which equates to $ 2.58.
Business Hours Government:
Private Sector: 07:30 - 14:30.
08:00 - 13:00 then 16:00 to 19:00.
Shopping Hours 09:00 - 013:00 then 16:30 - 24:00.
Electricity 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles.
Location
The Sultanate of Oman strategically occupies the south eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and lies between Latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' North, and Longitudes 51° 50' and 59° 40' East. The coastline extends 3,165 Km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south and overlooks three seas: the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Sultanate borders Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the West; the United Arab Emirates in the Northeast, the Republic of Yemen in the Southwest; the Strait of Hormuz in the North and the Arabian Sea in the East. It has several islands such as Salama Island, Halanyat and Masirah Islands in the Arabian Sea. The total land area is approximately 309,500 Km2 and it is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Musandam Peninsula forms the country's northern tip, and includes the only coast the Sultanate has on the Arabian Gulf. Musandam is just over 50 Km south of the Islamic Republic of Iran across the Strait of Hormuz.
Climate
The varied geography of Oman resulted in a wide variety of climatic conditions. Although lying in the tropics, The Sultanate is subject to seasonal changes like the more temperate regions of the world. During the winter it is cool and pleasant, but summer at the coast is hot and humid. The interior remains hot and dry, except for the mountains where temperature can drastically drop at night. The hottest months are June through August. Summer monsoon touches the southern coast of Dhofar during these months bringing regular light rain, resulting in a cool and misty summer. Rainfall varies but in general remains sparse and irregular. In the south, most of the year's rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon months. In the north, the opposite occurs. Here most rain comes from occasional winter storms which descend out of the eastern Mediterranean during the months of January through March, depositing an annual average of 10 cm of rain on the capital area.
Culture
If you are someone who has an understanding and appreciation of history, arts, architecture and the intricacies of a civil soceity, Oman is the place for you. From the ancient city of Nizwa to the towns along the coast to the Capital to Salalalah, all seeped in history, you can experience Oman's sense of timelessness. The Sultanate enjoys an unspoiled culture and traditional lifestyle in almost every aspect. Even in its modernity, Oman is distinctly Arabic and offers many unique old-world wonders. The Omani culture has its roots firmly deep in the Islamic religion. Oman developed its own particular form of Islam, called Ibadhism, after its founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Omanis are Ibadhis however; there are also Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Omanis are not only tolerant of the beliefs of different Muslim divisions, they are also tolerant towards believers of other faiths, who are allowed to practice their religion in churches and temples. Muslims are required to pray five times each day after the call to prayer by the Imam. Beautiful, ornate mosques are found throughout the Sultanate, but they are not open to non-Muslim visitors. The holy month of Ramadhan is a time of fasting and praying. For around 29 to 30 days each Islamic year, Muslims refrain from smoking, eating and drinking during the hours of fasting (from sunrise to sunset). Ramadhan advances 10 to 11 days each year as it is governed by the lunar calendar. Out of respect, non-Muslim residents and visitors to the Sultanate are expected to observe the same principles in public.
Heritage
A legacy that has been passed on from generation to generation; the art, the culture, the folklore and the artistry has to be seen. But there is much more in the heart of Oman to explore: the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature.Come and taste a part of Oman's rich heritage, kept alive and uncganged for generations. It may help you understand tomorrow a little better. For its size, Oman boasts an unprecedented number of UNESCO-classified World Heritage Sites including Bat—with its tombs dating back 3,000 years, the Fort of Bahla, and the majestic Frankincense Route which commences from Dhofar and includes Al-Blaid; site of the ancient city of Zafar, Khawr Rawri, Shisr and Wadi Dukah. Oman's heritage features a prominent sea-faring tradition, as one would expect from a country with 3,165 Km of coastline. Many museums and galleries around the secluded and historic harbours of Muscat and Muttrah illuminate the importance of the sea and, indeed, of water generally, throughout Oman's 5,000 year-old history.
Diving
With 3,165 Km of coastline and clean unpolluted waters, Oman is one of the best kept secrets in the diving world. The diving available in Oman provides adventure and enjoyment with dramatic wall drop-offs to scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from 6-40 meters. Oman enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 20-30 meters. Several superb dive sites encircle the Capital Area, including Fahal Island, Dimaniyyat Islands and Cemetery Bay. Night dives are popular and divers are often astounded by the amount of phosphorescence found in Oman's night-time waters. During winter months, the sea temperature drops to 20-25 C° and one may require a 5 mm wetsuit. In summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice. Sea-life is abundant regardless of chosen site, with a variety of hard and soft corals present, and shoals of fish every where. The diving is easy diving with good intact corals and a spectacular range of fish, with a possibility to see dolphins on the way to the dive sites. A number of Diving Agents do operate in the Sultanate, and can arrange trips to the numerous diving sites surrounding the Sultanate at convenient conditions.
Shopping
Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping as it amalgamates traditional and cosmopolitan living, offering an assorted selection of shopping venues, experiences and opportunities. The snazziest shopping centres stand alongside the wonderfully quaint traditional markets, with their bustling roads and friendly shopkeepers. Visitors could buy carved hand-made distinctive Omani Khanjers, rose-water sprinklers, fragrant frankincense, incense burners, garments, rugs and saddles.
Women jewellery is probably the finest expression of the silver menting art, ranging from Kohl small silver boxes, to earrings and rings, bracelets, heavy anklets, necklaces and huge belts.
Traditional Souqs:
The traditional Arabic market place is called the Souq and these are found in many towns throughout Oman. Household items as well as traditional handcrafts are on sale in the Souqs. In some Souqs like Nizwa and Sinaw livestock are auctioned and bartered. Beside its obvious economic purpose, the Souq has long been the fulcrum of social interaction.
