The Essence of Oman
Bordering the United Arab Emirates on the northwest, Saudi Arabia on the west and Yemen on the southwest, Oman is situated in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
From 6th century BCE to the arrival of Islam in 7th century CE, Oman was under the control and influence of three Iranian dynasties, the Achaemenids, Parthians and Sassanids. It is believed that Islam reached Oman during Prophet Mohammed’s lifetime bringing about the conversion of Omanis. Accredited to the visit of a prominent Arab Military leader, Amr Ibn al-As, known to have led the Islamic invasion of Egypt in 640 CE, Omanis continue to practice a unique sect of the faith; Ibadhism since mid 8th century CE.
Muscat, the capital and largest city of the Sultanate of Oman, known since the early 1st century to be an important trading haven between the west and the east, has, at various points in its history, been ruled by different native tribes and foreign powers such as the Persians and Portuguese. Much of the coast of Oman was controlled by Portugal from 1508 to 1659, when the Ottoman Empire took possession.
The origin of the name of this remarkable country is perplexed. Some attribute it to the Qahtani tribe of Oman or to Oman bin Ibrahim al Khalil who built the city of Oman. Others believe the country is named after Oman bin Loot, the prophet Lot of the Bible. A simpler story is that the Azd, a tribe migrating from Yemen to Oman in pre-Islamic times, called it "Omana" because they came from a valley in Ma'rib in Yemen which also went by the name of Oman.
Estimated to possess a land area of 309,500 sq. km, vast gravel desert plains, stretches of golden brown sand, salt flats, lagoons, oases and stunning countryside are the key characteristics of Oman’s landscape. Mountain ranges (al Jebel al Akhdar) line the north and southeast coast where the country's main cities are also located: the capital city Muscat, Matrah and Sur in the north, and Salalah in the south. The great Hajar Mountains stretch from Musandam, through the UAE, to northern Oman and reach a phenomenal elevation of more than 10,000 ft.
An abundance of historic and cultural sites, marine life, and well-preserved landscapes: wadis, ancient fortresses, fishing villages, dhows, vast areas of deserts, beaches, mountains, together with an unwavering political climate and genuine hospitality make Oman noticeably different from its neigbouring GCC countries.
With a fast developing mixed economy, Oman’s main resource continues to be the production and export of petroleum since the late 60’s. Its leader, H.M Sultan Qaboos bin Said, modern yet conservative in his directives and beliefs, strives to ensure that the country’s earnings are consistently invested in the nation’s infrastructure with an emphasis being given to roads, schools and other utilities. This is clearly evident in the drastic transformation of Oman from the late 70's to the present day.
Possessing a cosmopolitan population of over 2.4 million, the majority of Oman’s inhabitants are Arab, while the minorities come from South Asia, Europe, Eastern Africa and other countries.
About 75% of the residents of Oman are Ibadhi Muslims and the rest are made up mostly of Sunni, Shiite Muslims or Hindus. Arabic is the official language of Oman and many are quite conversant in English, Baluchi, Hindi or Urdu (the two core languages of India).
The national dress for Omani men continues to be a simple, ankle-length, white collarless gown with long sleeves called the “dishdasha”. Mostly worn in white, although one might see other variations too, the dishdasha is adorned with a tassel (furakha) sewn into the neckline which is quite often infused with perfume. The shal, a long strip of finely woven woollen or cotton fabric, acts as a holder for the khanjar (a silver, hand-crafted knife or dagger) and sandals are worn on their feet.
Elaborately embroided and colourfully designed, with a variation from region to region, Omani women’s costumes include a dress worn over trousers (haaf) and a head-dress, called the lihaf or hijab. To complete the dress, ornate jewellery is worn on the head, neck, wrists, ankles, fingers and toes.
Influenced by the culinary style of South Asia, Omani dishes use an assortment of spices to create flavour and aroma in most of its marinades with rice, chicken, fish and mutton being the main ingredients accompanied by a healthy drink of buttermilk (or labaan as it is traditionally known) and a bowl of fresh green salad. On special occasions the whole village community gathers for a two-day preparation of Shuva, a popular festive meal which requires the roasting of a whole cow in a special oven placed in a pit dug in the ground until the meat becomes extremely tender, after which it is well seasoned, spiced and ready to be served.
There are numerous attractions and activities in the different regions, towns and cities within Oman; camping in the mountains, sand skiing in the desert, mountain-climbing, scuba diving, camel racing, turtle watching, game fishing, bull fighting, horseback riding, sailing, boating, trekking, desert safaris, witnessing annual festivals of traditional folklore and tribal dancing, theme parks, and visits to the traditional souks.
Providing its visitors an educational and inspiring experience, Oman is undoubtedly one of the most diverse and enchanting countries with a striking combination of landscapes, people, history and culture.
Other interesting facts
Capital: Muscat
Main international airport: Seeb International Airport
International dialing: 968
Currency: Omani Rial
Time: Oman is 4 hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UCT, previously known as GMT).
Social / business hours: 09.00 am to 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 to 3 hours in most sectors.
Popular sport: Soccer
For more information visit www.omantourism.gov.om
