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. With an area of 309,500 sq. km, Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country in the ‎Arabian Peninsula.

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.

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  line the north (al Jebel al Akhdar) 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. The population of Oman is currently estimated to be 2.3 million with 1.7 million of Omani ‎origin and the rest being expatriates. Muscat itself has a population of 400,000.
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

Population (2005): 2,509,000 including 666,000 expatriates.
Languages: Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (spoken by 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: 08:00 - 13:00 then 16:00 to 19:00.
                             Private Sector: 07:30 - 14:30.

Shopping Hours: 09:00 - 13:00 and 16:30 - 00:00.

Electricity: 220 - 240 V at 50 cycles.