Oman
ABOUT OMAN
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the Arab Gulf countries, and its capital is Muscat. Oman’s low-rise towns retain their traditional charms, and Bedouin values remain at the heart of an Omani welcome. With an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts and a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while wanting still to sense its ancient soul. The Governorate of Muscat is distinguished by preservation of its history, its antiquity, and its modernity at the same time: in Muscat you can find old shops and old buildings standing side by side with modern houses, in addition to wide streets. It was called in the past by the name of Maskad, and it is considered one of the cleanest capitals of the Arab countries. The Islamic religion is the official religion in the country, the Arabic language is the official language, and the Omani riyal is the official currency. People in Oman also speak other languages, including English.
MUSCAT
Muscat is considered one of the tourism destinations for many people from the Sultanate itself or from outside the country and it is characterized by its beautiful beaches and calm atmosphere far from noise. Muscat is famous for dazzling souks and superb seafood, but its terrain brings the biggest thrills. This port city on the Gulf of Oman is backed by the arid Hajar mountains, meaning you can trek deserts at dawn, spot dolphins at sundown, and enjoy plenty of effusive Omani hospitality in between. Muscat can be easily reached by its International Airport, which is 25 km from the city center. People use cars, buses and taxis for transport as there is no metro or train system. Tourists in Oman can practice many activities such as: camping, diving, yachting, and fishing and visit museums, and its many mosques, including the famous Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque. There are a variety of tourist areas that can be visited in the Governorate of Muscat, including Planetarium, Sifah town, Public Art Library, Capital Yachting Center, Qurum beach, Al Bustan Beach, The walls of Muscat, Children’s Museum, Omani French Museum, Armed Forces Museum and the Royal Opera House Muscat, which is the first opera house in the Arabian Gulf region.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language of Oman. English is widely spoken, you will also find speakers of Balochi, Urdu, Swahili and French.
TIME ZONE
Gulf Standard Time (GMT +4)
CLIMATE
Oman has a subtropical, dry climate with summer monsoons and hot, dusty winds. Oman is situated on the Arab Peninsula, making for an arid climate and soaring temperatures in the summer months.
The capital, Muscat see’s summer highs of 38 degrees on average and 21 degrees in the winter months. www.omanevisa.co.uk/oman-climate
CURRENCY
Omani Rial (OMR). Rial notes range from OMR 1 to OMR 50, while Baisas are available in note form in denominations of 100 and 500. Coins are also available in 5, 10, 25 and 50 Baisa denominations but may not be accepted at all stores and outlets. Cash is widely used in Oman, although credit and charge cards are also popular.
VOLTAGE
240V – The plug type is G, three rectangular pins forming a triangle (the same as the UK)
CULTURE & CUSTOMS
You should dress modestly in public areas including shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs (below the knee), and underwear should not be visible. Wearing tight-fitting clothes is likely to attract attention. You should not wear swimming attire in public areas, except on tourist beaches or at swimming pools.
It is a punishable offence under Omani law to drink alcohol in public, be drunk in a public area or to drink drive.
visitoman.om/useful-info/travel-tips-and-customs | www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
EMERGENCY CONTACT
For general emergencies, call: 9999. For immediate police assistance, call: 9999. https://visitoman.om/useful-info
WORKING HOURS
The working week in Oman is from Sunday to Thursday. Most foreign embassies and consulates are located in Muscat and may close early (by 1pm or 2pm).